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Kalka Shimla Railway - Mountains in Slow Motion
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Shimla Kalka Railway Information
Shimla Colonial Houses, Cottages, Bungalows
SOME OLD COLONIAL HOUSES AND THEIR OWNERS
Kennedy House – Built in
1822,belived to be first house built in Shimla. Residence of Charles Pratt
Keneddy (Political Officer of the State).
The Nunnery (1840 it was known as Alan
Bank) : Called so because it was occupied for some times by three unmarried
sisters.
The Eagle Mount (St. Bedes
college): Formerly Catholic Orphanage namely ’Chota Chelsea’.
The Wheat Field: Now the
property of Maharaja Of Darbhanga once upon a time it used to be surrounded by
cornfields.
Violet Hill – Situated on
Jakko once owned by late Mr. W. S. Halsey and afterwards of Mrs. James is named
after the flowers adorning the surrounding hills.
Glenarm – this was once a
hotel called ”Lady Kalab” by locals was favorite resort of “Grass widows” and unattached lady visitors.
Near Annadale.
Melville Lodge – For years
was known as ‘Leopards Lodge’ because it was surrounded by thick jungle and
leopards used to prowl through its Varanda.
Strawberry Hills – This is
one of the finest house in Shimla according to the author of the book “Shimla
Past and Present” Mr. E. J. Buck. It was originally occupied by colonel Tapp
the second political agent of the hill state. It is interesting to learn that
it was the name of a residence of the Duke of Marlboroug at England. 1849 it came to its present
dimension to suit the residence of “Lord Dalhouse” Other famous personalities lived
in the house are-
Count Quadt- German
Consul-General Sir Robert Carlyle, Raja Sir Daljit Singh President
of the state council in Kashmir.
Torrentium House and Estate:
It is so called after its owner Major General – R. Torrens, C. B, formerly
Audjutant. Gen.of the Army. This estate
was once called the ‘Roseville’ from the numerous rose bushes. There used to be
a lake surrounded by willows which was filled up to make a tennis court. It was
purchased by Mr. W. J. Lister for 55,00 in 1916 and Managers of the Ayrdiff
High School for girls acquired it in 1919.
Oakover: The well known
residence situated at the head of Khyber pass was the Shimla stay for Maharaja
of Patiala. He also owns ‘Rookwood’, ‘The Cedars’ and ‘Cedars Lodge’, another
pretty bunglow in Kufri.
Kelvin Grove – Formerly
Head Quarter of Royal Air Force Situated on the lower slope of Jakko. Kelvin
grove was built by Mr. Campbell About
1850. First it used to be a general store, 1865 it was ’United Bank of India’.
Ravens Wood – This is also one of the ancient house of Shimla, it was the residence of Mr. A. o’meara for many years. The only dental surgeon of those days Punjub, he came to Shimla in 1850. He was so famous that once Amir of Afganisthan Abdur Rahaman had sent for him. 1867 ‘Ravens Wood’ became the property of Mr. F. Lushington financial secretary of government of India. Who lived there during his term in the office. It was later sold to Raja of Faridkot, who with the architectural aid of Mr. T. E. G Cooper made it into the palatial residence it now is.
Alan Cottage – Also Known as ‘Regent House’ is situated close by on the main mall. It was formerly a ‘Poor house’ of Lady William Bentinck’s, where it is said she used to distribute blankets and food to needy people.
Bridge View - Situated above the Combermere Bridge. This buildings patta was granted and signed by John C. Eriskine Sub. Commissioner, north-west frontier dated 8th December 1842.
Crags – Situated at Jakoo, dating from 14th June 1841 was one of the largest house in Shimla, it was made to Dr. C. B. Handyside by the political agent. The most famous occupant of the house was Colonel Mackezie and Major G. Broadfoot. Mr. Broadfoot had led the Mutiny veterans in their never to be forgotten march into the arena at the Delhi Durber(court) on the on the 1st January 1903.
Ravens Wood – This is also one of the ancient house of Shimla, it was the residence of Mr. A. o’meara for many years. The only dental surgeon of those days Punjub, he came to Shimla in 1850. He was so famous that once Amir of Afganisthan Abdur Rahaman had sent for him. 1867 ‘Ravens Wood’ became the property of Mr. F. Lushington financial secretary of government of India. Who lived there during his term in the office. It was later sold to Raja of Faridkot, who with the architectural aid of Mr. T. E. G Cooper made it into the palatial residence it now is.
Alan Cottage – Also Known as ‘Regent House’ is situated close by on the main mall. It was formerly a ‘Poor house’ of Lady William Bentinck’s, where it is said she used to distribute blankets and food to needy people.
Bridge View - Situated above the Combermere Bridge. This buildings patta was granted and signed by John C. Eriskine Sub. Commissioner, north-west frontier dated 8th December 1842.
Crags – Situated at Jakoo, dating from 14th June 1841 was one of the largest house in Shimla, it was made to Dr. C. B. Handyside by the political agent. The most famous occupant of the house was Colonel Mackezie and Major G. Broadfoot. Mr. Broadfoot had led the Mutiny veterans in their never to be forgotten march into the arena at the Delhi Durber(court) on the on the 1st January 1903.
Rothney Castle – It is
situated above the ‘Crages’ high up on the Jakko. This was first known as
‘Rothney house’ and was built by Colonel Rotheny in 1838. He sold this house to
Dr. Carte who started the ’Shimla Bank Corporation’ in the house on the 19th
November 1844. It was afterwards sold to Mr. A. O. hume then a secretary to the
Government of India. He converted the house into a varitable palace. Mr. Hume,
a grandson of the celebrated politician Joseph Hume.
The Priory – These house
was constructed by Captain Sunderlan, R A, occupying a position of Jakko about
fifty feet above the road leading to ‘Snowdown’. ‘Priory’ was chiefly
remarkable for the exhausttion of the little cellar. One of the famous
residents of ‘Priory’ during his Short stay in Shimla was Prince Alexis
Soltikoff, who wrote a book of Indian senses and character in 1858.
Sterling Castle – It is
one of the oldest house in Shimla, it was occupied by some of the famous
personalities like Sir Fredrick Currie, Foreign secretary to the lord hardinge
and afterwards a member of council during Lord Dalhousies term of office. 1870
it was bought by Mr. Cotton, a well known Shimla merchant. Sir W. W. Hunter
wrote his ‘History of Indian people’ from this house.
Kelston – It is situated
on the Elysium hill. Kelston was the property of widow of Mr. H. S. Harington
formerly Agent and chief engineer of Shimla-Kalka Railway. In 1850 the house,
which was then known as ‘Elysium House’ belonged to the Roman Catholic Society
and was used for Co-education School. In 1893 Major Kemp purchased this house
to run a dairy farm, he lived into this house till 1900.
Petersfield – This is
another fine house with a fruit orchard on the Elysium Spur. First for about
twenty-five years it was the property of well known Shimla merchant Mr.
Townley. Some other distinguished tenants were- Surgeon General Cunninghum,
Count Luxburg; German Consul-General of Argentine fame, in the great-war. Later
This house was purchased for 1,60,000 by Maharaja of Bharatpur.
Dalzell House – This is
one of the house worth mentioning at central Shimla. This house was once occupied
by Bank of Upper India; in early years it used to be occupied by civil Surgeon
of Shimla and it was named after Captain the honorable H. B. Dalzell. In May
1907 the property was purchased by the Bank of Bengal for 1,30,000 and the old
house was pulled down and came to its present shape of ‘Imperial Bank Of
India’.
Bantony – It is According to Mr.Buck one of the most striking house in the centre of the Hill station, The residence of Maharaja Of Sirmur (Nahan). During the war it was handed over to the government for temporary army headquarter.
Knockdrin – A well known house in the main Mall just below ‘Kennedy House’. In 1862 it was owned and occupied by General Butler of the old Indian army. It was acquired, enlarged, and its name changed from ‘Will Hall’ to ‘Knockdrin’ around 1868 by Captain Levinge. Sir A. U. Fanshowe, the former Post master General in India lived in this house as well. During Mr.Bucks time this house was sold for one and half lakhs by Colonel H. K. Burne who was at that time Military secretary to the Government of India to Maharaja of Faridcot. Sir Mortimer Durand during his period as Foreign Secretary to the Indian Government also stayed in this house. In 1913 ‘Knockdrin’ was regarded as the residence of the foreign secretary to the Government of India.
Tendrils – Situated on the ‘Choura Maidan’ in 1844 it was a small cottage Known as ‘Tendril cottage’. About 1850 it passed into possession of Mrs. Barlow Colyear and was sold by auction on the 29th June 1850 by the Shimla Civil Court, in the suit of Mr.David Colyear vs. Mrs. Barlow Colyear for Rs. 2,410, and being bought by the former. This house was later sold by Mr. Colyear for 1800 to Mr. H. R. Cooke. Mr. Cooke sold this renovated house for 45,000 in 1902 to Mr. R. Hotz, then a well-known photographer of Shimla who re-christened it the ‘Hotel Cecil’. Hotel Cecil made famous by Mr. J. Falette, who was honoured by His Majesty king George M. V. O.
Holcombe – Situated just
opposite ‘Cecil’ was for many years the property of Mr. J. o’conor, C. I. E a
late Director- General of statistics to Government of India and then known as
‘Jims Lodge’. Holcombe afterwards became the property of Mr. Everard C. Cotes a
well-known Anglo-Indian Journalist and in here Mrs. Everared Cotes (Sara
Jeannette Duncan of literary fame) wrote more than one of her delightful books.
Bonnie Moon – Situated
high up on Jakhu was one of the oldest boarding houses in Shimla and here were
the curious and valuable museum belonging to the Colonel Tytler of the
Honorable East India Companies Service. The museum chiefly consisted of a large
collection of birds from all parts of the world, including animals and shells
from the Andamans, oriental manuscripts, and geological, mineralogical
specimens.
Shimla Holiday Explore Retreat, Discover
Coonial Houses. Onwer information
Lakes of Himachal Pradesh
LAKES OF HIMACHAL
Reservoirs
MAHARANA
PRATAP SAGAR (450M ABOVE SEA LEVEL):
LOCATION: 32 degree North and 76
degree East. In district Kangra. 170 km from Chandigarh. 110km from Amritsar.
55km from the district headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest Railway
stations are Mukerian – 30 km and Pathankot – 32 km. The vsettlement of Nagrota
Surian and Jawali – which are located in the Sagaras peripheri – are connected
by the charming narrow gauge Kangra Railway Line that connects Pathankot to
Jogindernagar. The closest airport is Gaggal – 40 km. The lake is well served
by a network of roads.
Named
in the honour of great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572 – 97 AD), the Maharana
Pratap Sagar was once known as Pong Dam Reservoir. India knows the Maharana as
a man who struggled valiantly for his kingdom of Mewar – as for principle of
independence. In the words of the chroniclers James Tod and William Crooke, ”He
spurned every overture that had submission at its basis”. Over the river Beas,
the ‘Pong Dam’ was completed in 1976.
its reservoir has an area of about 45,000 hectares at maximum possible
flooding – the level varies with every season and an averages around 30,000
hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of 85,000 people lie along the
wetland.
In
1983, the Sagar was declared a wildlife sanctuary and over 220 species of birds
belonging to 54 families have been sighted over the waters and the fringing
mud-banks – these include black- headed gulls, plovers, terns, ducks,
water-fowl and egrets. The first sighting in the region of the red –necked
grebe, was made at the Sagar. The wetland’s location at the head of the Indian
plains has made it a suitable habitat and stopover for migratory birds that
enter India from Central Asia.
The
land portion of the sanctuary has barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai,
leopards and claw-
less
otters.
Twenty-seven
species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families have been recorded in
the Sagar’s waterws. Some of the important commercial varieties are Labeo
dero(Gid), Labeo rohita (rohu), Labeo calbasu, Tor putitora (Mahsir), and
Mystus seenghaia (Singhara). Since 1976, fishing has been a major economic
activity in the area and today, this provides employment to some 15,000
fishermen and the annual catch is valued at over a crore Indian rupees.
There
is a branch of Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at the Sagar and
year-round activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking,
rowing, canoeing and sailing. The Directorate of Tourism and Civil Aviation
provides equipment at the Sagar this includes sail boats, paddle boats, speed
aero boats, life buoys, water scooters, speed boats, rafts, life jackets, water
skis and wet suits. Various courses – beginner, intermediate and advanced – are
also conducted at the Sagar.
The
Sagar is close to several places of Hindu pilgrimage – Jawalamukhi, Chamunda
Devi, Chintpurni, Brajeshwari (Vajreswari) Devi, Mahakalesar, Bagalamata and
Naina Devi. The seat of his Holiness the Dali Lama at Mcleodganj and the
Namgyal monasteries at hand are Tashijong and Bir.
The
Kangra area is regarded as amongst the best in this part of the world for para
gliding. There are many sites of architectural importance, old forts and
palaces that are closed to the Shagar. For example, the forts of Kangra,
Mangarh and Tira (Sujanpur) and the Monolithic Temple of Masrur.
This
area was the cradle of the Kangra school of miniature painting. Near the Sagar
is Haripur – Guler which was a major centre of the art. There are rare exhibits
at the Kangra Art Gallery at Dharamshala.
The
area has several trek routes for which the Sagar can act as the base.
Gobind sagar
Location – This vast reservoir lies in the district
of Bilaspur and Una. The town of Bilaspur is 83 km from the railway station at
Anandpur Sahib.
The Gobind Sagar over the river Sutlej, is the result of the
huge hydel dam at Bhakra and is named in honour of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth
Sikh Guru.
One of the worlds highest gravity dams, the Bhakra rises
225.5m above its lowest foundations. Under the supervision of the famous
American dam-builder, Harvey Slocum, work began in 1955 and was completed in
1962. Incidentally, Slocum had no formal training as an engineer, but his
conception and designs had been proven successful. To maintain the level of
water, the flow of the river Beas was also channeled to the Gobind Sagar by the
Beas-Sutlej link which was completed in 1976. Today this dam feeds electricity
and water to several states of north India. Its reservoir – The Gobind Sagar –
is 90 km long and encompasses an area of approximately 170 sq km.
As far as 1962, the Gobind Sagar was declared a ‘water fowl
refuge’ and even today, hosts a variety of water ad shore birds. Fishing is a
regular ativity and fifty-one species and sub species have been recorded. The
varieties found are – Labeo dero (Gid), Tor putitora (mahsir), Mystus seenghala
(singhara) and mirror carp and allied species. Fishing licences may be obtained
from the department of Fisheries at bilaspur.
Water sports are available – as are speed-boat and ferry
rides. In October and November, when the water level of the reservoir at its
peak, a series of regattas are also organised by the department of tourism and
civil aviation. Water-Skiing, sailing, kayaking and water-scooter racing become
available at this time.
Accommodation: Bilaspur has both hotels and rest houses.
Other attractions – Connected by a rope-way, the
shrine of Naina Devi over looks the Gobind Sagar. Bilaspur has a large sports
complex. The mirror carp hatchery is also accessible from the lake.
Chamera
Lake
Location – Located in district Chamba, this reservoir
of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi.
The lake offers a variety of water sports.
Pandoh Lake
Location: 19 km from Mandi, on national high way 21 which leads to Kullu and Manali.
Targeted at the generation of hydel power, an earth and
rock-fill dam has created this lake from where a tunnel diverts the water of
the river Beas and pours it into the river Sutlej and the combined waters feed
the Gobind Sagar. Fishing and Boating are available.
LOW ALTITUDES LAKES
RENUKA LAKE
Location: Renuka Lake is connected by road and lies in
Sirmaur district. It is 123 km from Parwanoo, 60 km from Paonta Shib and 37 km
from Nahan.
With a circumference of 3214m Renukaji is the largest
natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a reclining women, this is
regarded as the embodiment of Goddess Renuka. Near the lakes feet is another
lake dedicated to her son, Parshurama. Both have temple built around them and
the main temple to Goddess Renuka is regarded to have been built over- night in
the eighteenth century. The lake rest in a long valley and the surrounding
slopes are covered with a variety of vegetation and thick woods. Boats are
available for boating in the lake.
Other attraction: Renuka has a mini zoo with spotted
deer, lion tailed macaques, nilgai, mithun, barking deer and Himalayan black
bear and a lion. Fishing is possible in the river Giri, at near by river
Jataun.
Accommodation: The HPTDC run the hotel by the lake namely
Renukaji. Dadahu (2 km) has hotels, PWD and Forest Rest Houses.
Sirmaur has another lake at the Saketi Fossil Park, Nahan,
the district headquarters has four large tanks – Kalisthan tank, Pukka tank,
Kutcha tank and Ranital. There is another large pond at trilokpur.
Mid
Altitude Lakes:
Dal
Lake (1775m above sea level)
Location: In district
Kangra, 11km from Dharamsala. Surrounded by deodar trees, this is on the motor
road to talnu.
Held sacred, this has a
small Shiva temple on its bank. The banks of the lake are enlivened every
September by a fair attended – amongst others – by large number of migrant
Gaddi folk.
Accommodation: hotels and
rest houses. The HPTOC has hotels in both Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.
Shimla Holiday Explore Retreat, Discover
Himachal Lakes
Destination - Distance from Shimla around himachal Pradesh
IMPORTANT DESTINATION AND DISTANCES FROM SHIMLA
DESTINATION KILOMETRE
SHIMLA – MANALI 260 KM
(VIA)
Jutog – Bharareghat-bramphukhar-
Ghaghas-Sundernagar-
Mandi
SHIMLA – MANALI 289 KM
(Via)
Dhalli- Basantpur-Tattapani-Alsindhi-
Charkufri-Chindi-Rohadgalu-Chail
chowk-Baggi-
Nerchowk-Mandi
SHIMLA-MANALI 267KM
Kufri-theog-kingel-luhri-Bainakhand
Ani-Khanag-Jalori
Pass-Shoja-Banjar-Larji
Aut-Kullu.
SHIMLA-PALAMPUR 235KM
(VIA)
JUTOG-BHARARIGHAT-Bramphukhar-
Ghaghas-Sundernagar-Mandi-Jogindernagar.
SHIMLA-PALAMPUR 212km
(VIA)
Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmpukhar-
Ghagas-Ghumarwin-Bhota-Hamirpur-SujanpurTira-
Palampur
SHIMLA-DHARAMSHALA 235km
(VIA)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmpukhar-
Ghaghas-Ghumarwin-Bhota-Hamirpur-
Nadaun-Jwalamukhi-Ranital-Kangra
SHIMLA-DALHOUSIE 352km
(via)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmphukar-Ghaghas
Ghumarwin-Bhota-Hamirpur-Nadaun-Jwalamukhi-
Ranital-Lunj-32mile-nurpur-
Chakki-Banikhet
SHIMLA-DALHOUSIE 336km
(via)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmphukar-Ghaghas-Ghumarwin
-Bhota-Hamirpur-Nadaun-Jwalamukhi-Ranital-Lunj-32mile-
nurpur-Lahru-Tunuhatti-Banikhet
SHIMLA-DALHOUSIE 345km
(via)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmphukar-Ghaghas
Ghumarwin-Bhota-Hamirpur-Nadaun-Jwalamukhi
-Ranital-Lunj-32mile-Kotla-Shahpur-Sihunta-Tunuhatti-
Banikhet.
SHIMLA-REWALSAR LAKE 150KM
(VIA)Jutog-Bhararighat-Namhol-Bilashpur-
Sundernagar-Ner
chowk-Kalkhal
SHIMLA-REWALSAR LAKE 135KM
(VIA)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahmpukar-
Ghaghas-Sndernagar
-Ner
chowk-Kalkhal
SHIMLA-RENUKA LAKE 169KM
(VIA)Kandhaghat-Solan-Kumarhatti-
Sarahan-Dadahu.
SHIMLA-KEYLONG(VIA)MANALI 375KM
(VIA)
Brahampkhar-Ghaghas-Sundernagar-
Mandi-Manali
SHIMLA-DEHRADUN 248km
(VIA)Solan-Kumarhatti-Sarahan-Nahan-Paonta
Saheb-
Dehradun
SHIMLA-SARAHAN 175KM
(VIA)
Kufri-Theog-Narkanda-Rampur-Jeori
SHIMLA-SANGLA 229KM
(via)Kufri-Theog-Narkanda-Rampur-karchham
SHIMLA-KALPA 244KM
(VIA)
Theog-Rampur-Karchham-Powari-
Recong
Peo.
SHIMLA-KAZA 421KM
(VIA)
Theog-Narkanda-Rampur-Karchham-
Powari-Puh-Sumdo-Tabo
SHIMLA
– KEYLONG (Via Kaza) 421KM
(VIA)
Rampur-Karchham-Puh-Sumdo-Tabo-Kaza-
Losar-Kunzum
Pass-Batal-Gramphoo-Tandi
SHIMLA-KASAULI 77km
(Via)
Kandaghat-Solan-Barog-Kumarhatti-Dharampur
SHIMLA-NAINA
DEVI 78Km
(Via)
Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahamphukar-Nauri-
Swarghat-Kainchi-More-Naina
Devi
SHIMLA-BABA
BALAK NATH TEMPLE 134Km
(Via)Jutog-Bhararighat-Brahamphukhar-Ghaghas-
Kandror
Bridge-Bagerh-Berthin-Sha Talai
1. Mahunag(Snake Temple)- 10km Bifurcation from Dhamour
2. Alsindhi-Temple 7km from Dhamour
3. Tattapani- Hot Spring 28 km Alsindhi
4. Naldehra-23 km from Tattapani and then to Shimla
MANALI-CHANDIGARH 320KM
(VIA)
Kullu-Mandi-Sundernagar-Bilashpur-Swarghat-
Kiratpur-Ropar.
MANALI-KASULI (VIA) CHANDIGARH 275KM
(VIA)Kullu-Mandi-Sundernagar-Ghaghas-Brahmpukhar-
Namhol-Chamkri-Arki-Kunihar-Sabathu-Dharampur
MANALI-REWALSAR LAKE 132KM (Via) Kullu-Mandi-Rewalsar lake
MANALI-PATHANKOT 325KM
(VIA)
Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Mataur-Kotla-
Nurpur-Chakki
MANALI-PALAMPUR 201KM
(Via) Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Baijnath.
MANALI-DHARAMSHALA 238KM
(VIA) Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Dadh-
Chamunda-Yol
MANALI-DALHOUSIE(VIA)NURPUR 359KM
(VIA)
Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Mataur-
Kotla-Nurpur-Lahru-Tunuhatti-Banikhet
MANALI-DALHOUSIE(VIA)SHAHPUR 350KM
(VIA)
Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Mataur-
Shahpur-Sihunta-Lahru-Tunuhatti-Banikhet
MANALI-DALHOUSIE(VIA)CHAKKI 375KM
(VIA)
Kullu-Mandi-Jogindernagar-Palampur-Kotla-
-Nurpur-Chakki-Dhar-Banikhet
MANALI-KEYLONG 115KM
(VIA) Rohtang Pass-Gramphoo-Tandi
MANALI-LEH(LADAKH) 475KM
(VIA) Rohtng Pass-Gramphoo-Tandi-Keylong-Darcha-
Baralacha Pass-Sarchu
MANALI-KAZA 200KM
(VIA) Rohtang Pass-Gramphoo-Chhatru-Batal-
Kunzum Pass(4551M)-Losar-Rangrik
Shimla Holiday Explore Retreat, Discover
Important Destination and Distance From Shimla
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