How to plan a trip to Shimla? Have you ever thought of an existing place, that doesn’t just provide you Natural scenic view but also gives you a thrilling vibe, colonial charm, and a pleasant climate throughout the year? Believe me, It exists and I feel great that I was advised to visit this place, which has created so many unforgettable and lifetime memories. Yes, I am talking about Shimla. Which is also referred to as “Queen of Hills,” and is one of India’s most popular hill stations.
Though Word Shimla itself sounds very beautiful but there is one of the opinions suggests that Shimla got it’s name from the word “Shyamala Devi’ an incarnation of the Goddess “Kali’. The Famous word Shimla Mirch (The green bell pepper) is quite common across India and that originated from Shimla only and introduced by Britishers to whole India.
It is situated in the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,200 meters (7,200 feet). Shimla has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or just looking to relax in nature’s lap. In this blog, I have shared my experience and insights to visit Shimla easily and make it one of your memorable journeys of life. Planning a trip to Shimla is not a big deal.
First thing that comes to our mind is how to get to this place so there are many ways to be at this beautiful place without any hustle. You can take a bus from Delhi, Chandigarh or Haridwar. If you wish to go for a train journey, take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then Kalka to Shimla in a heritage toy train. As I did the same because I felt train journey would give me chance to explore the natural scenic view. In this article, I have written about places, convenient time and easiest way to be here. You should go through the article to know my experience as well as your answers.
Places to Visit in Shimla:
Planning a trip to Shimla is not a big deal. There are many ways to be at this beautiful place without any hustle. You can take a bus from Delhi, Chandigarh or Haridwar. If you wish to go for a train journey, take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then Kalka to Shimla in a heritage toy train. In this article, I have written about places, convenient time and easiest way to be here. You should go through the article to know my experience as well as your answers.
- The Ridge
The Ridge is the heart of Shimla, and no visit to this hill station is complete without spending time at this vibrant and scenic open space. While passing by the way, I observed that it serves as a popular social hub for both locals and tourists. Surrounded by colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges.
Key Attractions:
- Christ Church: The iconic neo-Gothic Christ Church, built in 1857, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shimla. Its stained glass windows and majestic spire make it a must-visit spot.
- Gaiety Theatre: This historic theater has been an integral part of Shimla’s cultural heritage. It still hosts plays, performances, and exhibitions.
2. Mall Road
Just a short walk from the Ridge, I found a famous walk-around place named “Mall Road’ which is the lifeline of Shimla, bustling with tourists, shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from local handicrafts and woolen wear to souvenirs and snacks. The road is vehicle-free, making it a great place to roam without worrying about traffic.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Shop for Local Handicrafts: Woolen clothes, wooden artifacts, Himachali caps, and shawls are some of the popular items to take home.
- Cafés and Eateries: Stop by Indian Coffee House or Café Shimla Times for a quick bite and some coffee while soaking in the colonial-era charm.
- Jakhoo Temple
Perched atop Jakhoo Hill, the Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is one of Shimla’s most revered religious spots. Standing at 8,000 feet above sea level, this hill is the highest point in Shimla and offers breathtaking views of the entire region. A massive statue of Lord Hanuman, which stands at over 100 feet tall, is visible from most parts of Shimla and adds to the temple’s spiritual aura.
What to Expect:
- A moderate trek: You can either trek to the temple, which takes about 30-45 minutes or take a ropeway.
- Beware of monkeys: Jakhoo Temple is home to several mischievous monkeys who are known for snatching food and belongings from visitors.
- Toy Train
If you have decided to make this trip thrilling how could you miss the Toy train ride which is also a UNESCO heritage? To get a glimpse of Himachal Pradesh’s valley, waterfalls, and nature a Toy train ride is highly recommended.
Highlights:
- Sunrise and Sunset through train journey: Whether you want to experience a romantic scenic view or enjoy a royal train journey, you must go for a toy train ride as it passes through 103 tunnels, Sunrise, and sunset view. Steam engine sound will take you to in ancient era.
- Scene in motion: Every moment of the Toy train journey will make you curious to observe something special through the valley, waterfalls, and bridges. You will be bound to say this train journey shouldn’t be limited.
- Kufri
Located just 16 kilometers from Shimla, Kufri is a small hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure activities. During winter, it transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, attracting tourists for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Kufri is also popular for its wildlife parks, offering a mix of natural beauty and adventure.
Top Attractions:
- Kufri Fun World: This amusement park is set at a high altitude and offers various rides along with breathtaking views.
- Winter Sports: Kufri is known for skiing during the winter season. You can also try tobogganing, snowball fights, and ice skating.
- Summer Hill
Summer Hill is one of the seven hills that make up Shimla and offers a tranquil retreat away from the more crowded parts of the town. Situated about 5 kilometers from the main city, this scenic spot is known for its peaceful environment and lush greenery. It’s also home to the Himachal Pradesh University, making it a popular area for students and academics.
Why Visit:
- Nature walks: The tree-lined paths and serene environment make Summer Hill perfect for a peaceful walk or a quiet afternoon amidst nature.
- Chadwick Falls: Located nearby, Chadwick Falls is a small yet picturesque waterfall that’s worth a visit, especially during the monsoon season.
- Mashobra
If you’re looking for a quieter, offbeat destination near Shimla, then Mashobra is a hidden gem worth exploring. Just 12 kilometers away from Shimla, this charming village is surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. It’s a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Things to Do:
- Camping and hiking: Mashobra is a great base for outdoor activities like camping, trekking, and bird-watching.
- Apple orchards: Visit the local apple orchards, particularly during the harvest season, for a unique experience.
- Tara Devi Temple
For a more spiritual experience, head to the Tara Devi Temple, located around 11 kilometers from Shimla. This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Tara and is set amidst tranquil surroundings with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Highlights:
- Serene atmosphere: The temple’s peaceful environment offers the perfect setting for meditation and reflection.
- Scenic drive: The journey to the temple is just as beautiful as the destination, with winding roads that offer stunning views of the Himalayan ranges.
- Chail
Located about 45 kilometers from Shimla, Chail is another quiet hill station known for its natural beauty and royal heritage. It was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala and is home to the famous Chail Palace. Chail is also known for having the highest cricket ground in the world.
Must-Visit Spots in Chail:
- Chail Palace: This heritage property, now a hotel, is surrounded by lush gardens and offers a glimpse into the royal past of the region.
- Cricket Ground: The highest cricket ground in the world is located at an altitude of 2,444 meters and is a unique attraction.
How to Visit Shimla?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article that visiting Shimla is an easy task as there are Air, road, and railway connectivity. The closest airport is Jubarhati Airport, about 23 km from Shimla, with limited flights from major cities like Delhi. For a scenic route, the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is an unforgettable experience. The train journey starts from Kalka and takes about 5-6 hours to reach Shimla, offering stunning views of the mountains. It is also connected through road routes from Major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. Once in Shimla, getting around is easy by foot, rented bikes, or Scooty.
When to Visit Shimla?
Although Shimla provides great experiences throughout the year. It depends on the type of experience you are looking for. If you’re interested in experiencing snow, then winter (December to February) is the perfect time, as Shimla transforms into a snowy wonderland, great for skiing and other winter sports. For those who prefer fewer crowds, monsoon (July to September) offers lush greenery and misty hills, though there can be landslides, so it’s less suitable for road travel. To beat the summer heat, one can visit from (March to June).
Conclusion
Shimla offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring bustling markets, hiking through tranquil forests, or visiting ancient temples, this hill station has something to offer every traveler. From iconic spots like The Ridge and Mall Road to quieter retreats like Mashobra and Chail, there’s no shortage of places to explore in and around Shimla.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and get ready to discover the magic of Shimla! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.
We visited Shimla. Really a mixture of natural beauty, cultural heritage and adventure. Next time We would like to visit the Chail.
Certainly, you must visit Chail to experience something unique!