Capital of Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh is an Indian state, and its capital is Shimla. During British rule, the government selected Shimla as the summer capital of India. Its name is also associated with different important political agreements that were signed here. Shimla is a prominent center for commercial, cultural, and educational activities in Himachal Pradesh. It is also a very popular hill station in India that several tourists visit every year. In this article, we will share important information about Shimla to make people aware of and updated on the facts about this place.

Capital of Himchal Pradesh

What is the Capital of Himachal Pradesh?

Shimla, the current capital of Himachal Pradesh, was once the summer residence of the British viceroys before independence. Today, it serves as the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the country’s most prominent hill stations, visited by numerous tourists. Here are a few facts about the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla: The Summer Capital of Himachal Pradesh

• Shimla is situated at an elevation of 7100 feet above sea level.
• The area of Shimla is 55,673 square kilometers.
• It is the capital of the northernmost state of India.
• The stretch of Shimla is 9.2 km from east to west.

The Capital of Himachal Pradesh: Geographical Features

Shimla is situated in the southwest ranges of the Himalayas. The highest point in Shimla is called Jakhoo Hills. The three rivers passing through Shimla are the Giri, Sutlej, and Pabbar rivers. The flora of Shima consists of rhododendron, oak, pine, and deodar plantations that can be found in the forest areas around Shimla.

The Climate of the Capital of Himachal Pradesh

The climate in Shimla is subtropical due to its position in India, and a highland climate is observed in most seasons. In the winter season, the place becomes very cold, with temperatures falling below zero degrees Celsius, and the city experiences heavy snowfall. The summer season is quite pleasant and favorable for tourists, with temperatures varying from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season poses some serious threats to mountain areas because of frequent landslides. Torrential rains due to climate change caused significant landslides in Shimla during the weekend of August 12–13, 2023, killing at least 57 people. This already earthquake-prone area is facing risks due to a growing population and faulty building practices.

The Capital of Himachal Pradesh: An Attraction for Tourists

Shimla is considered one of the top tourist destinations in India, especially during the summer season. It is a very popular hill station for tourists across India as well as those from overseas who come here to enjoy the good climate and natural beauty. Shimla’s major attraction is the mall, with numerous restaurants, clubs, banks, pubs, post offices, and tourist information offices. The Ridge is a vast open space located alongside Mall Road that is meant for holding all cultural activities in Shimla City.

On the highest point of the Ridge, there is Christ Church, which is Northern India’s second-oldest church. Shimla hosts the special mountain biking race MTB Himalaya, taking advantage of its high terrain, which began in 2005 and is recognized as the largest event of its sort in South Asia. Shimla is famous for having South Asia’s largest natural ice skating rink. You can enjoy the ice skating activities from early December to the end of February.

The Art and Culture of the Capital of Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a cosmopolitan town, offering the entertainment and enjoyment of observing a variety of festivities, including Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Buddhist festivals. The primary festivals are the Winter Carnival, organized during Christmas, and the Summer Carnival, held during peak tourist season. Shimla is well-known for its handicrafts and artwork, which the government is promoting. Shimla’s main attractions include embroidered shawls, leather clothes, and woodcrafts carved from the pine and deodar trees. Tourists often look for the specialized beaded and metal jewelry and sculptured pieces prepared by the local artists. Carpets and rugs with various themes and stitching are other examples of artistic delights for customers.

Capital of Himachal Pradesh Demographics

• The area of Shimla is 35.34 square kilometers.
• The population of Shimla city is around 1.72 lakh as per the 2011 census.
• The sex ratio of the population of Shimla is 930 females for every 1,000 males.
• It is believed that service sectors like tourism account for a large portion of the floating population in Shimla.
• The demographic structure indicates that about 55% of the total population falls in the age group of 16–45 years, and 28% of the population are under the age of fifteen.

Capital of the Himachal Pradesh Economy

The commercial activities of Himachal Pradesh depend on agriculture, horticulture, hydropower generation, and small and medium-scale industries including fruit processing, handicrafts, and weaving. The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh’s capital is a major contributor to the economy. The hotel sector is one of the primary sources of revenue during peak tourist season. Shimla has some of the best hotels with high-end service qualities and facilities that attract tourists throughout the year.

A good amount of revenue comes from the major tourist attraction, which is the Kalka-Shimla meter-gauge toy train journey that covers a distance of 96 kilometers while passing through 103 tunnels and 800 bridges. The Kalka-Shimla railway was awarded a world heritage site appreciation by UNESCO in 2008.

The Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh: Dharamshala

Himachal Pradesh is one of the states that has two capitals: one for the summer and one for the winter. The administration of Himachal Pradesh selected Dharamshala, a small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, as the capital of Himachal Pradesh during the winter season. Shimla, the official capital of Himachal Pradesh, serves as the capital during the summer season. The announcement came in January 2027. The idea behind a dual capital system became necessary due to the climatic conditions in Shimla during the winter season. This system also facilitates growth and administration in some less-known areas of the state. Dharamshala is a hilly tourist place that is particularly famous because it hosts the home of the Dalai Lama. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is also located here. Dharamshala hosts the cricket stadium of Himachal Pradesh, where many cricket matches are organized.

Shimla and Dharamshala are well-known tourist destinations in India due to the pleasant climate and scenic beauty that enchant several tourists across India as well as from overseas who come here to spend some good time. These places are conveniently connected by air, train, and roadways, making them favorite holiday destinations that also offer modern amenities as well as the cultural flavors of northern India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is a popular tourist destination among travelers from all around the world. Read the above article to learn more about the location, climate, art and culture, and must-visit places in the city.

FAQs: Capital of Himachal Pradesh

Why does Himachal Pradesh have two capitals?

The state of Himachal Pradesh has Shimla and Dharamshala as its two capitals. Shimla is the capital during the summer, and Dharamshala acts as the capital in the winter season. Shimla experiences considerable snowfall during the winter season. Therefore, a second capital for the winter season is recommended to continue administrative and other activities.

Where does Shimla get its name?

Shimla is named after Goddess Shyamala, a manifestation of Goddess Kali.

At what time does snowfall generally happen in Shimla?

Shimla has been experiencing snowfall in January or early February every year for over the past 10–15 years.

What Dharamshala is a famous place in India and abroad?

Dharamshala is a place well-known worldwide for hosting the residence of the Dalai Lama.

What are the specialties of the Kalka-Shimla Railway journey?

The journey from Kalka to Shimla by narrow-gauge toy train gives tourists an amazing experience by traveling a distance of 96 meters through the mountains while passing through 103 tunnels.