One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Shimla features many attractions for those with a special interest in history, shopping, and adventure. Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla features colonial architecture, rolling hills, and a bustling mall road. Hailed as one of the magnificent climates and sceneries in the world, tourists flock to this hill station not just for its old-world charm but also to experience a very contemporary local culture. From history to shopping to trekking, Shimla has everything under the sun, check the Travel Guide to Shimla
Did You Know? Shimla has the longest rail tunnel in India; at 1.1 kilometers on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, it's the Barog Tunnel.
- The Ridge and Mall Road: The heart of Shimla is centered by the Ridge, a place of grandeur vistas and famous landmarks. The Mall Road hosts a range of shops, eating outlets, and quaint colonial buildings.
- Jakhoo Temple: Located on Jakhoo Hill, the temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman. It offers panoramic vistas of Shimla with the giant statue of Hanuman standing high at 108 feet.
- Kufri: Just a short drive from Shimla, it is famed for its ski slopes, adventurous activities, and a small zoo with Himalayan wildlife.
- Christ Church: This is a neo-Gothic structure built in 1857 and one of the oldest in North India. The church is simply spectacular with stained-glass windows and serves as a prominent landmark on The Ridge.
Travel Guide to Shimla – Top Activities and Experiences
- Toy Train Ride: Scenic journey through Kalka-Shimla, a UNESCO-listed toy train ride, through tunnels, pine forests, and beautiful valleys.
- Ice Skating : Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in Asia and is only open during winters. If you are visiting between December and February, you shouldn’t miss ice-skating.
Handicraft shops and emporiums with local goods, woolens, and souvenirs are available to visit. Mall Road is an ideal spot to indulge into local delicacies as well.
Essential Travel Tips
- The best time to visit is between October and June and the months of December and January for snow, and summers offer pleasant weather that is best for sightseeing.
- Getting Around: Shimla is walkable in most parts. There are also taxis and buses. The toy train provides spectacular travel between towns.
- Safety Tips: Roads tend to be slippery and damp in monsoons and snowy seasons. Always carry light woolens, as the temperature plummets even on summer nights.
Historical Fact: Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, was also known as Rashtrapati Niwas. It was the summer capital of British viceroys and a very important venue for India's partition meetings in 1947.
Where to Eat and Stay
- Dining: There is a good mix of cuisines at Wake and Bake Café, Café Simla Times, and Indian Coffee House, all with a view of the hills.
- Accommodation: From heritage hotels like the colonial-style Oberoi Cecil to simple guesthouses, Shimla has everything from budget-friendly options to luxurious ones.
