Shimla

One theory suggests that the name "Shimla" was derived from Shyamalaya, meaning 'blue house', a solitary house made of blue slate on Jakhu Hill, built by a fakir. According to another version, the city gets its name from Shamli or Shyamala, meaning 'blue lady', referring to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is believed that a temple dedicated to goddess Shamli, an incarnation of Kali, used to be on the Jakhu hillside near the Rothney Castle. Many believe that during the British period, the image of the goddess was shifted to a new place, the now-famous Kali Bari Temple. In 2018, the state government decided to change the city's name from Shimla to Shyamala. However, seeing the negative response of the general public, the state government dismissed the plan.

Most of the area occupied by present-day Shimla city was dense forest during the 18th century. The only sign of civilisation was the Jakhu Temple and various other temples, a few scattered houses, and nearby villages which have now turned out as posh and major neighbourhoods of the city. The area was called 'Shimla', named after Hindu goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kali. The area of present-day Shimla was invaded and captured by Bhimsen Thapa of Nepal in 1806. The British East India Company took control of the territory as per the Sugauli Treaty after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16). The Gurkha leaders were quelled by storming the fort of Malaun under the command of David Ochterlony in May 1815. …

Shimla is on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas at 31.61°N 77.10°E / 31.61; 77.10. It has an average altitude of 2,206 metres (7,238 ft) above mean sea level and extends along a ridge with seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 kilometres (5+3⁄4 mi) from east to west. It comes under the historical cultural Mahasu region. The city is a Zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone) per the Earthquake hazard zoning of India. Weak construction techniques and an increasing population pose a serious threat to the already earthquake prone region. There are no water bodies near the main city and the closest river, the Sutlej, is about 21 km (13 mi) away. Other rivers that flow through the Shimla district, although further from the city, are the Giri, and Pabbar (both tributaries of Yamuna). The green belt in the Shimla planning area is spread over 414 hectares (1,020 acres). …

The people of Shimla are informally called Shimlaites. With largely cosmopolitan crowds, a variety of festivals are celebrated here. The annual Shimla Summer Festival is held on the Ridge during peak tourist season. The highlights of this event include performances by popular singers from all over the country. Since 2015, 95.0 BIG FM and Himachal Tourism have been jointly organising a week-long winter carnival on the Ridge from Christmas to New Year's. Shimla has several places to visit. Local hangouts like the Mall and the Ridge area in the heart of the city. Most of the heritage buildings in the city are preserved in their original 'Tudorbethan' architecture. The former Viceregal Lodge, which now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and Wildflower Hall, now a luxury hotel, are some of the famous ones. …

Employment is largely driven by the government and tourism sectors. In addition to being the local hub of transport and trade, Shimla is the area's healthcare centre, hosting a medical college and four major hospitals: Indira Gandhi Hospital (Snowdown Hospital,) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital (formerly called Ripon Hospital), Kamla Nehru Hospital and Indus Hospital. The city's development plan aims to make Shimla an attractive health tourism spot. Major departmental headquarters of the state are also located in Shimla such as Himachal Pradesh Government Printing and Stationery Press, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, and Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters. The hotel industry is one of the major sources of income generation for the city. Shimla has up to 6500 hotels, including 5-star hotels, most popular is Oberoi Cecil, Peterhoff, Wildflower Hall and Hotel Holiday Home. …

Source: The Mall is the main shopping street of Shimla. The Ridge is a large open space alongside the Mall Road Christ Church is on the Ridge, as is the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex. Jakhoo – Jakhoo temple is 2 km from The Ridge, at a summit elevation of 2,400 m (8,000 ft), Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak in the city. Kali Bari is a temple of the Hindu goddess Kali's incarnation Matangi. Annadale was developed as the racecourse of Shimla. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is an educational institute at the former Viceregal Lodge, built-in 1884–88. Himachal Pradesh State Museum Summer Hill Sankat Mochan Temple is a Hindu temple of Hanuman. Tara Devi Temple. Sanjauli is the main suburb of Shimla. Dhingu Mata Temple is atop a hill in Sanjauli.. Chharabra is near Kufri.. Jutogh is an army cantonment 8 km from Shimla city centre.