himla is the best market for the handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. Woollen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, woollen caps, carved wooden sticks, toys and other items made form wood are made in Shimla itself and are on sale in the Lakkar Bazar. Tibetan jewellery and trinkets are found in the small Tibetan shops near the Ridge.

Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in India. An
Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition. The summer festival in Shimla offers the best entertainment of the year. Artistes are invited from all parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Besides the summer festival , regular cultural programmes are organised in shimla during the tourist season.

Tourist Attractions

• Taj Mahal
• Agra Fort
• Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb

Shopping
Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and was an accomplished artist herself in zari embroidery work. Agra's major handicraft products besides inlay work are: leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. Agra is also well known for its sweets petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. The main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Munro Road, Rajaki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex.

Where to Stay:
While choosing where to live, be very careful! In the most places there is no hot water (you will get it only by ordering beforehand). It is necessary to check everything, including the presence of bed-linen.

• Clark's Shiraz
• Agra Ashok
• Oberoi Amarvilas

Getting there

By Air - The airport at Shimla, 22 km from the main city, has connecting flights to Delhi and Kullu. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, more handy.
By Rail - We shall provide you with all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.