Shimla

What is the best time to visit ?

The best time to visit Shimla is between March to June when the weather remains pleasant and the temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C. The best time to experience Snowfall in Shimla is during winters months - November to January . This time is ideal for snow-activities like skiing and exploring the snow-covered surroundings. Tourism thrives in Shimla in all the seasons other than the monsoons which begin in July and last till September.

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How to Reach Shimla:

The nearest broad gauge railway station from Shimla is in Kalka which is 89 km away. One can either take a taxi, local bus or the toy train to Shimla. Shimla is easily accessible via road too and Chandigarh-Shimla highway is in good condition and it only takes around 3 and a half hours to reach here from Chandigarh. Chandigarh is the nearest major airport from Shimla and is around 113 km away. The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport which is 25 km away from the heart of Shimla, however, this airport occasionally functions with limited flights from Delhi.

By Flight: Shimla Airport, also known as Jubbarhatti airport, lies 25 km from the city center, providing limited connectivity. Due to its seasonal operation, travelers often opt for Chandigarh or Delhi airports. From Chandigarh, a 3-4 hour cab journey or regular buses are available. From Delhi, the approximately 7-8 hour road trip unveils scenic landscapes.

Nearest Airport: Chandigarh Airport (IXC) - 60 kms from Shimla

By Road: Shimla is well-connected by buses from Delhi, Jaipur, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Taxis abound for journeys from Chandigarh, Delhi, or nearby locations. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates buses from various parts of Himachal Pradesh.

Example Distances and Travel Times:

• Kalka - Shimla: 80 Kms, Bus - 03:15 Hrs, Cab - 03:00 Hrs

• Chandigarh - Shimla: 119 Kms, Bus - 04:00 Hrs, Cab - 03:30 Hrs

• Delhi - Shimla: 370 Kms, Bus - 09:00 Hrs, Cab - 08:00 Hrs

• Manali - Shimla: 280 Kms, Bus - 09:30 Hrs, Cab - 07:15 Hrs

• Dalhousie - Shimla: 345 Kms, Bus - 14:00 Hrs, Cab - 11:00 Hrs

By Train: The Kalka Railway Station, 90 km away, serves as the nearest broad gauge railway station. The scenic 5-6 hour train journey is a delight. Kalka to Shimla has 3-4 daily trains, including the unique Rail Car experience. Chandigarh Railway Station, 113 km away, is another rail access point.

Local Transport in Shimla: Within Shimla, local buses operate from 7 AM to 9 PM, mainly on the Ring Road. Private taxis offer economic travel options, with local sightseeing packages ranging from 800 INR to 1500 INR. Auto-rickshaws are less common, and certain areas like Mall, Ridge, and Kali Bari are accessible on foot or via the HP Tourism elevator, linking Cart Road to the Mall's highest point.

Tourist Information: click-here

The Ridge

Situated at the heart of Shimla, The Ridge is a picturesque open street running alongside Mall Road, capturing the essence of the 'British Summer Capital.' Famous for its exclusive artefact shops and stunning views of snow-capped mountains, The Ridge serves as both a social hub and a shopping haven, preserving Shimla's historical charm in its Gothic buildings and ancient architecture.

Dotted with cafes, bars, boutiques, and restaurants, The Ridge attracts a diverse crowd from the renowned Mall Road. Extending from east to west, it connects to the iconic Scandal Point on the west end and leads to the popular Lakkar Bazaar, known for its exquisite wooden crafts, on the east end.
Timings : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Time Required : 2-3 hours / Elevation : 2,205 m

Snowfall Season : November - January

Historical Structures : Statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Y.S. Parmar (the chief minister of Himachal) / Tudorbethan style library and Old christ church

Direction : map.

Green Valley

The Green Valley is a beautiful and breathtaking mountain range that falls on the way to Kufri from Shimla. The Green Valley is surrounded by verdant hills on all sides covered with thick pine and deodar forests. It is not uncommon to sight some Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley.

The place is undeveloped for tourism, nevertheless, it continues to be a crowd puller and capture the attention of tourists with its dense deodar and pine trees that line the majestic hills. Rare animals are also sighted here at times. The Green Valley, thanks to its beauty and grace, has also been featured in numerous Bollywood movies.

Timings : Monday - Friday: 6:00 am - 6:30 pm

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Also Known As : Hassan Valley

Height : 2200 to 2500 metres above sea level

Direction: map

Kalka Shimla Toy Train

The Kalka to Shimla route is best travelled by way of the toy train that runs on a narrow-gauge track and is known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The historic Kalka Shimla Toy train is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and takes individuals on a ride amongst vast green hills and deodar and pine forests.

The journey was carved through the abundance of nature in Himachal Pradesh during the British rule due to which the Kalka Shimla Toy toy train is bound to take you back to a completely different era in history and through one of the most scenic railway journeys in India. The 5 and a half-hour toy train journey provides special services and is must-do when visiting the mountainside of the North

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Direction: map

Kufri

Nestled 20km away from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri, once the British summer retreat in 1819, preserves its colonial charm through historic buildings. Renowned for its pleasant summers and winter snowfall, Kufri attracts tourists year-round, with peak snowfall from November to March. Positioned at an altitude of 2720 meters, Kufri serves as the starting point for popular treks like Mahasu Peak and Fagu Valley, accessible by hiking or pony rides.

Exploring attractions such as Kufri Zoo, Kufri Fun World offering thrilling Go-karting, and engaging in Yak rides adds to the enjoyment. Consider including Chail in your itinerary for its proximity, featuring temples, a wildlife sanctuary, and a nature park. Other nearby destinations like Narkanda, Mashobra, Tattapani, and Naldehra offer diverse sightseeing options, creating a comprehensive Shimla experience.

Best Time: Nov-June

Direction: map

Chail

Nestled 44km from Shimla, Chail is a serene hill station renowned for the world's highest cricket ground and the historic Chail Palace. Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, it sits at an altitude of 2,250m. Often included in Shimla itineraries, Chail can be explored in a day, with a two-hour drive from the Mall Road. Resorts provide an extended stay option, ensuring a more immersive experience.

Established as the former summer capital of Patiala, Chail was constructed by the Maharaja of Patiala after being banished from Shimla. The town, founded in 1893, captivates tourists with the scenic beauty of the Shivalik ranges. Three hillocks—Pandewa, Rajgarh, and Sadh Tibba—comprise Chail, offering trekking and camping opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Chail also features the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and camping options along the banks of the river Sandhupul.

Best Time: Throughout the year

Direction: map

Rashtrapati Niwas Shimla

Rashtrapati Niwas Shimla, once known as Viceregal Lodge and later the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, stands as a colonial architectural gem amidst Shimla's scenic beauty. Constructed between 1884 and 1888, this lodge, designed by Henry Irwin, served as the summer residence for the Viceroy of India. Reflecting Jacobethan style, it witnessed crucial discussions during the pre-independence era. In 1964, the lodge transformed into the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, embracing a new role in promoting advanced studies and research in humanities and social sciences.

Timings : Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed on Mondays

Architectural style: : Jacobethan

Architect: : Henry Irwin

Opened: : 23 July 1888

Direction: map

Chadwick Falls

Nestled in Shimla's Glen Forests, Chadwick Falls charms with its 100-meter cascade. The forest stroll feels adventurous under the thick, damp canopy. Locals named it 'Chidku Jhaar,' where 'Chidku' means sparrow and 'Jhaar' means waterfall. Only sparrows, they believed, could reach the top. The Britishers, struggling with the name, coined it Chadwick.

Despite the name's origin, this enchanting spot, a stone's throw from the city, beckons all to explore Shimla's beauty.

Direction: map