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Shimla sits on a ridge at around 2,200 metres, a town of pine-covered slopes, steep lanes and Tudor-style buildings. It was the summer capital of British India, and the colonial stamp is still obvious in its churches, its pedestrian Mall and its small theatre. It is Himachal's capital and its most visited hill station, and for many families it is a first mountain holiday: easy to reach, easy to walk and cool when the plains are hot.
What Shimla is like
The old town runs along a ridge, with the open Ridge ground at the centre, Christ Church above it and the Mall Road below. Vehicles are restricted on the Mall, so the main streets are pleasant to walk, if steep in places. In peak season, Shimla is crowded, with traffic jams on the approach roads and long queues for parking. Early mornings and weekdays feel much calmer.
What to see
The Ridge and Mall Road are the social heart of the town, with Christ Church, the Scandal Point junction, cafes and shops. Jakhoo Temple is a hilltop Hanuman shrine with panoramic views. Kufri is the nearest snow point in winter and a nature park in summer. The Viceregal Lodge, now an institute of advanced study, is a grand Scottish-style mansion on Observatory Hill. The State Museum, the Gaiety Theatre and the lanes of Lakkar Bazaar add culture and craft. Further out, Chail and Mashobra are quiet retreats, and Naldehra has a golf course.
The Kalka-Shimla railway
The narrow-gauge line from Kalka to Shimla, completed in 1903, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great railway journeys of India. It runs for about 96 km through more than a hundred tunnels and over hundreds of bridges and arches, climbing slowly through pine forests. Services are slow and sometimes suspended during the monsoon for safety, so check the schedule on the day. Many travellers take the train one way and a car the other.
How many days
Two nights covers the Ridge and Mall, Jakhoo, Kufri and the Viceregal Lodge at a steady pace. Three nights lets you add Chail or Mashobra and a slow day with no plan. If you are combining Shimla with Manali, the drive between them takes seven to eight hours, so treat it as a travel day.
When to go
March to June is pleasant, with clear skies and a busy season. September to November is calm and clear. December to February is cold, with snow in Shimla itself in some years and reliably in Kufri and Narkanda. July and August are wet, with fog and landslide risk on the approach roads.
Where to stay
- Mall Road area and the Ridge: central and atmospheric, but crowded and noisy in season, with limited parking.
- Chotta Shimla and Sanjauli: quieter, with good views, a short ride from the centre.
- Mashobra and Naldehra: peaceful, with orchards and forests, 12 to 20 km away.
- Chail: a small hill station with a palace hotel and cricket ground, about 45 km from Shimla.
Check heating, hot water and the walk from the car park to the room, because many hotels are on steep slopes.
Getting there and around
Chandigarh is the nearest major airport and railhead, about 115 km and 3.5 hours away. Shimla has a small airport at Jubbarhatti with limited flights. The Kalka railhead connects with the toy train. Within Shimla, the Mall is for walkers, and taxis are run by unions with fixed local rates. A lift connects the Cart Road bus stand to the Mall.
Food and shopping
Shimla's cafes serve Himachali dishes, Tibetan momos, continental food and good bakeries. Lakkar Bazaar sells wooden crafts, and the Mall has shawls, woollens, apple products and souvenirs. Compare prices before buying and be wary of "pure pashmina" at bargain prices.
Practical tips
Carry a warm layer even in summer, because evenings are cool. Wear shoes with grip for steep lanes. In winter, expect cold, icy roads and possible delays. Keep food out of sight near temples and viewpoints, where monkeys are bold. Book winter weekends early, since snow brings crowds.
Plan Shimla with us
Shimla begins our Shimla Manali tour and appears in the Himachal circuit and the corporate offsite. Tell us your dates and we will suggest how long to stay.
