Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, (North India)
Shimla is the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shimla is a renowned hill station known for its colonial architecture, lush greenery, and pleasant weather. The town offers attractions such as the Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhu Temple, and the historic Shimla Railway Station. Shimla's scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for tourists throughout the year.
Unlock the beauty of Shimla with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Shimla has it all
Shopping
It's a major shopping street lined with cafes, restaurants, local shops selling woolens, handicrafts, and more.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Beware of pickpockets
 - By Amit Agarwal - Viceregal Lodge in Shimla (2 of 10).jpg?w=500&q=75)
Sightseeing
A hike or cable car ride to this temple will provide a beautiful view of the Shimla city and snow-covered Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Be prepared for a steep climb or The ropeway costs approximately INR 300 for one side from Mall Road to the temple
Waterfalls
Surrounded by thick forests, you can trek to these beautiful falls, which are especially scenic during the monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit: June - September
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
The path can be slippery, wear good walking shoes
Sightseeing
It's one of the most famous tourist spots in Shimla, known for its elite beauty and panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit: April - June, September - November
Timings: 06:00-18:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Second oldest church in North India, it has a majestic appearance and inside the church there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
This flat terrain has been developed as the playground of Shimla, with a beautiful golf course.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Located in the heart of Shimla, it offers panoramic views of the mountain ranges. It's a hub of all cultural activities.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Housed in the former Vice-regal Lodge, its Scottish architecture and the view from the hill is a treat to the eyes.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:30-16:45
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 100.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Check the schedule for guided tours
Experiences
Known for its ski slopes and panoramic views. The Himalayan Nature Park here is also worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 20.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Approx. 20 km from shimla
Religious Visit
The temple is serene and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek is also beautiful and refreshing.
Best Time to Visit: January - March, October - December
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Wildlife
Visit this park to see a variety of exotic bird species.
Best Time to Visit: March - June
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
This is a scenic area known for its high peak and dense forests. You can trek or horse ride to Shaily Peak. The Naldehra Golf Course is one of the oldest golf clubs in India.
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Timings: 06:00-18:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Carry water, sunblock, and a hat & Pony rides cost between 100 and 150 per person.
Experiences
It's famous for its hot sulphur spring, which is believed to have medicinal value. River rafting is also a popular activity here.
Best Time to Visit: April - June, October - November
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 300.0 (Price is for 1 people)
It involves water activities, take necessary precautions
Shopping
Famous for items made from wood, it's an ideal market for souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
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Skiing
During winter months, Kufri turns into a ski lover's paradise.
Best Time to Visit: January - February, December
Timings: 10:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Train Ride
A ride on the Kalka-Shimla toy train is a must. It passes through more than 100 tunnels and is one of the most scenic train routes in India.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 04:00-21:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 800.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Check the schedule and Reservations for the toy train are available one month in advance.
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Travel Guidelines for Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (North India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India's most popular hill stations. It boasts colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and the historic Kalka-Shimla railway line. With its cool climate, panoramic views, and rich history, Shimla has been a favored destination since British colonial times.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Shimla is well-connected by road. Regular bus services, including luxury coaches and taxis, operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities.
By Air: Shimla has its own airport, Jubbarhatti Airport, around 22 km away. It's connected to Delhi and a few other cities.
By Railway: The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a picturesque journey from Kalka to Shimla.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Shimla include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Network connectivity is generally good throughout the city.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Shimla is a well-traveled tourist destination and is generally safe for visitors. Standard precautions, like avoiding isolated areas at night, should be taken. The Himachal Pradesh Police website provides safety advisories and other relevant details.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
In Shimla, taxis are the most convenient mode of transport for sightseeing. The central part of the city, especially around the Mall Road, is best explored on foot since vehicles are not allowed in certain sections.
7. Special Mentions
The Ridge: The town's central hub, known for its Gothic-style Christ Church and views of the surrounding mountains.
Mall Road: The main shopping street with restaurants, cafes, book shops, and handicraft stores.
Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, it offers panoramic views of Shimla.
Kufri: A nearby hill station known for its hiking trails, parks, and the Kufri Fun World amusement park.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study: Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, it's an academic institution and a testament to British colonial architecture.
Annandale: A historic playground and racecourse offering scenic views.
Himachal State Museum: Showcases the state's cultural and historical heritage.
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