Rating
0.0/5.0
Location
Shimla , Himachal Pradesh
Category
Stadiums & Sports Complexes
Coordinates
Shimla, HP 171003, India - View on Google Maps
Theme: Stadiums & Sports Complexes • Shimla • Himachal Pradesh
Quick Information
About Annandale
It is a widely known fact that the British rulers considered the Shimla city as their summer capital and Ground. Being the mountain landscape, the space for residences and other places was limited near the centre of the city. Due to this fact, they created their Ground and the racecourse, the essential necessities on the different spur of the land, which is known as Annandale Ground. The British officers and the other people used Annandale Ground to organize the Fancy-fairs, picnic-parties, dog shows, fetes and other events. Today, the Indian army uses the ground as the heliport. It is also used as the venue for the parades and the military exercises.
History about Annandale
Annandale Ground, this landmark of Shimla evokes a lot of pleasant memories for the people who used to stay here in the heydays of the British Era. The Ground is located in the wide and deep valley of a suburb village known as the Kaithu in West Shimla. It is just 4 km away from the city and is located at the attitude of 6117 feet from the sea level. The Ground covers a small patch of tableland which is about ¾ of a mile in the circumference and 121 bighas in the area.
The spur on which this tableland is located was improved and extended by the British by cutting a big part of the hill. This initiative was taken by Lord William Beresford, who was the Military Secretary to the Lord Dufferin. He extended the Ground to include the Polo ground and the Cricket Pavilion. The expenses came to Rs.80, 000/- in those times. Most of it was donated by Indian Maharajas.
Annandale, there is a fascinating story about the name of the Ground and the valley. One of the first explorers Capt. Charles Pratt Kennedy discovered this valley and he was very struck by its beauty. He named the valley after his sweetheart in the boyhood days, whose name was Anna. He combined Anna with the “dale”, whose meaning is a valley. So, this valley got the name Annandale. This spelling of the valley appears in the early lithographs of the Shimla, which were done in the 1840s.
Since its inception in the 1830s, Annandale Ground has been the centre of the Anglo-Indian amusements, entertainments and the playful activities. They use to organize the various activities such as the fetus, races, birthdays, balls, army tattoos races, picnic parties, polo matches, dog shows, gymkhanas and flower shows. The polo tournament was the annual fixture at the Annandale until it was shifted to the Calcutta. The maintenance of the Annandale Ground was done by a general committee, which generated the funds by renting the ground to the cricket and polo clubs. The other organizations including the race committee, gymkhana and other voluntary organizations also paid rent to organize their events. The first fancy fair of the Annandale Ground was organized in 1839.
Today, the Ground is used for the sports, army parades, exercise and the as the helipad for the visitors. It is also used for the annual Dussehra festival celebrations. The army also conducts the regular disaster relief exercise known as the Mountain Rescue. The Himalayan ranges are prone to natural disasters. It is the aim of the army to practice, coordinate and refine the drill for the evacuation of the affected people in natural disaster areas. Since, World War II, the main area of Annandale Ground, which is surrounded by thick forests, is under the control of the Army.
Getting There
Annandale is a historic Ground, which is located 4 km away from The Ridge. The racecourse and the Ground are in a wide and deep valley which is situated in a village which is known as the Kaithu in the west region of Shimla. It is very easy to reach Annandale from Shimla. You can hire a private taxi or cab from Shimla. You can also use private buses or public buses to visit the Annandale Ground.
Best time to Visit
Annandale is also a very famous attraction for visitors to Shimla. They can visit the place any time during the year. The Ground has all the facilities for the visitors, such as the food which is available and the other facilities. The visitors can take photos and the videos at the Annandale Ground. Presently, the Annandale Ground comes under the authority of the Indian Army.
Where to Stay
Annandale is also famous for the golf course. So, the town gets tourists and the visitors, who want to play golf in their vacations. For that, the town has many hotels which include from budget to the luxury hotels. Also, as the place is near the city of Shimla, you can stay in the city also. In addition to that, there are many local people, who provide economic accommodation to the guests in addition to the food.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Annandale is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. During this period, temperatures are moderate, making it comfortable to explore the attraction and enjoy outdoor activities. The monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided due to heavy rainfall, while summers (April to June) can be extremely hot. Early morning and late afternoon visits are recommended for the best experience and photography opportunities.
Tip: Check the local weather forecast before your visit and carry appropriate clothing based on the season.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to Annandale is located in Shimla. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach the attraction.
By Train: Shimla has well-connected railway stations with regular train services from major cities across India. From the railway station, local transport options like taxis, auto-rickshaws, or buses are available. For detailed travel information, check our how to reach guide.
By Road: Shimla is accessible by road via national and state highways. You can drive your own vehicle, hire a taxi, or use intercity bus services. Use our distance calculator to plan your route. The roads are well-maintained and offer scenic views during the journey.
Local Transport: Once in Shimla, you can use local buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, or ride-sharing services to reach Annandale.
Explore more attractions and travel information in Himachal Pradesh.
Location: View location on Google Maps or check the map below for precise directions.
Entry Fees & Timings
Entry Fees: Please check the official website or contact the attraction authorities for current entry fees. Fees may vary for Indian nationals, foreign tourists, and children. Some attractions offer discounted rates for students and senior citizens.
Visiting Hours: The attraction is typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, timings may vary on weekends, holidays, or during special events. It's advisable to verify the exact opening and closing times before your visit.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) are recommended for the best experience and to avoid crowds.
Note: Some attractions may require advance booking or have specific entry requirements. Check the official website for the latest information.
Things to Do
- Explore the Attraction: Take your time to explore Annandale and appreciate its architecture, history, and natural beauty.
- Photography: Capture beautiful moments and scenic views. The attraction offers excellent photo opportunities throughout the day.
- Learn the History: Read about the historical significance and cultural importance of this attraction. Information boards and guided tours are often available.
- Enjoy Local Culture: Experience the local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality around the area. Explore more about Shimla culture and attractions.
- Shopping: Explore nearby markets for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional items.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit other popular attractions in the vicinity to make the most of your trip. Check out all attractions in Shimla.
- Theme Exploration: Explore more Stadiums & Sports Complexes attractions across India.
Travel Tips
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before visiting and dress accordingly. Carry water, sunscreen, and hats during summers.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll likely do a lot of walking.
- Safety: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Follow safety guidelines provided at the attraction.
- Photography: Respect photography rules. Some areas may restrict photography or require permits.
- Time: Allocate at least 2-3 hours for a proper visit to fully explore the attraction.
- Guides: Consider hiring a local guide for a more informative and enriching experience.
- Parking: Arrive early if you're driving, as parking spaces may be limited during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Annandale
What is Annandale?
Annandale is a popular tourist attraction located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a widely known fact that the British rulers considered the Shimla city as their summer capital and Ground. Being the mountain landscape, the space for residences and other places was limited nea...
What is the best time to visit Annandale?
The best time to visit Annandale is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Early morning and late afternoon visits are recommended for the best experience.
How to reach Annandale?
You can reach Annandale by air, train, or road. The nearest airport and railway station are in Shimla. From there, you can use local transport like taxis, auto-rickshaws, or buses to reach the attraction.
What are the entry fees for Annandale?
Entry fees may vary for Indian nationals, foreign tourists, and children. Please check the official website or contact the attraction authorities for current entry fees and any discounts available for students and senior citizens.
What are the visiting hours?
The attraction is typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, timings may vary on weekends, holidays, or during special events. It's advisable to verify the exact opening and closing times before your visit.
What are the things to do at Annandale?
Visitors can explore the attraction, take photographs, learn about its history and cultural significance, enjoy local culture and cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and visit nearby attractions to make the most of their trip.
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Nearby Attractions
While visiting Annandale, don't miss these nearby attractions that are equally fascinating and worth exploring:
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