At the altitude of 2,213, Shimla is a nice hill resort situated in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is well known summer tourist destination for North Indians and famous honeymoon destination as well. Shimla serves as weekend getaway for tourists from several North Indian cities.
Shimla is quite a charming town to travel with beautiful mountains in the backdrop and several old buildings from British rule in India showcasing the best of Victorian architecture. British government was wooed over by this nice charming town. So much so that they made Shimla summer capital of India.
In past few years, summer tourism in Shimla has taken a hit. Due to global warming, city is no longer an escape during the hot summer months of May and June. Tourist rush to Shimla now starts with first snowfall of season in December. Tourists travel Shimla to enjoy the snow and winter sports.
The biggest tourist rush in Shimla is seen during Christmas and New Year. Tourists travel to Shimla and spend holiday season with their family and loved ones. During this time of the year, several events are organized in the town. Hotels in Shimla also hosts some wild New Year's party for their guests.
Apart from snow other thing that makes Shimla so popular is wooden handicrafts. Lakkar Bazaar is very famous for its wooden handicrafts shops. Woolen and Kullu shawl, Tibetan carpets and walking sticks are also very popular items on the shopping list of tourists.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
You can travel to Shimla two times a year. First tourist season starts from April to June. Despite extreme hot in recent years, Shimla remains an ideal escape from summer heat of North India. People spend their family vacation during the summer holidays in Shimla.
Another best time to visit Shimla is December to February. Tourists throng Shimla with the first snowfall of season. Christmas and New Year traditionally have been very busy period for Shimla tourism. Tourists who enjoy snow sports should travel Shimla during winter months.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SHIMLA
Jakhu Temple - The temple is situated at Jakhu hill and require one hour of physically demanding walk to climb up to the temple. According to Ramayana, Lord Hanuman rested at this place while on his journey to Himalayas for Sanjivani Booti. There are several monkeys around the temple who can become aggresive after sighting food. Keep the food item inside your bags.
Sankat Mochan Temple - This is the second most important pilgrimage site in Shimla after the Jakhu temple. Devotees visit Sankat Mochan Temple to pay obeisance to deities of Lord Ram and Hanuman. The temple is located on the National Highway 22, 5km from Shimla.
Christ Church - Consecrated in 1846, this Christ Church is the second oldest in North India. The building is designed in impressive Victorian architecture. From outside it's a yellow colored building. Interior of the church as impressive stained glass windows that represents faith, charity and hope.
Viceregal Lodge - One of the most impressive building from British era. Viceregal Lodge is a mansion built in 1888 for Lord Dufferin. Despite being more than 100 years old, the building has still managed to retain its glow. The mansion is surrounded by British style gardens on three sides while fourth side is a perfect sunset watching spot. The mansion has its own Chapel and indoor swimming pool. Guided tours are available on site.
Tara Devi Temple - Located atop a hill, 11km from Shimla Tara Devi temple is a famous temple in the region dedicated to one of the forms of Goddess Kali. Unlike other temples in India, Tara Devi temple is less crowded and very peaceful making it well worth the visit.
Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park - This is the only amusement park in the region located in Kurfi some 16km from Shimla. You can take bus or taxi to reach the amusement park. There are plenty of activities to enjoy like Burma Bridge Crossing, Bump'em Cars, Rides, Indoor Golf and much more.
Prospect Hill - Located west of Viceregal Lodge, Prospect Hill is a nice picnic spot in Shimla. The hill is famous for Kamana Devi temple and majestic views of Shimla. A very quite and nice place for family picnics.
Scandal Point - This is the highest point on the Mall famous for the statue of Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai.
The Mall - Mall is the main shopping center of Shimla. There are several stores selling famous woolen clothes, shawls and handicrafts at the Mall. There are several restaurants and cafes at the Mall.
Skiing - Ski lovers will have to travel Kurfi which is 16km from Shimla. Skiing in this region was started by the Britishers in 1930s. Ski slopes in Kurfi are ideal for Beginners and Interdimeate skiers.
HOTELS IN SHIMLA
Shimla has plenty of hotels ranging from budget to luxury hotels. There is accommodation for every time of tourists. Some popular hotels in Shima include:
Brightland Hotel ($55), Radisson Hotel Shimla ($91), Woodville Palace ($105), Oberoi Cecil - Shimla ($179), Wildflower Hall ($260). Here is the complete list of Hotels in Shimla.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Jubbarhatti Airport is the only airport in Shimla located 22km from the city. Due to limitations caused by the altitude very few flights are available from Shimla. During winter season, bad weather often cancel flights from Shimla airport. The best alternative is Chandigarh airport which is 120km away from Shimla. There are plenty of flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Jammu etc. Take a prepaid taxi from Chandigarh airport to Shimla which would take 4 hours to reach Shimla.
By Train - Kalka, 100km from Shimla is well connected to major Indian cities via train. Shatabdi Express from New Delhi takes only four hours to reach Kalka. Shimla is connected with Kalka via narrow-gauge line. The best way to reach Shimla from Kalka is Toy Train that takes you to a romantic 5 and half hours of journey passing through 103 tunnels to Shimla. Apart from Shimla Mountain Train you can also opt for Kalka Shimla Passenger, Shivalik Deluxe Express and Kalka Shimla Mail to reach Shimla.
By Road - Shimla is well connected with Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Kalka via road. There are regular buses from these cities to reach Shimla. Alternatively you can hire a taxi which will take you to Shimla is less time but it costs a lot more than bus. Tourists prefer to travel Shimla through private taxi.
