The summit of Jakhu Hill in Shimla is 2,455m and approximately 200m higher than the central ridge of Shimla. This highest peak in Shimla features an ancient temple, trees & a huge statue of the Hindu god Hanuman. A major tourist attraction, Jakhoo Hill is known for its panoramic brilliance and the famous Jakhoo Temple. Its construction was started in 2008 and completed in the year 2010, inaugurated and built by the Managing Director of JHS Svendgaard Laboratories Ltd. According to popular belief; Lord Hanuman stopped at this very spot while on his search for the mythical Sanjeevani Booti. It is a Hindu temple that houses a 108-foot-high Hanuman idol, the tallest idol of the Vanara (monkey) god in the world.
Jakhu Hill Is A Haven For All Travellers
Jakhu Hill, standing tall at an altitude of 2,500 meters from sea level, is the highest point in Shimla. A major tourist attraction, Jakhoo Hill is known for its panoramic brilliance and the famous Jakhoo Temple. It is a Hindu temple that houses a 108-foot-high Hanuman idol, the tallest idol of the Vanara (monkey) god in the world. Jakhoo Temple is known for exposing explorers to majestic panoramas. It has many paintings and statues of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. Mountaineering and trekking are some of the biggest activities in Jakhoo Hill. The government organises regular trekking and mountaineering in this area.
Must Read: Offbeat Places In Shimla
Places Nearby Jakhu Hill To Visit
Discover off-the-beaten places near Jakhu Hill to add a new dimension of thrill to your vacation. Whether you are with your family or friends, every second spent here is truly memorable.
1. Mall Road
Mall Road is the central hangout point and shopping centre in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall Road is located a level below The Ridge. The stores on Mall Road are famous for their woollen clothes and exclusively handcrafted works, apart from the usual books and jewellery. The wooden furniture shops are particularly well-known; so do not forget to shop for some exquisite wooden articles and antiques. The nearest central railway station to the Mall Road is the Shimla Railway Station. It is located about 3.4 kilometres from here. It is a pedestrian avenue known for its vibrant atmosphere, colonial-era buildings, various shops, cafes, and restaurants, and cultural and historical significance; vehicles are generally not allowed on Mall Road to maintain its pedestrian-friendly environment.
2. Rothney Castle
It’s a fantastic heritage building where the former founder of the Indian National Congress, A.O Hume, used to live. During the 1857 First War of Indian Independence, Mr. Hume was posted in Etawah as a government civil servant. After that, he was moved to Shimla offices. He made his home at the Rothney Castle at the Jakhoo Hill. In addition to being a government civil servant, he also was a political reformer and ornithologist. Rothney Castle is near the Lakkar Bazar, on the road which leads to the Jakhoo Hill. It is located near the central part of the city. Visitors living in any part of the city can easily access the central part of the city at any time.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Shimla
3. Lakkar Bazaar
One of the most popular places to visit in Shimla, Lakkar Bazar is home to numerous shops that specialise in selling an array of antique works along with woollen garments, pashmina shawls, Himachali handicrafts and artificial jewellery. Lakkar Bazaar lies on the route to Chapslee Estate, Longwood and Shankli, uptown residential localities of Shimla. Lakkar Bazaar, also known as the Wood Bazaar, is the marketplace and one of the special attractions in Shimla. Wooden walking sticks are quite famous here. The Bazaar is also popular for its Kullu Shawls and dry fruits. Lakkar Bazaar has all the great buys that a tourist is looking for. The Lakkar Bazaar is the base from where the trek starts to the Jakhu peak. The market also has an ice skating rink, one of the special attractions in Lakkar Bazaar.
4. Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Jakhu Temple (also Jakhoo Temple) is an ancient temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. It is situated at Jakhu Hill, Shimla’s highest peak, 2.5 km (1.6 mi) east of the Ridge at a height of 2,455 m (8,054 ft) above sea level. The temple was built around a place that was supposed to have the footprints of Hanuman. Overlooking the nearby town of Sanjauli, the surroundings of the Jakhoo Temple are complemented by amazing views that make the setting even more spectacular. It is a great place to enjoy the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets and an adventurous drive for trek enthusiasts.
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5. Shimla Heritage Walk
The Heritage Walk of Shimla is one of the hidden gems. The route covers the Vice Regal Lodge, Clark’s Hotel, The Ridge, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Bandstand, Scandal Point, Town Hall, Telegraph Office, Connie Cottage/ General Post Office, Gorton Castle, Council Chambers of the State Legislative Building, Cecil Hotel and Kennedy Cottage. Shimla Heritage Walk is a guided tour of the Heritage Zone located in a hill town. The Shimla heritage walk is more like a stroll at one’s own pace, with or without a guide. It is the best way to explore the heritage monuments when travelling on a tight schedule. The walk usually begins in the morning, and the city landscape, the slopes and the hills make the walk interesting under the clear Shimla skies.
6. Viceregal Lodge
This spectacular building built in the Scottish baronial style was the HQ of the British Indian empire for the best part of 60 years. The Viceregal Lodge is a living testament to India’s colonial past, weaving together a complex tapestry of pivotal events and historical milestones. Its origins trace back to 1803 when it served as a camp for triumphant British troops, evolving into a circuit house. The Viceregal Lodge was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style during Lord Dufferin’s tenure as Viceroy. Its construction started in 1880 and was completed in 1888. Lord Dufferin occupied the lodge on 23 July 1888.
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7. Christ Church
St Michael Cathedral in Shimla is a throwback to the Victorian era, dating back to 1886. The interiors of the cathedral are decorated in typical French-Gothic style architecture. Currently, the cathedral can hold a service of at least 400 people. Like other churches in India, St. Michael’s Cathedral incorporates a nave, a vestry, a confessional room, a baptistery room and two aisles. The organ in the church is considered to be the finest in North India. The big church building is an important landmark of Shimla and is located just below the district court. There is an aroma of spirituality in the air of St. Michael’s Cathedral, which sways tourists to light a candle or lay flowers amongst the gilded walls. Inside the church, tourists can see an old glass tapestry and a precious old statue of ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’, which is a gift from Mexico. The beautiful architectural masterpiece is worth a visit on a trip to Shimla.
Best Time To Visit Jakhu Hill
The best time to visit Jakhu Hills is during the summer months, including March and June. In these months, you can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Shimla. The place’s temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Also, one can visit Jakhoo Hill during Dussehra. Festivities are rife during this time, and several colourful stalls are set up around Jakhu Temple. This temperature is ideal for outdoor activities such as walking to the Jakhoo Hills.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Shimla In June
Now that you know the factors to consider, you can easily plan your next trip to Shimla For a truly unique experience, remember to include a stop at the Scandal Point Prepare your backpacks and head to this unusual and distinctive location.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jakhu Hills
What is the location of the Jakhu Hills?
Jakhu Hill is the highest point in Shimla, rising to a height of 2,500 meters above sea level.
What are the various activities to do in Shimla?
Activities to Do While on Vacation in Shimla are Walking on Jakhu Hill, praying at Tara Devi Temple, Taking Pictures at Shimla Ridge, Taking Celebrity Selfies at Johnnie's Wax Museum, and Riding the Toy Train.
Which food is most famous in Shimla?
Madra is among the most well-known meals in Shimla. In this traditional Himachali meal, soaked and boiled chickpeas are cooked in a thick, creamy stew made with yoghurt and a variety of aromatic spices.
What is Shimla’s temperature during winter months?
Although November marks the start of winter, December and January are the coldest months. Weather and Temperature: The most significant temperature is 8°C, and the lowest is -6°C.
What is the best way to travel to Jakhu Hills?
The Jakhu Ropeway Ride is the most exciting way to reach Shimla's highest point. It's also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you will always treasure
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