Shimla: The Queen of Hills

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहां
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया/स्वागत है
  [Kripya/Swagat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें/माफ़ कीजिये
  [Kshama karein/Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाएं
  [Kripya menu dikhayein]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main khareedna chaahunga/chaahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे बरह मिनट
  [Das baje barah minute]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhe]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ...कहाँ है?
  [Yahaan...kahaan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली बस कब है?
  [Agli bus kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (...के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (...ke liye)]

Shimla, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, was originally a small village named Shyamala, derived from the Hindu goddess Kali. It remained relatively unknown until the early 19th century when the British East India Company began to explore the area for its cool and pleasant climate.

In 1819, the British discovered Shimla and quickly realized its potential as a summer retreat from the sweltering heat of the Indian plains. By 1822, the first British house in Shimla, Kennedy House, was built by Major Charles Kennedy. This marked the beginning of Shimla's transformation into a bustling hill station.

In 1864, Shimla was officially declared the summer capital of British India. This decision was partly due to its strategic location and the refreshing climate, which provided a respite from the intense heat of the Indian summer. The city became the administrative hub during the summer months, hosting the government and various officials.

Shimla is renowned for its colonial architecture, much of which remains intact today. The Viceregal Lodge, constructed in 1888, served as the residence of the British Viceroy of India. The Christ Church, built in 1857, is one of the oldest churches in North India and a prominent landmark. These buildings, along with numerous others, showcase the city's colonial heritage.

Shimla played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. The city was the site of several important meetings and agreements, including the Shimla Conference of 1945, where British officials and Indian leaders discussed the future of India. The 1947 Partition Agreement was also negotiated in Shimla, marking a pivotal moment in Indian history.

After India gained independence in 1947, Shimla continued to thrive as a popular tourist destination. It became the capital of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh in 1971. The city has since evolved, balancing its historical significance with modern amenities, making it a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Shimla is not just a historical landmark but also a cultural hub. The city hosts various festivals and events, such as the Shimla Summer Festival, which showcases local music, dance, and crafts. The blend of colonial and local Himachali culture is evident in the city's daily life, cuisine, and traditional attire.

Shimla is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, approximately 23 kilometers from Shimla, offering limited flights mainly from Delhi. Alternatively, Chandigarh Airport, about 120 kilometers away, offers better connectivity. Shimla is accessible by the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which provides a scenic journey through the hills. By road, Shimla is connected via National Highway 5, with regular buses and taxis available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities.

In Shimla, local transport includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) operates reliable bus services within the city and to nearby attractions. Private taxis are available for hire, but it's advisable to negotiate fares beforehand. Walking is also a popular way to explore the Mall Road and Ridge area, which are pedestrian-friendly zones.

The official currency in Shimla is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are easily available throughout the city. However, it's wise to carry some cash, especially when visiting remote areas or shopping in local markets where card facilities may not be available.

Shimla is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas after dark and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Shimla does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always stay vigilant and use common sense. The Lower Bazaar area can be crowded and chaotic, requiring extra caution.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Shimla has several hospitals and clinics, including Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available in the city where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Himachali cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Shimla like a local, visit the Lakkar Bazaar for wooden handicrafts and souvenirs. Engage with locals to learn about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a walk on the Mall Road and Ridge, especially in the evening when the area comes alive with local activities. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Shimla-Kalka toy train, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.