Geographical Description of District Shimla
Completely nestled in Dhauladhar mountain range, Shimla is known for its scenic beauty and British era Architecture. Shimla is located on Southern part of State. Dhauladhar mountain range formed the natural boundary between Shimla and Kinnaur. In north Satluj river separate the district from Kullu and Mandi, whereas eastern part of district share border with Uttarakhand.
Political Geography of Shimla
Total area of Shimla is 5131 Sq Km. In Term of area Shimla is the 6th largest District of Himachal. It share border with 5 District. In term of Population it is 3rd largest district of Himachal Pradesh after Kangra and Mandi.
Physiographical Division of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Physiographically district can be divided into hills and river valleys. General altitude of District increase toward east and South East. No part of district is below the altitude of 700 mtr. Dhauladhar is principle mountain range of district. Satluj Valley, Pabbar Valley etc are main valleys of District.
Dhauladhar
Dhauladhar which is cut by river Beas near Aut in District Kullu enter the Mandi in Balichowki thereafter it continue toward Karsog and finally enter the District Shimla in Shalli. From here it continue toward Kotkhai and Jubbal and finally into Uttarakhand where it merged with Greater Himalayan range near Bhanderpooch peak . In Kotkhai one of its branch separate from it and entered the Churdhar other branch move toward Narkanda. A Number of passes on range connect the different valleys such as Narkanda connect the Shimla with Satluj valley. ( See in Detail Physiographic Map of Himachal Pradesh)
Mountain Ridges of Shimla
Alternatively another mountain ridge originating near Kinnaur border run continuously South Westward toward Shimla, forming the natural water divide between Indus and Gangetic basin. Northern slope of this ridge is drained into Satluj and southern slope of it is completely drained into the Yamuna. Shimla town is drained by both Indus and Gangetic basin.
Valleys Regions Shimla.
District has three prominent valley i.e Satluj, Giri and Pabbar valley. Satluj valley lies north of district. Entire district expect few pockets of area (which are part Satluj catchment) , fall in catchment of Yamuna. River Giri flow in the central part of district, however it is river Ashwani which drained the main Shimla Town.River Giri is known for its interlocking Spur topography. River Pabbar rained the eastern part of district such as Rohru and Jubbal. Similarly Patasari drained the Southern part of district such as Chopal, Churdhar and Nerua.
There are numerous important valleys such as Satluj valley ,Pabbar valley ,Giri valley and Chaupal valley.
Geology of Himachal Pradesh.
Geological Jutogh Group of rocks represents the oldest rock of district.
Demography of District
Total population of district is 8,14,010. And overall density of district is 159. In term density it is 8th largest district. District has unfavorable sex ratio of 915, which is below the state average. Shimla has increased its population by 12.67% since 2001 census. ( See in Detail Demography of Himachal Pradesh, Census 2011 with Maps.)
Religious , Caste and Tribe Composition
Around 97.23% population is follower Hinduism. 0.5 % Population is follower of Sikhism. District has noticeable muslim population of 1.45% and 0.4% Buddhist Population.
Around 26.51 % is Schedule caste Population
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