Metropolis of Seven Humps or Seven-Peaked City
**Exploring the Seven Hills of Shimla: A Journey Through the Queen of Hills**
Shimla, fondly known as the 'Queen of Hills', is a captivating hill station nestled in the lower Himalayas. This former summer capital of the British Raj is built on several small spurs, each home to one of the seven hills that surround the city.
The seven hills of Shimla, while not explicitly detailed in a single source, are generally recognized as Summer Hills, The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill, Kufri Hill, Annandale Hill, Green Valley Hill, and Tara Devi Hill. Each hill offers unique natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities, contributing to Shimla's enduring popularity.
**Summer Hills**, located about 5 km from Shimla, is known for its serene natural surroundings, greenery, and peaceful ambiance. It is a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying the cool mountain air.
**The Ridge**, situated at the heart of Shimla, is a large open space offering panoramic mountain views. It is a popular destination for sightseeing, shopping, and cultural events, and is best visited at night for breathtaking vistas.
**Jakhoo Hill**, the tallest of the seven hills, stands at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet above sea level. Jakhoo Hill is home to the famous Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is a must-visit for a divine feeling and can be reached by steps, taxi, or cable car.
**Kufri Hill**, located approximately 14 km from Shimla, is known for adventure sports, skiing in winter, and scenic views. It is a very popular tourist destination near Shimla proper.
**Annandale Hill** is situated near Shimla and is known for the Annandale Ground, used for military and sports purposes and surrounded by natural beauty.
**Green Valley Hill** offers quiet and lush green surroundings, perfect for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
**Tara Devi Hill** is the site of the Tara Devi Temple, a popular spiritual site with great views and a peaceful environment.
Other notable hills in Shimla include Inveram Hill, home to the Himalayan Bird Park and the State Museum, which conserves the rich cultural heritage of the place. Observatory Hill, the second highest hill, is located in the western part of the city and houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
Bantony Hill, named after Lord Bantony, is located in the center of the city, close to Scandal Point, the Grand Hotel, and Kali Bari Temple. Bantony Castle, constructed in 1880 in Tudor style architecture, was used as a summer residence.
Prospect Hill, located at an elevation of 2200 metres above sea level in the western part of Shimla, encloses the Boileauganj area. A beautiful and peaceful temple perched on the top of Prospect Hill is devoted to goddess Kamna, known as the goddess of desires.
Observatory Hill was also the venue of the Simla conference in 1945 where decisions about the partition of India were taken.
These hills collectively make Shimla one of the most beautiful and famous hill stations in India due to their natural beauty, temples, trekking routes, and scenic viewpoints. The city spreads over these hills, creating its unique charm and providing numerous vantage points to observe the surrounding Himalayan foothills.
In summary, Shimla’s seven hills, including Summer Hills, The Ridge, Jakhoo Hill, Kufri, Annandale, Green Valley, and Tara Devi Hill, are located in and around Shimla, each offering distinct natural beauty, cultural significance, or recreational opportunities, embodying the essence of this renowned hill station.
In the exploration of Shimla, travelers often include the peaceful and serene Summer Hills in their itinerary, popular for relaxation and enjoying the cool mountain air. For captivating panoramic views, The Ridge located at the heart of Shimla offers a breathtaking vantage point, especially at night.
