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Shimla Tourism

Above you, a rich spread of stars twinkling in the night sky. Under you, the softcover of green grass. Ahead of you, the gentle curves of hills rising and falling. All while the wind whispers to you in gentle murmurs and the houses on the hills are illuminated with the warm glow of lights. This is Shimla tourism in a… read more

The city of Shimla is spread across the northern parts of the foothills of the Himalayas. The pristine pine trees owe their existence to the high-altitude of 2100 metres above sea level.

Shimla Tourism: A Quick Overview
Currency	Indian Rupee (INR)
Population	1.7 lakhs
Time Zone	GMT +5:30 (IST)
Area	35.34 Sq. Kms.
State	Himachal Pradesh
Dial Code	0177
Location	The Sevem Hills of Shimla
Official Language	Hindi

Highlights of Shimla

Nature and Camping In Shimla
Wouldn’t you love to watch the sunset with a steaming cup of chaai and the mountains for the company? Well then, we have the perfect spot for you! Or perhaps you prefer a holiday with more excitement and would prefer to climb and conquer these undulating hills? If you are a beginner and don’t really have much time, you could go on a trek to the Dhanu Devta temples. These three temples are in the southern slopes of the city. You could start from the Mall Road and go downwards to the High Court passing through Bemloe. If you want a challenge, Tara Devi temple is the place to go. You will have to take a bus to Tara Devi from Shimla and then make your way uphill for four kms, wandering through the forest paths. If you want to sleep under the stars and contemplate life; you could always go for outdoor accommodation rather than taking the mainstream hotel arrangement. There are several camping sites in Shimla that offer you an enchanting view of the green hills around you. Head to Shogi, Sarahan, Sandasu and Chirgaon. The best time to go camping would be from December to February.

Cuisine Of Shimla
Shimla has food for the soul with its piping, hot delicacies. Dive into the local cuisine and try its famous food, Madra originating from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This dish comprises soaked chickpeas or veggies, turmeric, a dash of cinnamon garnished with some spices. You must also try Thukpa which is a noodle soup of Tibetan origin. This is the one dish that parents will never stop their children from having since it has the nutrition of all veggies as well as protein. It can be prepared as both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. If you are a meat lover, you must try the Himachal delicacy Chha Gosht comprising flavoured meat, yoghurt, garnished with coriander and spices. If you are missing home and craving maa ki dal then do have maash dal made with black lentils. Ginger, garlic and mustard are added for some seasoning.

Shop and explore At Shimla
In sharp contrast to the tranquil hills that surround Shimla, the bustling Mall Road lies at the heart of the city. With theatres, shops and food joints, Mall Road is one of the many famous places to visit in Shimla. However, the theatres here are a tad bit different from the ones we are used to. The Gaiety theatre hosts many cultural activities and events. This road also offers a wide range of Himachali handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home. You could also visit the Tibetan Market and put your bargaining skills to test. Mufflers, scarves and gloves to keep yourself warm and some Tibetan rugs to accessorise your home are available at reasonable prices. You will also find some antiques as you wander further into these crowded lanes. If you want an escape from the chaos of this popular tourist spot, then you must head to Kufri. Thirteen kilometres away from Shimla, this hill station is colder, calmer and bathed in sheets of snow in the winter.

Adventure sports In Shimla
The open-air ice-skating rink is the only natural ice-skating rink in Southeast Asia. You try this activity during the winter since the temperature during this time prevents it from melting and cracking under pressure. As you explore Shimla, discover the adventure enthusiast in you too! If you want to try your hand at rafting, then you must go to Tattapani, situated fifty kilometres from Shimla. The jacuzzi-like, hot water springs and green valleys make Tattapani the most preferred site for the ideal rafting experience. Skiing is one of the most popular activities to do in the city. Speed your way amidst the snowy slopes! If you do lose balance and fall, the thick sheets of snow will make sure you don’t hurt yourself!

Best time to visit Shimla

If you are an adventure enthusiast and want to head out and participate in some outdoor activities, then you must go during the months of March to June. The weather is agreeable and suitable to try paragliding, trekking and rafting. However, if you are looking for some relief from the abundance of tourism in Shimla, you could attempt a trip between July to September. Be advised though that the area receives heavy rainfalls and the threat of landslides, so do proceed with caution. Once the season is done, the rainfall does leave behind some lush greenery to marvel at. If snow is what you’re after – fighting with it, making snow angels, letting the flakes flutter onto your skin – then do visit during the months of October to February!

How to Reach Shimla

By Road: Being one of the most accessible and most frequented hill stations by the tourists, Shimla is well connected with all the major cities in the north. The destination to the hill station by road is a feast for the eyes; from cities such as Delhi, Dehradun as well as Chandigarh. Himachal Road Transport Corporation is a safe option in case you want to travel by bus. Both AC and non-AC buses are easily available. It is also a good option to drive to Shimla from Delhi or even Chandigarh; since the journey would be rather smooth with a beautiful view outside to look at. Make sure you take the window seat!

By Rail: The closest railway station is the Kalka Railway station located 96 kms away from Shimla. The railways connect Shimla to the neighbouring Indian cities. Taxis and cabs are easily available from Kalka railway station to Shimla.

By Air: The nearest airport to the city is the Jubbarhatti airport, located 20 kms away from Shimla. In case you are an international traveller, you can always take the flight to and from the Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi. The domestic airport connects you to neighbouring cities like Dehradun, Delhi and Chandigarh. Taxis and cabs are easily accessible from the airport.

History of Shimla

Shimla was discovered by the British soldiers, post the rule of the Gurkhas from Nepal. Wanting to create a shelter amidst the dense forests of the hill station, the Assistant Political Agtates - Lieutenant Ross - built a wooden British residence. It soon became a refuge for the women from the heat in the plains and a hangout or resting spot for the British soldiers after the Gurkha war. Soon enough more homes were built, and Shimla became a rejuvenation spot for the British. Since the Britishers were in such awe of this city, it became the summer capital in 1864. Later, it was made the capital of Punjab, post-Independence. Today, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Interesting facts about Shimla

Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in the whole of Southeast Asia since it was founded by a Britisher. So, if you want the European feels, do visit this place!

Want to know a secret? Visit the Scandal Point near Mall Road in Shimla. Rumour has it that a British lady and an India Maharaja eloped together years ago!

Gather around the fireplace and listen to this haunted story! The Kalka tunnel number 33 is long enough to hold haunted tales of the ghost of the engineer who built it roaming around in the tunnel.

The city has the highest statue in the entire world. The statue of Lord Hanuman is situated at an altitude of 8100 feet at the Jakhu Temple.

With plenty of places to visit in Shimla do not forget to sit back and take in the beauty of the hills around you. In the hullaballoo that is our city life, we sometimes forget to appreciate the simpler things in life. Shimla Tourism will bring you back to earth and rejuvenate your senses.

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Best time to visit in shimla

Shimla – just the name evokes dreamy images of green, white and blue. The best time to visit Shimla is during May to June and December to January when romance and beauty are baked into every inch of the soil here. Clear blue skies in summer, sprinkles of powdery snow in the winter, the spicy and earthy scent carried by pines, firs, cedars and oak trees. Old Elizabethan architecture, town squares, charming cafes and loving locals. Shimla is truly a vacationer’s paradise.

If this isn’t enough, Shimla is also the recipient of the best weather the gods can offer. So, if the question arises – what is the best time to visit Shimla? The answer is anytime. Pleasant weather is in abundance here. Since the hill station lies in a temperate region, as opposed to a tropical one, the weather remains steady and seasons slide into the next with ease. You won’t face a jarring change of summer or the sudden plummet of temperatures in winter.

Having said that, the weather in Shimla are distinguished by certain changes. Summers see a massive influx of tourists who travel to the hill station seeking respite from the heat. Winters draw in crowds like it attracts snowflakes (a lot, to be precise). Many visitors also plan their travel during late December, during the Christmas and New Year season to see Shimla blanketed in snow. Which would be best for you? Let us share the details so that you can make an informed decision.

So, here’s the final call for the Shimla express, let’s take a journey to the Queen of the Hills.

Peak Season: May to Mid-July/ December-January
Shoulder Season: September to October
Off-Season: Mid July- Late September

Travel Season	Min/Max Temperature	Season
January to June	9-37 °C	Spring – Summer, Warm
July to October	17-32 °C	Monsoon, Heavy rainfall
November to January	4-25 °C	Winter and Snowfall

Shimla weather in Winter (November – January)

Shimla Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 25 degrees high to 4 degrees low during summer.

Shimla Weather: The hill station in this time of year is magical. A big reason for that is Shimla weather in winter. The average temperature settles at around 8 °C and can drop to as low as -7°C. Winter first spreads its cold fingers over Shimla in November and then slowly engulfs the entire hill station in December to January, when it is at its coldest. Chilly winds whip their way through Shimla, dropping the temperature even further. Snowflakes dance their way to the ground until they settle into powdery masses on the ground.

Significance: Early winter in Shimla is a great time to explore the hill station and its various tourist attractions. Winter is the time to go shopping, explore the surrounding natural landscapes or Wander through thebest places to visit in Shimla, like Viceregal Lodge, the Botanical Gardens, Kaali Bari Temple and Darlaghat. As the season grows colder, turn your eyes towards the slopes – where you can trek, or ski depending on your preference. This is also the season to start some mischief – pack some of that snow into a ball and let it fly and you’ll see how fast a snowball fight can begin. Lie back in the snow and make a beautiful snow angel with your arms and legs – this is genuinely the season to be jolly. It is also time for the Shimla Winter Carnival, with ice skating, skiing, snowman building and other cultural events to enjoy. You can also celebrate traditional festivals like the Bhoj Fair, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas and Lohri.

Why you should visit now: The top reason you should visit Shimla in winters is because of the snow. Play with snow, make it into art, ski on it, skate on the ice or even look at the drift and swirl of snow from your hotel window. Versatility is the name of the game in winter. Also, a warm, hearty bowl of Shimla favourites like Chha Ghosht or Mash Dal in this weather will be magical.

Things to know before you visit: Research what the emergency contact numbers are and keep them on your phone. During activities like trekking and skiing, make sure you follow the advice of your guide and do not wander off on your own. Winter is also one of the peak seasons in Shimla, so book your tickets and hotel accommodation in advance.

Tips: The temperatures here, as you’ve seen, can be quite exacting (particularly if you’re not used to the cold). Carry woollens, mittens, thermals, scarves, hats, jackets and a sturdy pair of boots to help you move around the hill station with ease.

Shimla weather in Summers (March-June)

Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 37 degrees high to 9 degrees low during summer.

Weather: Over the Summer, Shimla is slowly warmed by the sun’s rays. The heat is moderate (for the most part) and the weather in Shimla is pleasant. The season almost begins like the Spring season, before transitioning into summer. Temperatures in Shimla hover between 16 °C to 18 °C. The snow of winter melts away to reveal a shimmering Shimla – full of green trees and hillsides, blooming flowers under the blue dome of the sky. The evenings are a bit chilly, but overall Shimla weather is a treat. Many people from neighbouring towns and cities retreat to Shimla to escape the scorch of summer outside.

Significance: weather in Shimla in summers is picture-perfect. With pleasant days and cool nights, you can explore the hill station without worry. Winter sports are swapped for summer shenanigans. You can spend this entire season hiking, paragliding, camping, trekking, rafting and more. Head to Chharaba, Kufri, Narkanda or Naldehra (all situated around Shimla) to enjoy these activities. If you’re looking at a more relaxed summer in Shimla, visit local tourist spots like Jakhu Temple, Woodville Palace, Christ Church and Tara Devi Temple. If you’re in a celebratory mood, well, summer has plenty of festivals for you, like Holi, Baisakhi and the Sipi Fair. You can also join the Shimla Summer festival and bear witness to some great performances carried out by local and national artists. At the end of the festival, you’ll see the hill station’s beauty pageant – Miss Shimla.

Why you should visit now: Summer is, to many, the best climate to visit Shimla. The sun and flowers are out in full bloom, the weather is clear, and the hill station is open to exploring.

Things to know before you visit: Summer months feature warm days, cold nights and the occasional shower of rain. The month of May sees quite an increase in Shimla temperature, so do keep that in mind before you book your tickets.

Tips: You may be tempted to pack light clothes for the summer months. While this isn’t wrong, you should include room in your suitcase for at least a jacket, windcheater or shawl – remember the nights are cold. Furthermore, if you don’t enjoy crowds, this might not be the season for you. Shimla is packed with tourists during the summer. This also means that you’ll need to book your tickets and accommodation well in advance.

Shimla weather in Monsoon (July-September)

Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 32 degrees high to 17 degrees low during the monsoon season.

Weather: Shimla is draped in sheet after sheet of wet rain and a dense curtain of humidity hangs over the hill station. Heavy rainfall does wash the hill station clean, leaving the trees and hilly slopes verdant and shimmering. However, Shimla receives an annual 1400 mm of rain during this season, substantially impairing your ability to go out and explore your surroundings. Monsoon is officially the offseason in Shimla, but it is perfect for those looking for a budget trip. Rainfall starts around mid-July and extends till September. Luckily, despite the humidity, Shimla remains cool during the monsoons.

Significance: With the heavy and continuous rain, the weather in Shimla in monsoon months makes it difficult to venture too far. However, you can still explore the hill station, especially the museums, temples and the cafes and restaurants in the area. This is also the time of the Rhyali festival, which is carried out with great enthusiasm by locals. Join them in thanking the rain gods and make an offering to ensure that they remain happy.

Why you should visit now: Since monsoon is considered the off-season, you may find a great deal when it comes to hotel accommodations or travel prices in general. If you’re on a budget, this is a great time to visit and take advantage of the overall price drop.

Things to know before you visit: Although low budgets and a lush green valley make for great reasons to visit Shimla during this season, we have to warn you that the heavy rainfall makes Shimla prone to landslides. Therefore, there is a risk when you travel to Shimla during the monsoon season. You may not get to see everything in Shimla during this season, so keep that in mind as well.

Tips: A windcheater, gum boots, umbrella and a raincoat should all be part of your packing list. Make sure that you don’t venture too far out for a hike or trek as the hillsides are unstable during this period. Proceed with caution.

Now that you know the best timeto visit Shimla, you can make a decision accordingly. Each season has its highs and lows, and your choice should be based on what activities you want to do, places to see in Shimla and how you can cope with the weather and crowds. You can explore our Shimla tour Packages and see what we’ve put together for travellers just like you!

Things to do in shimla

Dorje Drag monastery

This Buddhist monastery is a replacement of the original Dorje Drak, which was one of the Six Mother Nyingma Monasteries in Tibet. The monastery was built in 1984 by Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and is a very famous Shimla attraction amongst Buddhist pilgrims of Nyingma sect.

Tara Devi Temple

This temple is located about 15 kilometres away from Shimla near Shoghi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess of the stars, Maa Tara, whose deity was brought here from the east of Bengal some 250 years ago.

Kali Bari Temple

This famous temple was built in the year 1857 and is dedicated to the Goddess Kali or Shyamla. Shimla was earlier called Shyamla because of the temple. The temple attracts a large number of disciples every year.

Christ Church

This church is famous for being the second oldest church in northern India. This neo-gothic Elizabethan style building was built in 1857to serve a large Anglican British community. It is situated on the Ridge Road. The church also boats the biggest Pipe Organ in the country.

Jakhoo Temple

This is a very old temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. IT is located on the Jakhoo `Hill which is the highest peak in Shimla at an elevation of 2455 meters above the sea level. The temple has panoramic views of the Mount Shivalik and is very famous amongst the devotees. There is a big fair held here, every year on Dushehra and hence, is the Shimla's point of interest & attraction for most tourists.

Gorton Castle

This gothic style building was built in 1904 under the guidance of Sir Swinton Jacob. Sir Jacob was a very renowned architect and engineer. This massive building has close to 125 rooms and the architecture of the building is worth taking a look at. The most redeeming feature of the building is its beautiful balconies which have been inspired by Rajputana architecture.

Toy Train Ride

The toy train runs between Shimla and Kalka and covers a distance of 96 kilometres. The railroad has been declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Kids would certainly love to take a ride on the train.

Viceregal Lodge

The lodge dates back to 1888 and is one of the most famous monuments in Shimla. It was built for the British Viceroys, who used to spend summers in Shimla. The breath-taking architecture of the Viceregal Lodge is very Victorian and it looks inspired by the Tower of London. This beautiful building is built like an ancient castle on a small scale.

Rothney Castle

This heritage building was once home to Allan Octavian Hume, one of the founders of Indian National Congress. The castle is on Jakhoo Hill, set in a very picturesque setting. This monument is one of the major tourist places in Shimla.

Peterhoff House

This old building was once home to Viceroys and Governor Generals of India during the British Raj. After the independence, it served as the building of Punjab High Court till 1981 and was closed after a fire. This beautiful Tudor style building was later renovated and has now been converted into a luxury hotel.

Dishes

Indra, Siddu, Kullu Trout, Grilled Fishes and Guchhi Matar are among the most popular dishes from the Himachal cuisine that you could try out.

Restaurants

Shimla has a lot of places where you can eat out. Indian Coffee House (South Indian Cuisine, Coffee), Wake & Bake (Continental) Ashiana and Goofa (Indian) Cecil & Café Sol (Multi-cuisine) are some of the famous restaurants which you may want to check out.

Bars and Pubs

There are several popular bars and pubs in Shimla. The most famous is the Devico Bar, in the Mall. The other notable bars in the city are The Pub (Near Christ Church) and Himani Bar & Restaurant (the Mall).

Clubs and Discos

Footloose, located near the Christ Church, is the only nightclub in Shimla. This would a perfect venue for you if you like to party and spend the night dancing.

Street market

Do try the local street markets like the Mall Road and Lower Bazar. These markets not only sell essentials but also products like woollen garments, handicrafts and clothes.

Departmental Stores

Shimla has a few departmental stores. Where you will find most of the necessities. You should visit The Mall, which has a lot of shops and caters to all kinds of shoppers.

Flea Markets

Shimla is a haven of flea markets. The flea markets here sell everything from jewellery to sculptures to clothes. Lakkar Bazar is a very famous flea market and specializes in the sale of hand-carved furniture from Shimla.

The Mall Road

This is one of the best things to do in Shimla. It the busiest market and the most important road in Shimla. The Mall road buzzes with activity and most of the important buildings, restaurants and bars etcetera are located on or near the Mall Road.

Live Music

The Gaiety Theatre still hold musical performances and plays from a lot of amateur dramatics societies for your entertainment. You may also get to hear and some of the folk music and dances in Shimla.

Relaxation

Though the environs of Shimla are relaxing enough, but if you feel like pampering your body and rejuvenate yourself try a visit to the Hot spring Therme and Spa Hotel in Tattapani. It is one of the best spas in the region and makes good use of the therapeutic hot springs in Tattapani.

Adventure

If you are wondering about different things to do in Shimla, there are numerous camping sites, treks and other adventurous activities near Shimla. Camp Potter’s Hill and Redwood Camp are some renowned camping sites amidst nature. There are tourist places in Shimla for sightseeing, where you do activities like rafting, rappelling, kayaking and surfing too. Do try ice skating at the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, which is the largest natural skating rink in India.

Gaiety Theatre

Gaiety theatre was established in 1887. This old theatre was once used by the Viceroy for the entertainment of officers during the British Empire. The theatre which has a strong resemblance to Garrick in London is a fine example of Victorian architecture. The theatre was sadly neglected after independence and was later renovated and restored to its former grandeur. It is used as a social club these days and is open to visitors.

Kufri sightseeing

Nature

Shimla is nestled in the lap of nature and camping trips, picnics and simple hikes sound as the best things to do in Shimla if you would like to get away from the busy city life and get close to nature.

The Ridge Road

Besides the Mall Road, The Ridge is one of the most important roads in Shimla. There is a huge water reservoir on this road which supplies water to the entire city.

Manorville Mansion

Manorville has a lot of historical importance. In 1945 Mahatma Gandhi stayed here, whilst going through the talks of independence with Viceroy Lord Wavell. IT is now a guest house for All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

The Railway Board Building

This building is a noteworthy landmark in Shimla because of its unusual structure and design. It has been made with steel and cast iron and was an important building during the British rule in India. This artistic building was built in 1869 and has a resonant history.

The Scandal Point

Scandal Point is the highest point in Shimla and is located on the Mall Road. There’s a popular story behind the name of this place. This was the place from where a British Viceroy’s daughter eloped with the Maharaja of Patiala. There’s a statue of Lala Lajpat Rai erected at this spot now.

Cultural Attractions

Shimla is a very modern and cosmopolitan place. Most of the population is Hindu interspersed with a lot of Buddhist, Christian and other population. Shimla is famed for its multi-ethnicity and almost all important festivals are celebrated here. The most famous of them is The Summer Festival which is held annually. Shimla is also famous for its arts and handicrafts. It is also home to some of the finest educational institutions in the country.

Natural Attractions

Shimla is stunningly beautiful and is surrounded by grandiose, snow-covered Himalayan peaks and lush green pastures. Shimla has beautiful weather through the year and has a lot of places which have resplendent natural magnificence. Places to visit in Shimla for sightseeing include Glen Forest, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale, Shaily Peak, Naldehra Gold Course, Summer Hill and the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary in your itinerary, if you would like to spend some time close to nature.

Places

Shimla is surrounded by a lot of beautiful and scenic places. You may want to visit Shimla tourist places, like Solan, Chail, Tattapani, Thanedar, Fagu and Shilon Bagh from Shimla. Most of these places are small, unexplored towns with dazzling natural beauty and tranquillity.

Himalayan Bird Park

Also called Himalayan Aviary, this park one of the best tourist places to visit in Shimla, which is located in front of the Viceregal Lodge. This wonderful little park has a collection of rare and beautiful birds including the Iridescent Monal Pheasant, which is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. The park is set in a very picturesque locale.

Kufri Zoo

The zoo is located about 16 kilometres from the Shimla. The zoo has a large number of endangered and exotic animals.

Photo Art Gallery

The Gallery is located on the top of the Potter’s Hill in Shimla. The gallery has photographs of landscapes, flora, fauna and culture of Shimla. There are more than 2000 photographs in the gallery and the place attracts the interest of nature buffs.

Shimla Heritage Museum

This museum served as a club in the olden times and now houses some ancient historic photos of Old Shimla. The museum gives an insight into the history and cultural heritage of Shimla.

Himachal State Museum

This Museum is housed in an old Victorian style building which was earlier the residence of Lord William Beresford. IN 1974 the building was converted into an anthropological museum which has an extremely rich collection of artefacts. The Museum is located about 2.5 kilometres away from the Scandal Point in the heart of the city.