The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is a well-liked hill town for Indian couples on their honeymoons. Perched at an elevation of 2200 meters, it served as British India’s summer capital. With its lovely colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a ridge dotted with several stores, cafes, and restaurants, the hill station has managed to hold onto its old-world charm.
With excellent connections to other places, Shimla is about 4 hours away from Chandigarh, a nearby city. There is an airport in the city as well, however not many daily flights depart from it. The railway station, which is well-known for the Kalka-Shimla train route—a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site—connects Shimla with the plans.
Most months have nice weather, and travelers are in large numbers, particularly in the summer. The winters are harsh, with a few snowy days from the middle of December until the end of February.
Places To Visit In Shimla
1. Mall Road, Shimla
This stretch is a mini-world unto itself and is recognized as one of Shimla’s busiest and most commercial places to this day. The charm of the hilltown is genuinely celebrated along the Shimla Mall Road. Except for homes and hotels, the slopes are primarily covered by travelers. Families, couples on their honeymoons, and groups of friends may all appreciate the charm and beauty of Mall Road. Scandal Point, the Kali Bari Temple, and the Gaiety Theatre are the closest attractions.
Since cars are not permitted on Mall Road (except for emergency vehicles), it is a great spot to promenade in the evenings in Shimla without worrying about traffic. Shimla Mall Road is well-known for more than just shopping; it’s also known for the wide range of eateries and the mouthwatering treats they serve. There are a plethora of options available to consumers here when it comes to dining establishments.
2. The Ridge
The most photographed open space in Shimla, the “British Summer Capital,” is The Ridge, which runs beside Shimla Mall Road. The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountain ranges and stores offering unique artifacts are just two of the many attractions available at The Ridge. With its Gothic structures and ancient architecture, the Ridge—best known for its shopping and its status as the city’s social center—retains traces of Shimla’s rich history.
The avenue is dotted with eateries, boutiques, bars, shops, and cafes that draw large crowds of people to the well-known Mall Road. It connects the renowned Scandal Point on the west end to the Mall Road and goes beside it from east to west. It is connected to Shimla’s most well-known wooden crafts bazaar, the Lakkar Bazaar, on the east end.
3. Jakhu Temple
Located at the highest point in Shimla, the Shivalik hill ranges, the Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple devoted to the Hindu god Hanuman, set against a lush green backdrop. The largest Hanuman statue in the world is housed in Jakhu Temple and is visible from most places in Shimla.
The stunning Jakhoo Temple backdrop, surrounded by a profusion of gorgeous Deodar trees and overlooking the sister town of Sanjauli, is enhanced by the presence of a large population of monkeys in and around the Jakhoo Hill region.
It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the Ridge in the heart of Shimla, which is roughly 2 km away. The story of Jakhu Temple states that Lord Hanuman slept here before continuing his quest for the Sanjeevani Booti, which would have revived Lord Lakshman.
4. Kufri
Kufri is a charming tiny hill town located in Himachal Pradesh, 20 kilometers from Shimla. which was formerly known to have been the British summer getaway in 1819, retains remnants of its colonial past in the form of surrounding buildings and architecture. Thanks to its favorable summer temperatures and winter snowfall, this is almost always packed with tourists.
At 2720 meters above sea level, Kufri serves as the beginning point for several of the most well-known treks in Himachal Pradesh. The most popular locations in Kufri are the Fagu Valley and the Mahasu Peak Trek, although you may also hike or take a pony ride from the parking lot.
Include Chail in your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Kufri because it’s nearby and offers a variety of sightseeing opportunities, including temples, a wildlife sanctuary, and a natural park. You could also visit Tattapani, Naldehra, Mashobra, Narkanda, and Mashobra; for additional information, see these Shimla tours.
5. Kalka Shimla Toy Train
The toy train, which travels on a tiny gauge track and is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding villages and hills, is the greatest way to see the Kalka to Shimla route. People can ride the ancient Kalka Shimla Toy train through forests of deodar and pine, as well as expansive green hills, all of which are listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Because the route was designed to take advantage of Himachal Pradesh’s abundance of natural beauty during the British era, the Kalka Shimla Toy train is guaranteed to transport you to a very different period of history via one of India’s most picturesque railway experiences. The five-and-a-half-hour toy train ride offers unique amenities.
6. Chail
Situated 44km from Shimla, Chail is a peaceful hill village renowned for its heritage hotel, Chail Palace, and the world’s highest cricket ground. At 2,250 meters above sea level, Chail is surrounded by pine and deodar trees.
Travelers usually visit Shimla, Kufri, and Chail in one trip, and many Shimla packages include all three. Since it just takes two hours to get here from the Mall road, Chail is a fantastic destination for a day trip from Shimla. In case you want a more satisfying experience, you might also choose to stay at one of the resorts. Only 45 kilometers separate Chail from Solan, another significant nearby city.
Adventure seekers can also choose from a variety of trekking and camping opportunities available in Chail. Chail, which is situated alongside the Sandhupul River, provides a range of camping choices around the river. Here, visitors may also explore the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.
7. Christ Church, Shimla
The Christ Church, the second-oldest church in North India, features five stained glass windows that each symbolize a distinct Christian virtue, a front porch, and church bells. Its building is influenced by the neo-gothic style. The chapel, which took eleven arduous years to build, serves as a reminder of India’s British colonization.
In the town of Shimla, there is a yellow structure that can be seen in the distance, and people who are passionate about architecture frequently congregate there. The Shimla Christ Church features five stained glass windows that each symbolize a different Christian virtue, a front porch, church bells, and a design influenced by the neo-gothic style.
Currently, the only place of worship for Christians is this one, which is open for business every day. It’s quiet and, yes, detached from reality inside Christ Church, even with all the hubbub outside at the Ridge. In addition to this, this magnificent church has been featured in several well-known Bollywood films, including Black and 3 Idiots, making it a well-liked tourist destination.
Favored packages in Shimla
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla, Kullu, Manali | ₹ 25,999* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Sightseeing, Meals, Other | |
| Overnight Bus, Shimla | ₹ 14,000* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Bus/Train, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie | ₹ 29,450* | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Hotels, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Shimla, kullu, Manali | ₹ 22,670* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Shimla, Manali | ₹ 25,450* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals |
The Ideal Time To Go To Shimla
March through June is the ideal season to visit Shimla because of the lovely weather and temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. The months of November through January during the winter are the greatest times to see snowfall in Shimla. Skiing and exploring the snow-covered surroundings are the perfect wintertime activities. Except for the monsoon season, which runs from July to September, Shimla experiences a thriving tourism industry year-round.
