Things to do in Eastern Himachal Pradesh
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Bhimakali Temple
The former summer capital of the Bushahr kingdom, Sarahan is dominated by the fabulous Bhimakali Temple, built from layers of stone and timber to absorb the force of earthquakes. There are two towers here, one built in the 12th century, and a newer tower from the 1920s containing a highly revered shrine to Bhimakali (the local version of Kali) beneath a beautiful silver-filigree canopy.
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Cecil Restaurant
For a formal night out, look no further than the colonial elegance of the Cecil Restaurant. An à la carte menu is available but there are sumptuous buffets for breakfast and dinner. Book ahead. There’s also a casual garden restaurant, or you can opt for a drink in the atrium lobby bar.
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Viceregal Lodge
Built as an official residence for the British viceroys, the Viceregal Lodge looks like a cross between Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School and the Tower of London. Every brick used in its construction was hauled up here by mule. Today it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, but you can take a guided tour of the buildings. Photography is not permitted inside. Tickets cost Rs20 if you just want to look around the gardens.
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State Museum
About 2.5km west of Scandal Point and a stiff walk up to the telecommunications mast, the state museum is home to an impressive collection of miniatures from Kangra and Rajasthan, as well as Chamba embroidery, coins and jewellery, temple carvings, paintings of Shimla, and weapons – including some massive and unwieldy-looking blunderbusses. There is also a gallery devoted to the visits that were made by Gandhi to Shimla.
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Naldehra Golf Course
About 15km north of Mashobra, Naldehra is famous chiefly for the Naldehra Golf Course, established in 1905 by British viceroy Lord Curzon. Set among tall cedars – some of which stand directly between the tee and green – it’s a challenging course. Hire a caddy (Rs40/70 for 9/18 holes) or you won’t know where you’re going. Ponies can be hired for treks along the ridge and there are pine-scented walks.
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Himachal State Museum & Library
About 2.5km west of Scandal Point by the telecommunications mast, the Himachal State Museum & Library has an impressive collection of Kangra and Mughal miniatures, Chamba embroidery, coins and jewellery, temple carvings, paintings of Shimla and weapons - including some massive blunderbusses.
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Embassy Restaurant
It doesn’t look like much from the outside but Embassy is a cosy timber-lined restaurant with fabulous views over Shimla, especially at night when the city lights are on. The menu runs to Indian, Chinese and continental, with good biryanis and a tasty chicken curry.
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Christ Church
This very English church is the second-oldest church in northern India (the oldest is in Ambala in Haryana). Built between 1846 and 1857, it contains Raj-era memorials and fine stained glass. There’s still a small Sunday service held here.
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Ashiana
In a fanciful circular building on the Ridge (you almost expect it to start revolving!), Ashiana is an elegant restaurant and a good people-watching spot. As well as Indian dishes there are sizzlers, Chinese and a few Thai favourites.
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Himalayan Bird Park
Opposite the Viceregal lodge entrance is the Himalayan Bird Park, with a small collection of exotic pheasant, including the iridescent monal pheasant, which is Himachal’s state bird.
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Gaiety Theatre
Although closed for renovations at the time of writing, the Shimla Amateur Dramatic Club usually puts on shows here. Even if there’s no show on, it’s worth taking a peek at the fabulous auditorium.
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Indian Coffee House
A Shimla institution, the Indian Coffee House is like an old boys’ club with its old-school furniture, uniformed waiters and blackboard menu. Good place for breakfast, cheap dosas and coffee.
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Domino’s
Sure, it’s a Western fast-food chain, but travellers flock here for deep-dish pizza after weeks of dhal and rice in the hills, and Indian families queue up for a slice of Americana.
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Baljee’s
Opposite the Town Hall, Baljee’s is a great place to breakfast on omelettes, toast and dosas (lentil-flour pancakes), and there’s a popular counter selling Indian sweets.
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Hotel Mehfil
Uphill from the bazaar, near the start of the steps up to the bus stand, Mehfil serves some of the coldest beer in North India, and a big range of veg and nonveg food.
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Loveena Restaurant
Down some steps near the tourist office, Loveena is a clean and calm bolt hole to escape the bustle of Scandal Point. There's also a moody saloon bar.
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Park Cafe
Up some steps from the Mall, this laid-back, studenty cafe is a cool spot for veg snacks such as pizzas and sandwiches, and drinks.
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China Town Restaurant
A tiny hole-in-the-wall place serving superior Indian-Chinese dishes in a box-like dining room full of mock-Tibetan murals.
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Goofa
Found down below Ashiana, Goofa is a cheaper subterranean restaurant and bar serving Indian and continental dishes.
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Barista
India’s version of Starbucks is a popular spot for the trendy young set to meet over cappuccinos or milkshakes.
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Footloose Disco
In the Ritz Cineplex building, Shimla’s only nightclub rocks to Bollywood soundtracks till late on weekends.
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Ashiana & Goofa
Run by HPTDC, these linked restaurants serve good food in reasonably classy surroundings at Scandal Point.
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Ritz Cineplex
This modern multiplex cinema has occasional imported blockbusters among the standard Bollywood fare.
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Tibetan Handloom Shop
Tibetan souvenirs are sold at the Tibetan Handloom Shop, aiding Tibetan refugees.
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