Indian Institute of Advanced Study

Oct 23, 2013

About

Indian Institute of Advanced Study was set up by the Ministry of Education, Government of India as a Society under the Societies Registration act XXI of 1860, with effect from 6th October 1964.

Table of Contents

History

Indian Institute of Advanced Study started functioning at Shimla on 20th October,1965 when it was formally inaugurated by the then President of India, Professor S. Radhakrishnan.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study aims at free and creative enquiry into the fundamental themes and problems of life and thought. It is a residential centre for research and encourages promotion of creative thought in areas which have deep human significance, and provides.an environment suitable for academic research, particularly in selected subjects in the Humanities, Indian Culture, Comparative Religion, Social and Natural Sciences and such other areas as the Institute may, from time to time, decide. The Institute provides facilities for advanced consultations and collaboration besides library and documentation facilities.

Fellowship

The Institute has two fellowship programs National Fellows and Fellows. The term of National Fellows at the Institute is for a maximum period of two years. For Fellows, the backbone of the Institute, the duration of regular Fellowships ranges from a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years. This depends on the nature of work and its progress. Initially, a Fellowship is awarded for a year. While Fellows of the Institute are primarily engaged in their own research on themes approved by the Institute, the considerable formal and informal interaction amongst them encourages a healthy interdisciplinary dialogue. From April to November, the Fellows’ weekly seminar is the primary forum for formal interaction. During their term, Fellows remain in residence from April to November. In winter – December to March – they may engage in field work, library and archival consultations outside Shimla. Upon the completion of their term, Fellows are required to submit their completed research work in the form of a monograph to the Institute. The monographs submitted by them are considered for publication by the Institute – which also retains the first right of publication. Source: Wikipedia

[vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”33″ title=”” el_class=”postmenu-fullwidth”][/vc_column]

Spring Rolls – A simple Recipe of making Spring Rolls

Oct 21, 2013

Spring rolls is a hot and popular recipe of the present. Almost every corner of every city has stalls which serve hot and spicy spring rolls. To make spring rolls seems like a complicated tasks in real it is very easy to make it. All you need is ready-made spring roll sheets, oil and frypan to fry and soya and chilli sauce to server. You could make spring roll in 5 minutes, if you have all stuff ready.

Ingredients of Spring Roll

• 10 Sheets spring roll wrappers
• 1 White cabbage (chopped)
• 2 Carrots (chopped)
• 200 gms Bean sprouts (chopped)
• 1 Cup soaked soy mince
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make

Mix chopped cabbage, beans sprouts and carrots.
Add soaked soy to the mixture.
Mix salt and pepper.
Wrap the mixture into spring roll sheets.
Fry the wrapped mixture till it gets cooked.
Serve hot with tomato sauce.

The Mall – Heart of Shimla

Oct 18, 2013

About The Mall

So called the heart of Shimla, The Mall is the most attracting thing in the town. The Mall is the centre of Shimla’s buzzing social life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the ridge.

Tourists, both Indian and foreign, mingle with the locals and uniformed schoolchildren. An amazing multitude of honeymooners, bright and beautifully clad young couples, flock to this hill resort from all over India, and stand coyly to be photographed. In the heyday of the British, the Mall often saw officers resplendent in their uniforms, memsahib in beautiful gowns and proud nannies behind baby prams taking their evening walk.

It was just the place to see and be seen at. And as everyone wanted to be seen, it remained most crowded during the high season. The Mall stretches between Barnes Court in the east to the Vice regal Lodge in the west. There’s a passenger lift connecting Cart Road to the (eastern) Mall. The main bazaar is concentrated along the middle and has many restaurants and most of the interesting buildings of Shimla.

The Mall – Walkers’ Paradise

A fair walk through The Mall is required to appreciate the beauty of its shops, cafes, stores and restraunts. However, on feet is the only way to tread its neat&clean road as no vehicles other than the most emergent ones (i.e. fire brigade& Medicos and some top Administrative officials) are allowed.

In and Around The Mall

Scandal Point: The name is derived from Maharaja of Patiala’s dalliances. According to the fact that ex-Maharaja fancied over the daughter of the then Viceroy of India, and she was walking over this point and she was kidnapped by the Maharaja. This is why this point is called Scandal Point, where such a glaring scandal took place during British Rule in India.

Scandal Point is a meeting place for so many daily ventures, affairs and looks all day young and full of life. Tourist can be viewed in the day time here trying to catch the never ending rush in their cameras.

Lala Lajpat Rai’s statue re-installed here, being brought from Lahore after independence. A Rendezvous Place !

Westward to Scandal Point

General Post Office: Just next to Scandal Point there is wooden built building of General Post Office, Shimla. Boasts of Imperial Shimla’s Tonga service, only one of its kind in the world. Mail brought from Kalka on tongas driven by Pathans on Kabul horses.

Kali Bari Temple: Built in 1845. Dedicated to godess Kali. Believed that an ancient temple of Shamla (blue female) i.e. godess Kali existed near Rotheny Castle on Jakhoo. Wooden image worshipped locally. During early British days, it was removed to a wooden structure, present Kali Bari.

[vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”33″ title=”Shimla Guide” el_class=”postmenu-fullwidth”][/vc_column]

Jakhoo Temple – Ancient temple of Lord Hanuman

Oct 18, 2013

Location

Jakhoo Temple is situated at the highest hill in Shimla town at an altitude of 2,455 meters above sea level.

About Jakhoo Temple

This is a vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the Shimla town’s hills and distant mountain ranges. There are spectacular views at sunrise and sunset especially during the monsoons.

Jakhoo is derived from Yaku after Yaksha. Jakhoo Hill is legendary abode of Yaksha, Kinners Nagas and Asuras. Legend says that sudden landing of Hanuman flattened the hill, thus crowned with Jakhoo temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable for walking.

The steep climb to Jakhoo Hill, east of the city center, will get you the best view of Shimla and surrounding areas. It is said that Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the magical sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman’s life. Appropriately enough, there are many monkeys around the temple.

Hanuman-at-the-Jakhu-temple — A 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman at the temple complex at Jakhoo Hill

The Jakhoo temple has been thoroughly renovated. This vantage point is being connected by a rope-way. At the top of the hill in the temple complex a 108 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.The way to the temple is, on foot, from the Ridge near Christ Church. Other option is to hire pony from the Ridge or drive taking via the Cart Road.

World’s Largest Statue

Just on the outskirts of this erstwhile summer capital of the British raj, a giant 108-feet-high idol of Hanuman (the Monkey God) was unveiled at Jakhoo Hanuman temple, overlooking the entire city. Given its titanic size, it would not be out of place to say that monkeys will be omnipresent in this famous tourist destination which already has a large monkey population. Deemed to be world’s tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, it surpasses the current tallest statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’, which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Source: Wikipedia

Shimla – Places of Interest

Oct 18, 2013

Table of Contents

JAKHOO (HILL) TEMPLE

Access by car, pony treck, 2 from town, 2,455 mts, the highest point of Shimla., pony walk from ridge. Read more about Jakhoo Temple

THE RIDGE

This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Read more about Ridge

THE MALL

All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge…Scandal Point..

At 1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket ( nominal charge ). A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays. Read more about Mall

CHAIL (45km)

This was the former ‘summer capital’ of the Patiala State. The palace in now run as a luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism…Read more About Chail

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi temple is located 11 km from Shimla. Tara Devi temple is famous tourist attraction of the Shimla. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara. The meaning of Tara is Star. Tara Devi temple is situated at the top of a hill in Shimla. The Tara Devi temple was established 250 years ago. According to legend the Goddess Tara Devi was brought from west Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. Read more about Tara Devi Temple.

Narkanda

Narkanda is a beautiful town in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. The altitude of Narkanda is 2708 meters. Narkanda lies between 31.27°N and 77.45°E. Narkanda is situated 65 km from Shimla. Narkanda is surrounded by beautiful Shivalik mountains. Narkanda is famous for skiing and angling and winter sports. The skiing at Narkanda was started in 1980. HPTDC conducting skiing courses every year. Read more about Narkanda.

Kufri

An Himalayan Nature park and Indira Tourist Park with HPTDC’s Cafe Lalit are major attractions at Kufri. Once can have panoramic and beautiful views great views of nearby places from Indira Park. One can have a Pony, Horse and a Yak Ride, at reasonable prices, provided you are good at bargaining.In other adventure activities, one can participate on a visit to Kufri are Hiking, snow skiing, capturing beautiful scenes of nature, landscape and forest in a cool environment. Kufri is famous for trekking and hiking trails in particular. Adventure-seeking travelers from across the world visit Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Read more about Kufri .

The institute of Advanced Studies

The Institute started functioning at Shimla on 20th October,1965 when it was formally inaugurated by the then President of India, Professor S. Radhakrishnan. The Institute aims at free and creative enquiry into the fundamental themes and problems of life and thought. It is a residential centre for research and encourages promotion of creative thought in areas which have deep human significance, and provides.an environment suitable for academic research, particularly in selected subjects in the Humanities, Indian Culture, Comparative Religion, Social and Natural Sciences and such other areas as the Institute may, from time to time, decide. Read more about The institute of Advanced Studies

Other places

NAV BAHAR: Behind Saint Bede’s College is Himachal’s forticulture and fruit processeong unit…..

LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

ST. MICHAEL’S CATHEDRAL: This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses a representative collection of Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings,paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.

THE GLEN (4km): At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

ANNANDALE (4.5km) : Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI (6km) : At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.

SANKAT MOCHAN (7km): This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

TARA DEVI (11km): 2044m, A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

MASHOBRA (12km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.

KUFRI (16km): At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs the Cafe Lalit.

FAGU (22km): At 2510m, Fagu has some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Peach Blossom (presently under renovation).

TATTAPANI (51km) : At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.

[vc_column width=”1/1″ class=”shimla-onpost-menu”][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”33″ title=”Shimla Guide” el_class=”postmenu-fullwidth”][/vc_column]

Books about Himachal Pradesh

Oct 18, 2013

We are presenting a bookmark-able collection of books about himachal pradesh which covers Himachal Pradesh history, culture, geography, economic growth, temples and tourism and much more. Buy these books from the links provided or ask us to send you through Contact Us form.

Table of Contents

Here is a list of books about Himachal Pradesh.

Continue

Shimla – General Information

Oct 18, 2013

History of Shimla

The word ‘Shimla’ derived from ‘Shyamala Devi‘, another name of the Hindu Goddess Kaali. The altar at Jakhoo Hill was initially shifted by the British to the place known as Kali Bari Temple at present. The hill station is enveloped by seven hills that include Jakhoo Hill, Bantony Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Observatory Hill, Invererarm Hill and Elysium Hill.

Table of Contents

The historic Hindustan Tibet Road was commissioned in 1850 commencing from Kalka to Shimla and thereafter to the China ruled, Tibet. In 1864, the town of Shimla was declared as the summer capital of the British Empire in India. Another major event in the history of the Shimla was laying of the foundation stone for the Kalka-Shimla railway in 1903.

The vast majority of the area occupied by the present-day Shimla city was dense forest during the 18th century. The only civilization consisted of the Jakhoo temple and a few scattered houses. The area was called ‘Simla’, named after a Hindu goddess, Shyamala Devi. The bridge connecting Shimla with Chhota Shimla, originally erected in 1829 by Lord Combermere, Shimla, 1850s. The area of present-day Shimla was ruled by Bhimsen Thapa of Nepal in 1806. The British East India Company took control of the territory as per the Sugauli Treaty after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16). In a diary entry dated 30 August 1817, the Gerard brothers, who surveyed the area, describe Shimla as “a middling-sized village where a fakir is situated to give water to the travellers”. In 1819, Lieutenant Ross, the Assistant Political Agent in the Hill States, set up a wood cottage in Shimla.

Location

Shimla district lies between 30°45′ and 31°44 North Latitude and between 77°0′ and 78°19′ East Longitude. It touches Mandi and Kullu in North, Kinnaur in the East, Uttar Pradesh in the South and Sirmaur district in the West.

Shimla - General Information — Shimla Southern side of the Ridge

Shimla – As a Tourist place

The capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Well known as the Queen of Hills, is an all time destination for tourists, for lovers of nature and solitude. In the early 19th century passing through various phases of Gurkha wars the young Major Kennedy decided to build the first permanent residence in 1822 to get relief from the heat of the planes and settle in cool, healthy climate. Situated on the lower spurs on North-West Himalyas at a height of 2205 meters it has always enticed and cast a spell on anyone who set ones foot on these slopes once.

Shimla – Climate

Climate Summer Max. 29*C. Min. 07* C.
Climate Winters Max. 18* C. Min. -03* C.

Access

Airways: Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla.

Train: Connected by narrow gauge to Kalka 96 km from Shimla. Although Kalka is connected to other destinations like Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar by broad gauge further, train takes about 6 hours from Kalka to Shimla.

Roadways: Accessible throughout the year from all major cities and town by road, all kinds of services available on the road. You can find more information on railway and travel reservation by clicking here

Climate

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperature are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Some major road distances
Delhi 370 km
Manali 280 km
Dharamshala 280 km
Chandigarh 117 km
Chamba 396km
Dalhousie 398 Km
Kullu 229 Km

[vc_column width=”1/1″ class=”shimla-onpost-menu”][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”33″ title=”Shimla Guide” el_class=”postmenu-fullwidth”][/vc_column]

Pilgrimages in Himachal Pradesh

May 18, 2009

Himachal Pradesh is one place where pilgrimage and nature both blend in perfect harmony. With some world known temples and monasteries, pilgrimage is a natural tourist attraction here. The legends and mysteries of the pilgrimages here just go deeper than one can expect. The temples here turn into centers of huge gatherings and attraction during festivals and fairs.

Continue

About

History

Fellowship

[vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_wp_custommenu nav_menu=”33″ title=”” el_class=”postmenu-fullwidth”][/vc_column]

Ingredients of Spring Roll

How to make

About The Mall

Related Posts

Location

About Jakhoo Temple

World’s Largest Statue

Related Posts

CHAIL (45km)

Other places

Related Posts

History of Shimla

Location

Shimla – As a Tourist place

Shimla – Climate

Access

Climate

Most Popular

Himachal Stories

Blog

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY