Lakkar Bazar: Famous Shopping Paradise in the Queen of Hills

Lakkar Bazar is a street market located on the Mall Road in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Lakkar Bazar is famous for its wooden articles, especially toys, that are made by a small group of Sikh carpenters who settled here a century ago from Hoshiarpur. Lakkar Bazar also offers a variety of other items such as woollens, pashmina shawls, handicrafts and jewellery.

Lakkar Bazar is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of the Queen of Hills. Visit during One Day trip Shimla Local Sightseeing Package – Visit Famous Place

Location of Lakkar Bazar

Lakkar Bazar is located on the Mall Road, which is the main street of Shimla city, which is about 350 km away from Delhi, the capital of India. Lakkar Bazar is easily accessible by road, rail and air from various parts of India. The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 120 km away from Shimla. The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from Lakkar Bazar. There are also regular bus services to Shimla from Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali and other cities.

Timing/Entry Fees Lakkar Bazar

Lakkar Bazar is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting The Bazar, but there are charges for parking and photography. The parking charge is Rs. 10 per vehicle, and the photography charge is Rs. 50 per camera.

How to Reach Lakkar Bazar

Lakkar Bazar can be reached by road from various parts of Shimla and nearby towns. There are auto rickshaws and taxis available for hire from the railway station, bus stand and other places. Alternatively, one can walk or cycle to The Bazar from nearby areas.

Things to Do/Must See Lakkar Bazar

There are many things to do and see at Lakkar Bazar, such as:

• Shopping: The main attraction of Lakkar Bazar is shopping for various items such as wooden articles, woollens, pashmina shawls, handicrafts and jewellery. The Bazar has a number of shops that sell these items at reasonable prices. Some of the famous shops are Himachal Emporium, Minerva Book House, Maria Brothers Antique Shop and Tibetan Market.
• Dining: Lakkar Bazar also has a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental and Tibetan. The Bazar also has some famous bakeries and confectioneries that sell mouth-watering pastries, cakes, chocolates and ice creams. Some of the popular eateries are Baljees Restaurant, Indian Coffee House, Cafe Sol and Trishool Bakers.
• Entertainment: Lakkar Bazar also has some entertainment options such as cinema halls, amusement parks and gaming zones. The Bazar also hosts some cultural events and festivals such as Summer Festival, Winter Carnival and Ice Skating Festival. Some of the popular entertainment venues are Gaiety Theatre, Ritz Cinema Hall, Fun World Amusement Park and Himalayan Aviary.
• Sightseeing: Lakkar Bazar also has some historical and cultural landmarks that showcase the colonial legacy and the local heritage of Shimla. Some of these landmarks are:
  • Monument Rani Jhansi: This is a bronze statue of Rani Jhansi, one of the freedom fighters of India, that was unveiled in 1977 by Jagjivan Ram, the then defence minister of India. The statue depicts Rani Jhansi in her traditional attire and sword.
  • Band Stand: This is a circular platform that was built in 1907 by Lord Curzon, the then viceroy of India. The band stand was used for musical performances by British army bands during summer evenings.
  • Mahatma Gandhi Statue: This is a bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, that was unveiled in 2010 by Sonia Gandhi, the then president of Indian National Congress. The statue depicts Gandhi in his trademark dhoti and shawl.

Nearby Tourist Attractions Lakkar Bazar

There are many other tourist attractions near Lakkar Bazar that are worth visiting, such as:

• Jakhoo Hill: This is the highest peak in Shimla that offers a bird’s eye view of the city. Jakhoo Hill also has a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is believed to have rested here while searching for Sanjeevani herb.
• Kali Bari Temple: This is a Hindu temple situated on Bantony Hill, Shimla. The temple is dedicated to fearsome reincarnation of Goddess Kali, known as Shyamala, after which the Shimla city is named.
• Viceregal Lodge: This is a majestic building that served as the residence of the British Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1947. Viceregal Lodge also houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) that conducts research in humanities and social sciences.
• The Ridge: This is a large open space that runs along the Mall Road in Shimla. The Ridge is the main square of the city and offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. The Ridge is also a historical and cultural landmark that showcases the colonial legacy and the local heritage of Shimla.

Significance of Lakkar Bazar

Lakkar Bazar is not only a tourist attraction, but also a source of delight and joy for the people of Shimla. It is a place that celebrates the spirit and culture of the hill town. It is also a place that reflects the diversity and harmony of Shimla, as it has people of different religions, such as Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, who visit and worship here. It is also a place that preserves the historical and architectural heritage of Shimla, as it has buildings and structures that date back to the colonial era.

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Conclusion

Lakkar Bazar is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the charm and beauty of the Queen of Hills. It is a place where one can shop, dine, entertain and sightsee in a vibrant and charming atmosphere. It is a place where one can enjoy the views of nature while sipping a cup of coffee or tea. It is a place where one can experience the glory and spirit of Shimla.