Shimla Tourism
Shimla is Himachal Pradesh’s capital and a popular hill station for Indian families and honeymooners. It was the summer capital of British India, located at a height of 2200m. With beautiful colonial architecture, a pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a ridge lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, the hill station retains its old-world charm.
Shimla is well connected to many cities and is only four hours away from the nearby city of Chandigarh. The city also has an airport, but there aren’t many daily flights from here. The railway station connects Shimla to the plans and is well-known for the Kalka-Shimla train route, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Shimla is frequently covered, as are the nearby towns of Kufri, a snow-covered hill station, and Chail, famous for a massive palace and the highest cricket ground in the world. During their trip to Shimla, tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple and go sightseeing at various viewpoints.
Most of the year, the weather is pleasant, and tourists flock, particularly during the summer months. Winters are cold, with some snowfall from mid-December to the end of February.
Book here Shimla Tour Packages.
What You Should Know Before Travelling to Shimla
- Vehicles are not permitted on the Mall Road, but there is a car parking facility within walking distance.
- There is a lift from the lower mall road to the upper mall road that costs INR 10 per person. The lift is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- It is preferable to hire an experienced driver to drive in Shimla’s steep hilly regions.
- Most temples strictly prohibit photography; however, feel free to inquire before taking photographs.
- Some of the attractions, such as Kali Bari Temple and Green Valley, are located on hilltops and must be accessed by foot. If you have any physical ailments, it is best to be cautious.
- Attractions such as Jakhu Temple have a ropeway/cable car to the top that can be used with a ticket. It is mostly free for children under the age of three.
More Shimla Travel Information
History of Shimla
Shimla was mostly covered in forest and trees in the 18th century. The only inhabitants were a temple and a few scattered huts. The establishment was named ‘Shimla’ after the Hindu goddess Shyamala Devi. According to the Sugauli Treaty, the British took over the territory after Bhimsen Thapa, the ruler of Nepal at the time. In 1863, Viceroy of India John Lawrence relocated the British Raj’s summer capital to Shimla in order to avoid the Indian tropical heat. Shimla later became the capital of undivided Punjab in 1871. Shimla became a part of Himachal Pradesh in 1971 and was named the state capital.
Shimla Heritage Walk
Shimla is a heritage city that was once the British’s favorite summer destination, thanks to the cool weather that drew the British away from hot and humid areas. As a result, everything here has a strong British influence, from the architecture to the overall design of the city, and even the food. This location has an old-world charm to it.
The Viceregal Lodge, also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas, was the residence of the Viceroy of India during British rule; the Mountbattens were the last people to live here, and it houses the infamous Partition Table.
The Shimla Heritage Museum is also popular with tourists looking for historical information about the city and the state of Himachal Pradesh in general. The Heritage Walk will take you to see British architecture with a strong Scottish influence, such as the Church on the Mall Road. A walk along the ridge will also show you the beauty of the hills!
Shimla's Religious Trail
Shimla has numerous temples and holy shrines. The most famous of these is the Jakhu temple, which is located on the top of the same-named hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is distinguished by a large number of monkeys in the surrounding area. The statue is visible from many parts of the city and overlooks Mall Road.
The Tara Devi temple is located on the outskirts of Shimla, a little further from the city. According to legend, Goddess Tara Devi watches over the entire town and has a protective gaze, as evidenced by the temple’s location on top of a hill. The setting also conveys a sense of serenity and peace.
Shimla also has its very own Kali Bari! With a history dating back more than 150 years, the Kali Bari is a popular tourist attraction as well as a spiritual hub for both locals and visitors. When it comes to Goddess Kali, there is another temple in Shimla called the Shoolini Temple, which is dedicated to Maa Shoolini, who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
Every year, the last week of June sees the Shoolini Utsav, which lasts three days and is the highlight of people’s visits during this time of year.
The city’s oldest temple, however, is the Laxminarayan Temple. The temple, as the name suggests, is dedicated to Maa Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Restaurants and Local Food in Shimla
With tourism at the heart of this hill station, Shimla is brimming with food options. There are a variety of restaurants here, including Dhabas, Bakeries, Local eating establishments, Restaurants, and fine dining establishments. Shimla has a variety of restaurants that serve various cuisines such as North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental, and so on. Surprisingly, there aren’t many places in Shimla that serve traditional Pahari cuisine, as the cuisine has evolved to meet the needs of the town’s many visitors.
Suggested Itinerary for Shimla
Day 1: Arrive in Shimla by noon and relax in your hotel room. Walk to Mall Road in the evening to enjoy the cool breeze. Take in the atmosphere and dine at one of the local restaurants on Mall Road.
Day 2: You should consider visiting the Jakhu temple, as your trip to Shimla would be incomplete without it. If it’s winter, you could take a half-hour cab ride to Kufri and enjoy the snow with your loved ones. A great way to spend the entire day. You could also go to the Viceregal Lodge and get lost in the way the British indulged. It’s time to call it a day at the Church on the Ridge.
Day 3: Get up early and hike to a nearby hilltop to watch the sunrise. Walk into any bakery on the Mall Road for a traditional British continental breakfast. Proceed to the Mall Road and the Lakkar Bazaar for some local shopping (also visit the Chota Bazaar for cheap overcoats, jackets, and blazers). Return to the hotel by evening and call it a day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shimla offers a picturesque retreat amidst the Himalayan mountains. Its pleasant weather, colonial charm, and diverse range of activities make it a popular destination year-round. From snow-capped peaks to lush valleys, Shimla’s beauty captivates visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Whether exploring historic landmarks, shopping at local markets, or indulging in adventure sports, Shimla provides a memorable experience for all types of travellers.
You can also check our Shimla Tour Packages.
People also ask about Shimla Tourism
The best time to visit Shimla is during the summer months from March to June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Winter, from November to February, is also popular for snowfall and winter sports.
You can reach Shimla by air via the nearest airport, Jubbarhatti Airport, or by train to Kalka, from where you can take the scenic Kalka-Shimla toy train. Road travel is also an option with well-maintained highways connecting Shimla to major cities.
The Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Tara Devi Temple, and the Ridge are among Shimla’s most popular tourist attractions. Shimla’s scenic beauty is also a must-see.
Yes, Shimla has a variety of adventure activities available, including trekking, paragliding, ice skating (in the winter), and river rafting on nearby rivers such as the Sutlej and Beas.
Yes, you should try local Himachali dishes like Chana Madra, Dham, and Babru, as well as various types of bread like Babru, Patande, and Dham.
You can shop for souvenirs, woolen clothes, handicrafts, and local jewelry on the Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar. Lakkar Bazaar is known for its wooden handicrafts.
Shimla offers several trekking options, such as the trek to Jakhoo Temple, Chail, and Hatu Peak. These treks provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Shimla experiences cold weather during the winter season, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing. Because snowfall is common, it is a popular winter destination.
Yes, Shimla is an excellent weekend getaway destination because it is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Delhi and Chandigarh. In a short trip, you can see the main attractions and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Yes, Shimla is a family-friendly destination with activities for people of all ages, such as nature walks, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.
Related Tour Packages
Shimla Review Reviews
Gagan Garg2023-10-21It was fun planning my first planned holiday with Pluto. They have very reliable links in local areas. Nitin was my POC for the trip and he managed it so well that every small request and query had the fastest solution and response. I will highly recommend him and will plan my next trip through his dedicated work. Altaf(driver) in Srinagar was very well mannered and entertaining. He was dedicated to best customer service and no doubt he achieved it all the way. I requested for hotel upgrade and it was handled quickly on last minute. I highly recommend Pluto and their services for planned holidays. Ask for Nitin and Altaf(if in Srinagar).
Pradeep Choudhary2023-10-19It was very great experience with Pluto tours Travels. Friendly nature with tourists everyone should be experience with Pluto travels. Helping And Guiding At Every Point on Trip. Ambience was Good like food, Breakfast,Dinner,& Rooms are clean. And they make us my memorable memories Thank You to Pluto Travels & Specially to Nitin to help n Guiding In everything 😊😊 thank you so much ❤️❤️
Padman Patel2023-10-19Very good services good staf food is berry testy. Thnx nitin sir
Klirmina Bongrungpi2023-10-11Nice experience with Pluto they organised our tour. we all are from Assam and Pluto gave us a reasonable and budgetable tour tq Pluto ....
ashutosh mishra2023-10-04Tour was good, initial experience was not good with the tour operator, I had asked for aura grand hotel with early check in, at the time of finalising the plan and making the payment, they were saying that we will get the aura grand hotel in Amritsar. But at last moment same hotel was not provided and they forced us to check-in in their own property which is Diamond Villa in Amritsar which was not so good. Mr. Vikram Rana tried fooling till last moment, Mr. Anurag also not provided correct information about the hotel booking. However our driver Mr. VINAY (BUNTY) was very good. Mr. Nitin of Pluto helped very well in executing the trip in good manner.