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Jakhoo temple Shimla

The famous Jakhoo / Jakhu temple of Shimla devoted to lord Hanuman is located two and a half kilometers from the ridge Shimla on the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, which is 2,455 meters  / 8000 ft above mean sea level. The climb takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The hikers are  rewarded with a splendid view of the city, as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

The original dates of temple is not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. It is said that Lord Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the  sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman's life. Appropriately enough, there are hundreds of monkeys around the temple. But these monkeys can be a real nuisance, so be careful. The key to staying safe in a monkey-populated area is to be mindful of food, which is by far the most common invitation to primate aggression. If you choose to feed the monkeys, always opt for these local treats (usually bananas or other fruits). Handing out sugar cookies, peanuts or other exotic snacks like can cause in-fighting among the monkeys.