Shimla Travel Guide
The Queen of Hills -- colonial charm, snow-capped peaks, the iconic Toy Train, and Himalayan beauty at 2,276 metres above sea level.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to the Queen of Hills
Welcome to the Queen of Hills
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, sits at an altitude of 2,276 metres amidst the majestic Himalayas. Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla retains its colonial character in its Gothic churches, Tudor architecture, and the unmistakable charm of Mall Road. The city cascades along a ridge, with every turn revealing breathtaking views of snow-dusted peaks, deep valleys, and dense deodar forests. The UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is one of the world's most scenic railway journeys, winding through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges. Beyond its colonial heritage, Shimla is the gateway to deeper Himachal -- from the apple orchards of Narkanda to the skiing slopes of Kufri, from the wild beauty of Spiti Valley to the religious significance of Tattapani. Whether you seek a summer escape from the plains, a winter wonderland of fresh snowfall, or an adventure through the Himalayas, Shimla is the perfect starting point. Our drivers are experienced mountain road experts who ensure your safety and comfort on every hairpin bend.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Shimla
The Ridge & Mall Road
Shimla's iconic promenade -- a flat open space with panoramic mountain views. Mall Road is the main pedestrian shopping street. The heart of Shimla's social life.
Christ Church
Second oldest church in North India, built in 1857. Neo-Gothic architecture with stunning stained glass windows. Located at The Ridge -- Shimla's most photographed landmark.
Jakhu Temple
Ancient Hanuman temple at 2,455m -- highest point in Shimla. 108-foot Hanuman statue visible from everywhere. Steep 2 km trek or ropeway available. Beware of monkeys.
Kufri
Popular hill station 16 km from Shimla at 2,622m. Horse riding, yak rides, skiing in winter, and Himalayan Nature Park. Best for snow during December-February.
Toy Train (Kalka-Shimla Railway)
UNESCO World Heritage railway -- 96 km narrow gauge track through 102 tunnels and 800+ bridges. One of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
Viceregal Lodge
Former summer residence of British Viceroys, now Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Magnificent Scottish baronial architecture set in vast botanical gardens.
Chadwick Falls
Stunning 67-metre waterfall surrounded by dense deodar forest. 7 km from Shimla. Best visited during and after monsoon when water flow is at its peak.
Green Valley
Lush valley on the Shimla-Kufri road surrounded by deodar and pine trees. Known as the "jewel of Shimla". Popular photo stop and picnic area.
Shimla Food Guide
Himachali mountain cuisine and colonial-era cafe culture
Siddu
Traditional Himachali steamed bread stuffed with poppy seeds or walnuts. Served with ghee and dal. A mountain comfort food par excellence.
Tudkiya Bhath
Himachali spiced rice dish cooked with lentils and seasonal vegetables. Slow-cooked with local spices -- a staple at Himachali feasts (Dham).
Madra
Slow-cooked chickpea curry in yogurt gravy with Himachali spices. The centrepiece of any traditional Dham feast. Rich, aromatic, and unique.
Cafe Culture
Shimla has excellent cafes on Mall Road. Try Wake & Bake for pizza, Indian Coffee House (since 1957) for nostalgia, and Cafe Simla Times for views.
Momos & Thukpa
Tibetan influence in the hills -- steamed dumplings and noodle soup available everywhere. Best at street stalls near The Ridge and Lakkar Bazaar.
Apple Products
Fresh apple juice, cider, jams, and dried fruits from Himachal's orchards. Available at shops along Mall Road. Perfect souvenirs to take home.
Shopping in Shimla
Himachali Shawls & Woollens
₹500 - ₹30,000Pashmina, Kullu, and Kinnauri shawls in vibrant geometric patterns. Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road have many shops. Check for handloom certification.
Wooden Crafts
₹100 - ₹5,000Lakkar (wood) Bazaar is named for its wooden crafts. Walking sticks, carved boxes, trays, and toys made from Himalayan walnut and deodar wood.
Kullu Caps & Himachali Crafts
₹200 - ₹2,000Traditional Himachali caps, metal jewellery, and local handicrafts. Authentic Kullu caps have specific weave patterns unique to each region.
Apple & Fruit Products
₹100 - ₹1,500Apple juice, cider, jams, pickles, and dried fruits from Shimla's orchards. HPMC (government) outlet on Mall Road guarantees quality.
Getting Around Shimla
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹2,500-4,000/day
AC car with experienced hill driver. Delhi to Shimla one-way from ₹6,000. Essential for Kufri, Mashobra, and outskirts. Call 7668570551.
Local Taxi / Union Cab
₹500-1,500/trip
Local union taxis for point-to-point trips. Available at Cart Road taxi stand. Fixed rates to popular destinations.
Shimla Ropeway
₹500 round trip
Cable car from The Ridge to Jakhu Temple. Quick, scenic alternative to the steep trek. Operates weather permitting.
Walking
Free
Mall Road is pedestrian-only. Most of central Shimla is best explored on foot. Be prepared for steep walks and stairs.
Where to Stay in Shimla
Mall Road / The Ridge
₹3,000-20,000/nightPrime location in the heart of Shimla. Walking distance to everything. Heritage hotels like Oberoi Cecil and Hotel Combermere. Premium pricing.
Lakkar Bazaar / Lower Bazaar
₹800-2,500/nightMore affordable area just below Mall Road. Budget to mid-range guesthouses. Close to bus stand and local markets. Steep walks required.
Kufri Road (Mashobra)
₹2,000-25,000/nightQuiet outskirts with nature resorts and luxury properties. Wildflower Hall by Oberoi is here. Perfect for nature lovers seeking peace.
ISBT / Cart Road Area
₹600-2,000/nightBudget zone near the bus terminal. Easy access for arrivals/departures. Basic but functional accommodation. 15-minute walk to Mall Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Shimla?
2-3 days is ideal. Day 1: Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple. Day 2: Kufri, Green Valley, Mashobra. Day 3: Toy Train to Kalka, Chadwick Falls, or day trip to Narkanda/Chail. Add days for Kinnaur or Spiti extensions.
Q2What is the best time to visit Shimla?
March to June for pleasant summer weather (15-30 degrees). December to February for snowfall experience. Peak tourist season is May-June and Christmas-New Year. September-November is peaceful with clear mountain views. Avoid monsoon (Jul-Aug) due to landslides.
Q3How do I reach Shimla from Delhi?
By car: 7-8 hours via Chandigarh (350 km). Our Delhi-Shimla cab costs 6,000-8,000 rupees one way. By train: Kalka Shatabdi + Toy Train (scenic 5-hour narrow gauge). By bus: HRTC Volvo (10 hrs). By flight: Shimla airport at Jubbarhatti (limited flights).
Q4Does it snow in Shimla?
Yes! Shimla receives snowfall typically between December and February. January sees the heaviest snow. Kufri and higher areas get more snow than Shimla town. Roads can be blocked during heavy snowfall, so keep extra days flexible.
Q5What food is Shimla famous for?
Shimla is known for Siddu (steamed stuffed bread), Tudkiya Bhath (spiced rice), Madra (chickpea curry), Dham (festive feast), and Babru (black gram kachori). The Mall Road has excellent cafes serving continental and Himachali food.
Q6Is Shimla expensive?
Shimla ranges from budget to luxury. Budget: 1,500-3,000 rupees per day (guesthouses, local food). Mid-range: 4,000-8,000 per day (3-star hotels, restaurants). Luxury: 12,000+ per day (Wildflower Hall, Oberoi Cecil). Prices spike during peak season and New Year.
Q7What should I buy in Shimla?
Himachali shawls and woollens (Lakkar Bazaar), wooden crafts, Kullu caps, apple products (juice, cider, jam), and Himachali pickles. The Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar are the main shopping areas.
Q8Can I combine Shimla with Manali?
Yes! Shimla-Manali is a classic Himachal circuit. The road distance is 250 km (8-10 hours). We offer Shimla-Kullu-Manali packages starting from 15,000 rupees for 5-6 days. The route passes through beautiful Mandi and Kullu valleys.
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