Shimla is known as the Queen of hills. The mesmerizing and picturesque views of the hills captivate every person who visits the place. Shimla is a place with pristine natural surroundings and quaint colonial architecture. Shimla is the capital of Himachal and also a retreat destination for most foreign tourists around the world. 

The snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green natural trails offer a breathtaking view of the city. Shimla is the most famous hill station of north India and a major Indian tourist hub. People often refer to Shimla as Shimla hills. 

What exactly is Shimla hill? Why the place is always synonymous with hills? Well, there is a reason behind this reference, read on to know more.

Shimla is ideally located at the southwestern ranges of the Himalayan region. It is located 7238 feet above the sea level, which stands along a ridge with seven spurs. Shimla was built on top of seven different hills namely Inverarm Hill, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Summer Hill, Elysium Hill, Bantony Hill,   and Jakhoo Hill. In fact, the highest point is the Jakhoo hill that is located at the height of 8051 feet.  

The seven hills of Shimla 

1.Inverarm Hill

It’s a very famous hill in Shimla and it houses the Himachal state museum. The place is quiet and there is no buzz around it. Only a handful of tourists visit the hill when they come to visit the famous museum in Shimla. 

2. Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill is on the western side of Shimla city. It houses the very famous Kamna Devi Temple. Many devotees visit the place to seek divine intervention at this place. The hill is located at the height of 2200 meters above sea level. The view from this hill is spectacular. 

3. Observatory Hill

It’s located at the bottom towards the summer hill. The hill is located at the western part of Shimla. It has a height of 7050 ft above sea level. It houses the Indian Institute of advanced study, which is a major tourist attraction. 

4. Summer Hill

Summer hill is also located in the western part of Shimla. It's located at the height of 6500 feet above sea level. It is just 5 km away from the heart of the city. Its the center point of Kalka Shimla toy train. It also houses the famous Himachal Pradesh University campus. 

5. Elysium Hill
Its located in the northwestern part of Shimla. The place houses the famous state museum and bird park. The state museum gives a rich insight into the history and culture of Himachal city. 
Most people prefer trekking to get a panoramic view of this hill that is surrounded by flowers, trees, and forests. It also houses the Auckland house and Longwood. Elysium Hill is known as the 7th hill of Shimla. 

6. Bantony Hill
Bantony hill is located at the central part of the city just before the scandal point. It houses the famous Bantony Castle. The hill was named after Lord Bantony. He had built the castle on the hill as his summer residence. But, after independence, the place was used as a railway office. Today, no one uses the place and it's been declared as an impermissible place. 

7. Jakhoo hill

Its the most popular and famous hill of Shimla. In fact, its the highest point of Shimla that is located in the western part. It's located at a height of 8051 ft above sea level. It's just 2 km away from the city center. It houses the very famous ancient temple of Lord Hanuman. 
The place is popular for a 108-meter tall statue of Lord Hanuman There is a 2.5 steep climb from the ridge, which you need to take to reach the place. The place offers a mesmerizing view of sunset and sunrise that can leave you spellbound. Pine trees and deodar trees surround the hill.
Shimla is surrounded by seven hills and hence its given the name of hill city. It's the most popular hill station in India. 
References to Shimla or Shimla hills

Near Kufri region 

Just 20 km away from Shimla, there is another hill station, which is known as Kufri. The hill station was named by Britishers and is surrounded by mountains and great climate throughout the year. 

Different mountain ranges 

Shimla is surrounded by various mountain ranges. Trees such as deodar and oak are located in various parts of Shimla. It’s a home to the natural nature trail and magnificent valleys. 

The history behind it

Shimla got its name from Goddess Shayamla Devi. Blessed with natural beauty and snow-capped peaks, it’s surrounded by hills and historical structures. Shimla straddles in a long eight-mile ridge that clings to the green hill slides. Shimla is a place that is bounded by the state of Uttarakhand that is in the mountain region. 
It's near the Mandi and Kullu region in the north and Kinnaur region in the south. The green belt in Shimla is spread around 414 hectares of land and there are so many places of attraction that fascinate the tourists. 

Ridge is the pedestrian esplanade that is situated along the Mall road in Shimla. Major places of Shimla like snow down and Jakhoo hill are connected through the ridge. The base ridge of Shimla had the thickest forestland in the area. Today, the same area is covered by Himalayan oak, pines, furs and rhododendron trees.
Shimla hill station is the regal summer capital, which Britishers used to recoil when the temperature of Indio-Gangetic plains was agonizing. Be it the ancient stonework of the place or the spectacular viceregal lodge, the architectural excellence is still alive at the place. 

Shimla is surrounded by snow slopes of snowcapped mountain peaks so its the favorite spot for trekkers too. The mountain peaks also fascinate skiers from all over India. 

Shimla is the most beautiful hill station of India, truly the Queen of hills.