It is a famous address in a famous city and among the must visit spots for tourists. But exactly why Shimla's 'Scandal Point' has been named so is still a tantalizing mystery.
The only thing agreed upon is that the place, situated in the queen of hills where the Ridge and the Mall (road) converge, got its name in the 19th century.
The story goes that the then Maharaja (ruler) of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. This had led to the Maharaja being banished from entering Shimla by the British authorities. He countered the move by setting himself a new summer capital - now famous hill resort of Chail, 45 km from Shimla.
But with the real sequence of events still a suspense, Chandigarh based author Manju Jaidka, a professor at Panjab University's Department of English, has tried to unveil the history behind it.
In her historical fiction 'Scandal Point' (Publisher: Rupa, Price: Rs.195), Jaidka has tried to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The Ridge, nestled in the heart of Shimla, boasts an excellent hill-top location with a mix of traditional colonial architecture, panoramic scenic beauty, hassle-free atmosphere and lush vegetation. It is just a short stroll away from the famous Mall Road and has everything that you need to make the most of your vacation.
From exclusive shops selling a wide variety of goods to vibrant bars, clubs and world-class restaurants, here you can be as active or as lazy as you want. This place is known as the face of Shimla and is a perfect spot to get photographed – with spectacular views of the mountains and evergreen trees surrounding it.
Visitors from all over the world love to visit this hill station at least once a year - to overlook the mesmerizing view of the sunset at the dusk – an experience that one cannot forget in their lifetime. Other than that, the Ridge is also a central point for all the cultural activities in Shimla.
One of the mesmerising place to visit
Jakhoo Temple of Lord Hanuman in Shimla
The statue of Lord Hanuman is so big that u can see it in yeh mountains from the ground level of Mall Road
There is ropeway with 550 fare for two side for an adult and 450 for kids
But believe me the ripe way is very dangerous and is situated at a huge height
Must visit if u r in Shimla
Taxi operators are also there and they can take u to the temple with a fare of 500 only for both sides
Trek Images:
Trek Description :
Jakhu Temple is located on the top of Jakhu Hill . This hill looms over Shimla town and is the geographical nucleus. the Hanuman temple at the top of Jakhu hill is the highest point in town. The steep climb is rewarding for the fine views it offers over the surrounding valleys, out to the snow capped peaks and over Shimla it self. the temple is only 2 km from the Ridge but it could be an hour walk for a person not used to mountain climbing.
Tthe temple is one of the most favoured spots for tourists apart from pilgrims. There are many monkeys around the temple, but surprisingly they don't attack people. The approach to the temple is through a dense forest of deodars, though many find the climb tiresome. Ponies are available for a to and fro ride to the temple. The guide will be there on the whole tour and he will take you through the various stories and details about the places which will make your tour more interesting.
Trek Itinerary:
Day 1
Description: Start From Ridge Shimla, 30 Minutes walk from Ridge to the Temple
Does & Don'ts on Track:
DO
You need to have proper trekking shoes, Trekking pants, raincoat, Cap/Hat, Torch, Water Bottle, Food, Basic Medicine (PCM, Pain Killers, Antibiotic) etc.
Also, Bring reusable items if possible. Please get back all non-biodegradable waste or deposit at waste collection centers or bring them back to your place of stay. As much as possible bring ecofriendly products. Used plastic should neither be littered in mountains /valleys and nor be washed away in rivers. Prevent water from getting polluted. This effort of yours shall be a big contribution in keeping the Himachal Pradesh clean and protected.
DONT
Being a religious destination do not litter the palace, stay away from intoxication, do not push too hard and too fast while traveling, don't carry any valuables with you on the trek, restrict yourself from destroying beautiful surrounding by littering the mountains.
Don’t leave any eatable along the road side for wild animals and also don’t allow your caterer to do so.
Don’t engage with wild animals.
If possible don’t get packaged food.
Don’t create noise.
Don’t wash your clothes in water springs or stream and never discharge saponified water in water sources.
Don’t litter plastic/disposable crockery like plates, donas, spoons and glasses.
Don’t defecate or urinate near river banks and spring beds.
Don’t leave your undergarments behind after bath as the colors and nylon, synthetic fiber in cloth is a pollutant.
Do not click pictures/selfies on the river banks and other dangerous places. it can prove fatal. Polythene is completely banned in Himachal Pradesh. Please do not use it.
