Jakhu Hill, Shimla

The steep climb to Jakhu Hill, east of the city centre, will get you the best view of Shimla from an altitude of 2,445m. The Jakhu Temple is dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman (see Ramayana for more on this much loved god). Since no temple in India goes without a legend, Jhaku has a story too. It is said that Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the magical sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman’s life. Appropriately enough, there are many monkeys around the temple.

But the monkeys can be a real nuisance, so do be careful and keep food out of sight and reach. For those who need a helping hand with the climb, walking sticks are available at teashops at the base (for Rs 5).