SHIMLA: A Tourist Paradise in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is a hill station and the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The small town of Shimla is a tourist paradise because it lies in the central Himalayas, called the Shivalik mountain range. The Shimla town is an old British colonial architecture built over several ridges and hills. Some famous hills are the Jakhu, Prospect, Observatory, Elysigim, and Summer Hill, where you can explore the nature and dense forests of Kail and Deodar trees, and the delightful climate of Shimla gives you the feel of European conditions. You can enjoy four seasons throughout the year with changing nature and surrounding scenic sights in the Shimla hill station. Many names, like Shyamalaya, Shumluh, Shimlu, and Shemlah, call Shimla Town. The real meaning of Shimla is “blue female,” another name of the goddess Kali. Earlier, the goddess temple was near the Rothney Castle on the Jakhu hill, but now it’s shifted to Kali Bari during the British government.

The Top Places to visit in the town are as follows:

• Jakhoo Temple/ Jakhu Hills – God Hanuman temple, A hindu pilgrim’s route, and a fascinating view of the town from the top of the hill.

  

• Ridge – A famous spot for a day out with family and friends. You can enjoy your day in Women’s Park and Children’s Park, Horse rides, etc.

  

• Christ Church – the oldest church in the town and a Landmark in the Ridge.

  

• Gaiety Theatre – a famous British colonial architect and art gallery.
• Mall Road – Shopping malls, cafes, baker’s, Local food chains, Brew State, bars, a Snooker, and a gaming hub. It’s a kind of commercial centre in the town, and the British colonial architect’s buildings.

  

• State Museum – it’s a cultural museum, and the entry fee must be Rs 20/- for Indians and Rs 100/- for foreigners.
• Lakkar Bazar – It’s a wooden market specializing in wooden antiques and woolen goods.

  

• Skating Club – there are two skating rinks, a Roller skating rink in Lakkar Bazaar open for the whole year, and an Ice Skating rink for winter carnival and winter sports.
• Indian Institute of Advanced Studies – a former viceregal lodge and a research institute.
• Chadwick Falls – A waterfall in Summer Hill, covered with deodar and pine trees.

According to Historians and Geologists, some 1200-1500 million years ago, hill station Shimla was part of the Sea called “TETHYS.” Now, Its Elevation is 7262 ft(2421 meters) above sea level. Shimla Town was a small village inhabited by coal manufacturers. When the British came to Shimla, they gradually developed this village into a small town, and it became the summer capital of India in 1864 and remained the same until 1947.

Where is Shimla Town?

Country: INDIA

Continent: Asia

State: Himachal Pradesh

District: Shimla

City: Shimla Town

Bus Station: ISBT Tutikandi

Railway Station: Shimla Station

Airport: Jubbarhati (22km)

Currency: INR Rupees

Languages: Hindi, Pahari, Punjabi, English

Ambulance: 108

Police: 100

How to reach Shimla Town?

By AIR: The nearest airport to Shimla Town is Jubbarhati, only 22km from Shimla town, and you will get limited flights towards Jubbarhati airport, so the best option is to get flights up to Chandigarh Airport. After that, hire a Cab/Taxi to Shimla.

Chandigarh Airport to Shimla – 120km approx. A journey of a minimum of 3 hrs by road.

By Train: You can book your train up to Shimla Railway Station, which is 2km from the town. The broad-gauge trains will take you to Kalka Station, and thereafter, you have to board the toy train, narrow-gauge railway to Shimla.

By Road: Book a Volvo ticket for an overnight journey from Delhi ( Majnu ka Tilla) Volvo Station to Shimla.

Now same from Chandigarh, an overnight Volvo journey to Shimla.

Either you can book a Cab/Taxi or rent a Cab or Bike for the whole journey.

What is the best time to visit Shimla Town?

December to February – The winter season in hilly areas, and usually the best time to witness the snowfall. Snow may fall as early as the beginning of December and continue till mid-March. Every snow lover and ice skating lover visits Shimla town for winter sports, winter carnivals, and snow activities.

March to June – The summer season in Shimla is pleasant and cooler than other cities. The best time for small hikes and treks in the town. You can enjoy your summer vacation peacefully and in the natural air of the hill station.

July to September – The rainy season, which is not a perfect time to visit a hill station, but if you want discounts on every hotel and food, and fewer crowds, then these months are a much better option. You have to travel according to the weather conditions, and also look for weather forecasts, or else gear up for the heavy rain.

October and November – The best monsoon withdrawals in the town or every hill station. The present weather and cloud formation are amazing throughout the hilly area. Even magic in the town and the natural beauty of the jungle will mesmerize you.

What are the best activities in Shimla Town?

There are many activities to do in the town, but some best activities you can do within the town are Horse Rides, Jungle walks, Small Hikes, and Cycling in nature. Some art galleries to watch, local culture and festivals, Pahari dance (Natti). You can also visit Temples, the Zoo, Museums, and try some local cuisine. If you are a good hiker or trekker, then you must go to Waterfalls, Springs, Streams, Lakes, and Nature parks, etc.

Some nearby places for further activities and the outskirts are:

• Kufri – it’s 15km from Shimla, a must-visit destination and a common place of tourist attraction. The Valley is full of children’s parks, and Fun activities, You can also visit the Himalayan Nature Park and witness the local Wildlife.
• Fagu – it’s next to Kufri and 20km from Shimla. The best destination for snow activities and adventure activities.
• Theog – it’s 30 km from Shimla and best jungle walks, campsites, and Wildlife experience.
• Narkanda – It’s 30km from Theog and 60km fromm Shimla. The best outskirts for small hikes and camping in the jungle.
• Hattu peak – it’s 8km from Narkanda and 68km from Shimla. One of the best nature walks, small hikes, high mountain 360-degree views, and amazing campsites.
• Mashobra – it’s 12km from Shimla and the best outskirt near Shimla to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Tattapani – it’s  43km from Mashobra and 55km from Shimla, and only one destination for water activities like Rafting, water zorbing, boating, speedboat, Bumper boat, Jet ski, Quad Bike, etc., and a hot water spring.