Shimla City
Once the imperial summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla is today a year round holiday destination favoured by many and the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is located at an average altitude of 7250ft. The city is famous for its buildings styled in imperial architecture dating from the colonial era.
Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India, the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Shimla is approximately 115 km (71.4 miles) from Chandigarh, the nearest major city, and 365 km (226.8 miles) from New Delhi, the national capital.
The Mall
The Clarkes hotel is located on the bustling promenade of Shimla – The Mall Road. Constructed during the British colonial rule, the Mall road is located a level below the ridge. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road, thus, it is a popular haunt for a stroll in the evenings for the locals and tourists.
Contemporary commercial enterprises rub shoulders with landmarks of the colonial era like Gaiety Theatre, The Town Hall, St. Micheal's Cathedral and General Post Office.
The Clarkes Hotel is located on the Mall Road.
Jakhoo Hill
At 2455m, this is the town's highest peak and offers a panoramic view of the Shivalik Ranges and the neighbouring towns of Sanjauli. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. An ideal place for walks and picnics. This tourist spot is also famous for the spectacular sunrise views that it offers.
Jakhoo Hill is a 15 minute drive from Clarkes Hotel.
Viceregal Lodge
This former residence of the Viceroy of India is a fine example of Gothic architecture. The building balconies provide a spectacular view of the Shimla mountain ranges covered in white snow. It has a spacious gardens spread over 100 acres. At one time in its history, it has been the President's palace. It now houses the Indian Institute of Advance Studies.
Viceregal Lodge is a 5 minute drive from Clarkes Hotel.
Tattapani / Shiv Goofa
The hot sulphur spring is know for its therapeutic power. A two hours drive along the Sutlej river.
Kufri
A ski destination in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is 16 km from Shimla , at an altitude of 2622m. During winter, visitors come here to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. The Skiing season spreads between November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during winters. The skiing season is at its best during January and February.
Apart from skiing, Kufri is a lovely picnic spot with a beautiful view f the hills around and the snowy peaks.
Kufri is a 30 minute drive from Clarkes Hotel.
Naldhera
Originally called Naldeo by the British, it is 22 km from Clarkes Hotel. It has India's oldest nine-hole golf course, laid out by the British Viceroy - Lord Curzon, in the early 1900s. Captivated by the beauty of the place, surrounded by a thick mane of Himalayan cedar, he established what today is one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in the country.
Initially a nine-hole golf course, the Naldehra golf course was expanded to eighteen- holes.
Naldhera is approximately an hour drive from Clarkes Hotel.
Chail
Built on three hills, the former capital of the Maharaja of Patiala, it is situated at the distance of 45 km from Clarkes Hotel. In 1891, Maharaja was sent in exile by Lord Kitchener and was banned from entering the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla. To avenge this dishonour Maharaja Bhupinder Singh decided to build a better summer capital than Shimla.
The cricket pitch here is the highest in the world. The old palace and the polo grounds are worth a visit. It is an attractive tourist spot and an ideal place for picnics.
Chail is approximately two hour drive from Clarkes Hotel.
Narkanda
Situated on the Hindustan-Tibet Road, Narkanda offers a panoramic view of the inner Himalayas. Apples and cherries abound in the orchards near by at Kotgarh. Eight kms from Narkanda is the Hattu Peak, at a height of 3300 mts, which has several ski slopes – a beginner's run, a slalom slope and a sharper descent for the seasoned skier.
Narkanda is approximately two and half hours drive from Clarkes Hotel
Taradevi
Hop on to the "toy train" at Shimla and alight at Taradevi station. A trek through magnificent cedars up to Taradevi temple takes about two hours. The environment is serene and the view magnificent.