Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is the most popular and established hill station of Northern India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,130 m. Shimla (also spelt as 'Simla') derives its name from goddess 'Shayamla Devi',which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. Shimla was the most important British hill station,prior to India's independence. It provides superb panoramic sights of the valleys,and the lofty peaks of the great Himalayan range,on both sides. The colourful local bazaars of Shimla are sprawled over the southern slopes of the ridge. The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till then,it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence,Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh.