shimla – Central News Hub

Shimla Summer Festival Showcases Indian Culture and Talent

With the beginning of the traditional and cultural folk night, the governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, inaugurated the festival here at the historic Ridge Maidan…reports Asian Lite News

A fashion show as part of the summer festival in Shimla grabbed the eyeballs and provided a platform for students to show their talent and present Indian culture in front of the audience.

Dressed in stunning traditional attires, the models on the ramp left everyone awestruck. Over 25 female models participated in the event.
The festival also witnessed cultural dance performances.

This international summer festival has been organised in a short period. There are wonderful performances that we witnessed during the festival. From local people to tourists, everyone is enjoying the festival,” said Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
The four-day international summer festival kicked off in the North Indian hill town of Shimla on Saturday night. With the beginning of the traditional and cultural folk night, the governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, inaugurated the festival here at the historic Ridge Maidan.

The Shimla district administration has organised this festival to attract tourists. “This Shimla summer festival begins today and the Governor of Himachal Pradesh has inaugurated it. This is important to showcase the culture of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists have gathered here, and we will have different star nights here. Today we have Himachali Nati and songs and other programmes will be organised. We have deployed the police and home guard to maintain law and order,” said Jyoti Rana, ADM Law and Order, on Saturday.

This year the festival, usually organised in the first week of June was delayed by two weeks due to elections.

The governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, said that this festival is important to preserve, promote and adopt culture and tourism.
“This festival is known at the international level, people not only from Shimla but also from other states come here to witness this festival. As you know, during the past two days, heatwave conditions prevailed and today it sounds relaxing due to the commencement of the festival. Organizing these kinds of programmes helps with cultural awakening. I would wish this festival a success and wish people would participate in it and should adopt the culture,” said Shiv Pratap Shukla.
The tourists are rushing to the hills and enjoying the summer festival and the pleasant weather conditions.”These days it is very hot in Punjab, it’s very good weather here; it’s cold and pleasant weather. The summer festival is also happening here and we are enjoying it. I am feeling happy to be here; we have forgotten the heat and we are enjoying the culture of Himachal Pradesh,” said Praminder Singh, a tourist from Punjab.

The tourists are feeling relaxed and happy to be in Shimla, away from hot climate zones. “We came here away from the hot temperature, we are enjoying the summer festival here. Everyone should come here; I am feeling happy to be here,” said Divinder Kaur, another tourist from Punjab.

The tourists are pleased to enjoy the cultural bonanza in the hills.
“It is very hot in Delhi and we decided to come here. I am happy to be here. It’s good and pleasant weather here and we are enjoying the summer festival. We also danced. I advise everyone to come to Shimla, no matter if you need to spend money but you should enjoy it,” said Himanshu, a tourist from Delhi. (ANI)

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A Historic Retreat in Shimla’s Verdant Haven

Set amidst lovingly-tended gardens, the rooms offer unparalleled privacy and intimacy. Exquisitely manicured lawns, fragrant nooks and a fire pit provide the perfect setting for a brisk game of croquet, a quiet read or a romantic evening under the stars…reports Asian Lite News

The Shimla home of HH Princess Kusum of Bharatpur has an illustrious history that dates back to the late 19th century. A witness to the heydays of the Raj, Independence and the birth of Himachal Pradesh, the home has welcomed nobility and royalty and, it is said that even a Vicereine once dropped by for a chat.

Perched on a sunlit spur at over 7,700 ft on Jakhu Hill, Jungle House commands sweeping views of the Middle Himalayas. Nestled in ancient woods a mere 700 meters from Jakhu Temple, with a motorable approach, and a picturesque three-kilometre walk from The Mall. The 19th-century royal summer house’s unique location offers unsurpassed levels of privacy and solitude while ensuring easy access to all areas of tourist interest.

Unsurpassed levels of privacy, luxury and highly personalised service

The estate offers two exquisite suites in a standalone stone cottage that effortlessly combines contemporary style with colonial hill architectural design. The cottage has been meticulously renovated to preserve its original features while providing exceptional levels of modern comforts and luxury.

With teak floors, high ceilings, sumptuous furnishings, elegant spacious bathrooms, thoughtfully selected amenities, original artworks and breath-taking views, each generously proportioned suite – Chelsea and Holly – has been thoughtfully designed to help you unwind and enjoy the finer things in life. Luxuriate in a tub as you watch snowflakes drift by or snuggle up in a king-size bed with a book. Each room has been designed to pamper you while reflecting the home’s unique heritage and a strong sense of place.

Dining at Jungle House

Friendly and informal, dining at Jungle House represents the relaxed elegance of dining at a gracious country house. Feel more at home than in a hotel, and experience home-cooked meals from jealously guarded family recipes. Savour caringly prepared dishes that use only the finest locally sourced ingredients.

A delightful and extensive breakfast to start your day, and Jungle House’s signature afternoon tea to welcome you home from your adventures. Aperitivo Hour by the firepit, and as the finalé, indulge yourself in a delectable dinner followed by scrumptious pudding.

Whether you desire Continental favourites like Chicken Kiev, Himachali and Indian cuisine, breakfast staples like Eggs Benedict and fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth pancakes with homemade jams and preserves or delightful desserts like lemon tarts and chocolate cake, each meal at Jungle House is an experience in itself.

Specially crafted experiences

Uniquely located in the middle Himalayas, the “Queen of Hill Stations” and the former summer capital of the Raj, Shimla is the repository of legends and some of the best-kept secrets of India.

There is an experience crafted for every season and mood to create memories and add to your stay at Royal Summer House.

Idyllically nestled in an ancient forest, Jungle House presents itself as the perfect location for celebrating the outdoors, no matter the weather forecast. Shinrin–yoku or forest bathing is all about connecting with nature, and taking time to slow down and appreciate the outdoors. We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. It offers the sanctuary of mindfulness and release.

For those in the mood for something a little more energetic, there’s always a walk through the magnificent Shimla Catchment Sanctuary or hiking through the Himalayan countryside accompanied by an experienced guide. Weather permitting, you could also experience ice skating at an open-air skating rink.

For the spiritually minded, Jakhu Mandir, the ancient temple dedicated to Hanuman sits atop Jakhu Hill, an exhilarating 500m trek up from Jungle House. According to the Ramayana, Hanuman stopped to rest at the location while searching for Sanjeevni Booti to revive Lakshmana.

The more adventurous may wish to retrace the steps of famous authors and raconteurs such as Rudyard Kipling, to explore the summer capital of the empire. Enjoy a bracing heritage walk accompanied by the foremost authority on colonial Shimla or browse for antiques and take in the scene on The Mall.

If a round of golf at 7200 feet sounds like fun, then the Jungle House butler will be delighted to assist you with booking tee-off slots at the historic Naldehra Golf Course which dates back to 1905 and is one of India’s oldest and most scenic golf courses. It is a par 68, 18-hole golf course with 16 greens and 18 tees.

Jungle House is available to accept reservations for rooms starting from Rs 25,000 (plus taxes) per room per night, which includes full daily breakfast and dinner for up to two persons, afternoon tea, Aperitivo hour – daily sundowner refreshments accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, free flow of tea, coffee and soft beverages throughout the day, complimentary bottled water in the room and unlimited WiFi throughout the premises.

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