Shimla Tourism Guide

Shimla is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is one of the most famous travel destinations of India. Read about Simla travel, tourism in Shimla, famous places, shimla holiday packages, honeymoon, summer, winter holiday packages, hotels in shimla, shimla hotel booking.

The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130m). As the 'summer capital' of the British in India.

This was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. 

Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Placed in the tower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests.

Towards the north lie the snow covered high-ranges, while the valleys broad whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are a host of splendid colonial edifices,quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping,sport and entertainment.

High season:  is mid - April to mid - July, mid - September to late October and mid - December to mid - January. The best time to visit is mid - September to late November.

Places to Visit in Shimla

The Ridge: This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks the neo Gothic structure of Christ Church and the Neo Tudor Library library building are here.

Chadwick Falls, 67 m high: are only really worth visiting during or just after the monsoons (July to October). The falls are 7 km from Shimla and can be reached via Summer Hill.

Lekkar Bazaar: Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

Jakhoo Hill/Temple - dedicated to the monkey god, Lord Hanuman - At 2455 m,this is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral: This dressed - stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts. This is the second oldest church in northern India (the oldest is in Ambala), Christ Church was build between 1846 and 1857. 

The church is one of the Shimla's major landmarks and is renowned for its stained glass windows. You can have a look inside the church or attend English-language services every Sunday morning during the tourist season.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study: At 1983 m,this magnificent English renaissance strudure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket (nominal charge).A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

The Glen: At 1830 m,this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Annandale: Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Excursions

Bihargaon (4km): Approached either past the cemetery below St.Edward's Schoot,or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.

Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi(6km): At 2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular views of the area.

Sankat Mochan (7 km): This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Chandwick Falls (8 km): At 1586 m,these rained falls are approached through Summer hill.

Tara Devi (11 km): A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

Mashobra (12 km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.

Kufri (16km): At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and skislopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.

Fagu(22 km): At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.

Naldehra (22 km): At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf course. It was designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second name.

Chail(45km): This was the former summer capital' of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a Luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.

Tattapani (51 km): At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.

Adventure and fishing: There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.

Shopping

Like any other destination, Shimla has its own specialty to offer, representative of Himachal's unique culture, craft and tradition. You can buy handicrafts, wood and metalwork shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickle, jams and squashes.

The Himachal Emporium: People interested in genuine local handicrafts must visit this place located on the (western) Mall.

The Tibetan Refugee Handloom Shop: Located on the (Eastern) Mall, it showcases local development projects apart from selling carpets, clothes and other Tibetan crafts. Besides, there are a number of private shops and showrooms selling object art and crafts.

Access

Shimla is well connected with New Delhi, the national capital and other centres in UP, Haryana and Punjab by rail, road and air.

Road Connectivity with important destinations: Lying on NH 22, Shimla is well connected with a number of parts in the area, both within and outside the state. Overall, roads are good and enjoyable drive.

Bus Options: Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBT), both at Delhi and Shimla, caters to visitors looking for bus services. ISBT on Cast Road has a counter (No9), where the employee speaks English and is of great help to foreigners as well as non Hindi speaking nationals of India. At scandal point in Shimla is another booking office.

For destinations east of Shimla, buses start from the Rivoli Bus Station on the northern side of the main ridge, below the HPTDC Office. One can board a bus along Cast Road for Tattapani, Kasauli and other destinations enroute to Kalka or Narkanda, i.e. Kufri and Theog.

Railway Options: If you want to enjoy the green mountain slopes, covered with fir, rhododendron, pine and the Himalayan Oak and traditional homesteads nestling amount the foliage, do try the train option for travelmasti.

Airways: Daily flights are available to/from New Delhi, for which bookings may be made at New Delhi or Shimla's Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation office. A number of Tour and Travel agencies can make the arrangement for your. Jubbarhati, the Shimla's airport is about 25 km from the town.

Climate Conditions

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is from October to November. Between December and February, winter sets in with temperatures around zero degree Celsius, and heavy snowfall in the area. April, May, and June are peak seasons for local tourists, when other parts of the country are very hot.

Holidays in Shimla