Shimla - Highlight
- Shimla, at a distance of 343 km from Delhi and 88 km from Kalka, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular tourist destinations of India
- At 7250 ft, weather is mild and charming during summer while snow fall is very common during winter months
- Being the Summer Capital of British India, Shimla still holds the colonial touch with buildings constructed in European architecture
- Best time to visit Shimla is from April to May and Oct to December though you can visit all through the year
Photo by Rupika08, CC BY-SA 4.0
Shimla, locally called Simla, is the state capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Shimla is at a height of 7250 ft from sea level. In 1864, Shimla became the summer capital of India during the British rule.
A number of historic events affecting India destiny took place here. After India’s independence, it became the joint headquarters of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Upon the attainment of full statehood, it is now the administrative headquarters of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla is surrounded by green dense forest and mesmerizing hills. Snow capped mountains green pastures, rivers all over makes it a breathtaking view. It has numerous buildings which figure prominently in the Indo – British history. Among them The Kennedy Hose, Shimla’s first Government Building, where the British held parleys with India’s leaders for transfer of power ; Munshi Khanna where the foreign department of British India worked in summers ; the Viceregal lodge summer residence of Viceroy ; beside the old army headquarters. Several university level institutions, libraries, observatory, churches, ice – skating club, race course, the Annundale grounds. the Mall, the Ridge, the Townhall and the bazaar are Shimla’s well known and well admired landmarks.
How to Reach
- By Air – Jubbarhati is Shimla’s nearest airport. Taxis are available from the taxi stand to the city which is 22 kms away. But, its a small airport with very limited flights. Chandigarh, at a distance of 113 km has many more flights connecting all over India. From airport Shimla is 2 to 3 hrs by car
- By Rail – Kalka is the nearest railway station of Shimla. Trains are available on a regular basis from Delhi to Kalka. From Kalka, you need to take the meter gauge railway to reach Shimla. This 96 Km route is one of the most beautiful train journeys in India. Though there are several trains, Shivalik Deluxe Express (connecting to Kalka mail) is the best option for tourists with comfortable chair cars and meal service. Alternately, you may reach Chandigarh station and take a car or bus to reach Shimla.
- By Road – By road, it takes 2 to 3 hrs to reach shimla from Kalka or Chandigarh. There are regular bus service available from these places. But it is always advisable to hire a car so that you can enjoy the beauty of the journey
Distance of Shimla from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Delhi |
343 |
|
Chandigarh |
113 |
|
Kalka |
88 |
|
Kullu |
208 |
|
Manali |
250 |
|
Manikaran |
233 |
|
Sarahan |
60 |
Weather
Shimla Temperature:
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (6°C) to (22°C)
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Regular rainfall happens. This is not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (2°C) to (17°C)
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Dec are the best season for tourism
What to See
The Mall
The Mall is the most important and the most loved spot of Shimla. The evenings spent here is perfect with an excellent cup of coffee served in the stalls around the Mall with some lips smaking snacks served here in the stalls. A brisk walk in the evening or Pony rides are the main attraction of the place. Local vendors selling fruits, the local eateries, and the restaurants and all others play an important role. The most beautiful sight seen from the Mall is the Himalayan range. The place where the Mall joins the Ridge is known as Scandal point
Anglican Christ Church
Anglican Christ Church is located at the end of the Mall. It was built in the year 1844. It was designed by Col. JT Boileau, consecrated in 1857 and later extended with an additional clock in 1860 and porch in 1873. The original chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling’s father. Just Next door is the Library designed by James Ransome in the Elizabethan style.
Photo by Aleksandr Zykov, CC BY-SA 2.0
Jaku Peak
The Jaku Peak is 2455 m above the sea level, overlooking the snowy horizons, provides a bird eye view of this 19th century British town where most streets names still remind of the British past. This point is famous for sunrise and sunset. It is just 1.5 km away from the Ridge. On the hill stands the Hanuman temple where one can encounter monkeys at their mischievous best. Tourists can also enjoy a horse ride from the Mall to the Jaku Peak
Shimla Kali Temple
The renowned Kali Bari temple is located in Shimla and holds a very strategic importance to the region. The temple was consecrated in the year 1854, dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is also known by the local name of Shymala. Tourist coming to Shimla never miss to pay a visit to the temple, especially the Hindus as it also serves a great religious importance among the followers. The original site of the temple was in Jakhu Hill, but British colonization shifted the temple to the current location. There are multiple aliases of the goddess, prominently Kali and Durga. The temple holds a shrine of the Goddess Kali.
Photo by Anup Sadi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Summer Hill
Summer Hill is a railway station on the route to Shimla from Kalka. It is located 5 km away from Shimla and is 1982 meters above the sea level. This place was visited by Mahatma Gandhi several times. The Himachal Pradesh University is located here in Summer Hill. The surroundings of this place is so beautiful that it is worth watching. It is an ideal place for talking long walks
Photo by ptow, CC Attribution 2.0 Generic
The Retreat
This place is 1 km away from Shimla. This place was famously the retreat of the Viceroy Lord and hence the name, The Retreat. The building which was originally a palace was made of white marble with wooden staircase and teak wood ceiling. after Independence this place was The Rashtrapati Bhavan but later it was given to the Indian Institute of Advance Studies by Dr. Sarbapally. There is a huge collection of books here. The count of the books is above a crore
Photo by wiki, CC Attribution 2.0 Generic
Glen
Glen is some 4 km away from the town. It is 1830 metres above sea level and is mainly famous for picnics or just spending time with family and friends. The pathway is beautifully and marvelously decorated. Tourists can also get to see wild animals in the reserved forests attached to it. Even tourists can trek to this point on horse back. it is a perfect and ideal spot for nature lovers
Photo by Rohit Chhiber, CC Attribution 2.0 Generic
Annadale
Annadale is located some 4.5 km away from Glen. It is a football ground and a race course as well. It is an ideal place to spend evenings here in this place
Kufri
Kufri is one of the famous and most visited spot near Shimla. situated 16 km away, this place is famous for winter sports with wonderful ski slopes. The Shivalik range, the Kedarnath and Badrinath Range and the Pir Panjal Range can be viewed from Kufri. The surroundings looks like a perfect painting done by a great artist
Other Details
>> What to Do
- A walk by the mall, which is famous for its Victorian style architecture and the charms of the era of the Rajas.
- Enjoy the snow during winters.
- A short hiking in the local mountains.
- Play Golf at the Naldehra Golf Course.
- Picnic at The Glen
- Visit the Seog Wildlife Sanctuary
>> Where to Eat
- Seventh Heaven Restaurant at Hotal Combermore, Mall Road.
- Wake and Bake –On the mall Road. Fresh and delicious food
- Cecil—Near the Mall Chaura Maidan. Famous for the formal night-out
- Baljee’s –On the Mall. For both Indian And Western options
>> What to Buy
Shopping list in Shimla will include local handicrafts, woolens, shawls, toys, sticks and Tibetan Carpets. The delicious jams and squashes have never missed any bag of any tourist and are specialties here
>> Get Around
Walking is the best options to see the places around the Mall. For sight-seeing and places at a distance, hire a car.
