| Duration: | 2 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Rides |
The early-morning hike up to Jakhu, or “Monkey”, Temple is something of a tradition in Shimla. The top of the hill (2455m) on which it stands offers a superb panorama of the Himalayas – particularly breathtaking before the cloud gathers later in the day. The relentlessly steep climb takes thirty to 45 minutes. The path starts just left of Christ Church; during the season, all you need do is follow the crowds.
After the hard walk up, the temple itself, a red-and-yellow-brick affair crammed with fairy lights and tinsel, comes as something of an anticlimax, although the new 30m-tall orange concrete statue of Hanuman is an impressive sight. The shrine inside houses what are believed to be the footprints of Hanuman himself. Legend has it that the monkey god, adored by Hindus for his strength and fidelity, rested on Jakhu after collecting healing Himalayan herbs for Rama’s injured brother, Lakshmana. Watch out for the troupes of mangy monkeys around the temple. Pampered by generations of pilgrims and tourists, they have become real pests; hang on to your bag and don’t flash food. Hold onto your specs too – one or two monkeys have even been trained to swipe them from unsuspecting victims’ faces and turn them over to a local, who will hand them back … for a small fee, of course.
Jakhoo Hill, is located at a distance of 1 kilometre from the Ridge, and is at a height of 8,000 feet above sea level. The highest peak of Shimla provides a beautiful view of the city with sunrise, sunset, the valleys of evergreens and snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Jakhoo Hill also has an ancient Hanuman temple.
According to legend, the shrine is believed to exist since the times of Ramayana. The temple is a century old spiritual edifice that attracts devotees as well as trekkers and mountaineers.
The word 'Jakhoo' is derived from 'Yakhsa', a link between humans and gods as per Hindu Mythology. The character is believed to be a protector of the divine treasure. The way to the temple is a narrow pavement that needs walking sticks to climb from the base.
The holy temple is home to innumerable monkeys. Perched on a hill top, it takes a trek of 30 minutes from The State Library through the dense pine forests to reach it. Ponies can also be hired from the base for a to and fro journey.
Travellers can take an adventurous ride on Gondola and can get breathtaking view of Shimla Hills, Shimla town, Forests and a magnificent view of snow covered hills during winters as you will be on the top of Shimla City
Tourists can have darshan of 108 feet long statue of Hanuman ji from Ropeway which considered as world’s tallest statue at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet. It makes your ropeway ride more valuable.
Apart from its religious significance, Jakhoo Temple also keeps its tourists occupied with many things to do in Shimla. Here is a list of top 6 places to visit in and around the temple -
Jakhoo Hill – Surrounded by Alpine trees, snow-capped Himalayan mountains and the evergreens valleys, Jakhoo Hill is a favorite escape for visitors wanting to relax away from the city life. Here you can spend hours just by looking at the clouds or simply capture the breathtaking scenery. This place is also famous for its trekking activity. It is only 0.4 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
Lakkar Bazaar – Widely known as the popular shopping street of Shimla, Lakkar Bazaar is an old wooden market from where you can bring some wooden handicrafts back home. In addition, the local market is also famous for selling handmade artifacts, key chains, Himachali woollen items at competitive prices. It is only 0.6 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
Sky Jumper Trampoline Park – Have an unparalleled experience with your family and children at Sky Jumper Trampoline Park. From gaming arcade to dash cars, basketball, volleyball and other recreational activities, the amusement park takes care of everyone’s enjoyment. It is only 0.8 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
The Ridge – An ideal place for tourists to spend some leisure evenings, The Ridge lets you breathe in the fresh air while you click some pictures on your Shimla tour. It offers more of a laid-back atmosphere to overlook the panoramic beauty and has an array of fine-dining restaurants, bars and shops – to make your experience an unforgettable one. It is only 1 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
christ church– For all those who are after a mix of peace and spirituality, Christ Church is a great place to visit. Perfect for history lovers and archaeological fanatics, the Christ Church allows you to go back in time and re-cherish the past memories. It is only 1.3 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
Kali Bari Temple – Don’t forget to seek blessing from Kali Bari Temple when you are in Shimla. Built in 1845, the temple is one of the oldest temples of Goddess Kali and is a heaven for nature admirers. Witness the stunning landscapes in your free time or enjoy the mouthwatering Bengali food in the canteen. The temple also offers a guest house for the convenience of tourists. It is only 1.7 km away from Jakhoo Temple.
There is no entry fee to visit Jakhoo Temple in Shimla. It is open from 7 AM in the morning to 8 PM in the evening every day.
Since the Jakhoo Temple is just a short stroll away from the city centre, it is pretty easy to walk the picturesque trail of 2 km to reach your destination. One can also hire a taxi or a shared cab to enjoy the Shivalik ranges and steep slopes on the road route.
However, the easiest way to reach the Jakhoo Temple in Shimla is through a new ropeway that takes you directly to the temple from The Ridge in 5 minutes. Tourists visiting the temple get a lifetime opportunity to overlook the beautiful landscapes and British-era architecture from up in the air. The 2-way journey costs nearly INR 500 per person (for adults) and INR 400 per person (for children).
