Hike to the Highest Peak of Shimla

This walk takes you through some of the old houses including the first British house in this region. You climb up and enjoy the astounding view of Himalayas behind Elisiyum Hill – the second hill of Shimla with Seterling Castle on its top. A 1.5 km steep climb up takes you to the top of Shimla.

Ascend from the Christ Church to Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla. The ascent starts with a gradual climb and becomes steep slightly ahead of Ballyhack Estate. The view of Ridge from the rain shelter above Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue is stunning.                                                                                                          

One can see the throng that fills the vast ground of the Ridge with the turrets of Band Stand, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall and GPO and the blue sky forming the backdrop. Visit the tempkle of Monkey God Hanuman, enjoy the more clear view of the Himalayas and ascend to the other side of the hill. A gentle descent through the Cedar forest brings you to the main road near the gates of Chalsee School. Chalsee is also known as Convent of Jesus & Mary.

Near the School a road turns right to Barnes Court now commonly known as Governor’s House. Next to that you may stop at Woodville Palace a Heritage Hotel for afternoon snacks. Woodville Palace is surrounded by lush green lawns from all sides and set amidst the towering cedar trees.

The oldest cemetery of the town opened in 1829 is located about one hundred meters from Woodville Palace near Oakover, the summer house of the Maharaja of Patiala. Next to that is Cedar Lodge, another splendid building of the town.



As you proceed towards the Mall, a small water fall attracts your attention. There is very little water in the source that keeps the area slightly wet. The water body is called ‘Churail Baoli’ It is said that a spirit of a lady who went to fill water fell down and died, haunts this place. A few paces ahead of ‘Churail Baoli’ The noise of school children attract your attention and you look towards a chalet type building called Chalet Day School. This is the only Chalet of Simla – the Swiss Bavarian style of architecture. Just opposite the school is a round shaped building once the Band Stand now used as a club, ‘Simla Club’ Next is Hotel Clarke’s, the hotel which became Mr. Oberoi’s first hotel. As you head towards the Mall the number of shops increases gradually. You cross a bridge called Combermere Bridge built in 1829 by Lord Combermere.

Captain Mundy the A. D. C. of Lord Combermere liked the delightful climate of Simla and made a prediction before leaving Simla that Town would achieve an importance every year and today the town holds a prominent position on World Tourism Map and this bridge was the first step towards the improvement of the town. You last spot here is the Ladies Park. It stands on the original site of Lowrie’s Hotel that got burnt down in 1930 and it was decided not to rebuild the structure. It is located just below the Anglican church from where you had started your walk.
                                              

Total Distance Covered : 7 km
Time Taken : Fullday