Shimla
3 ToursShimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge.
It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon. There are quite a few theories regarding the origin of the word Shimla. Locals insist that the name originates from Shyamali Devi, a re-incarnation of the fearsome Goddess Kali. Shimla has a population of around 145,000. Most of the residents are from the Pahadi community (the natives of Himachal Pradesh), but there is also a sizable minority from Punjab and Sindh, who moved to Shimla during the partition. As a result, the languages spoken in Shimla include Hindi, Punjabi, Pahadi and English which serves as a lingua-franca.
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Best Time to Visit
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Sep
- Oct
Key Attractions
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The Mall Road
The Mall is the main shopping center of Shimla. This shopping center has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.
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Jakhu Temple, Jakhu Hill.
Open every day. Offers spectacular views of the mountains from its location above the town. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. The climb up is a physically demanding one-hour walk. However, you can drive up the hill - a 4WD is recommended. The temple and hill side is populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially) food.
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Christ Church
The Ridge (Near Municipal Library). Open every day, services Su 8AM-11AM. Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church of the North India. The stain-glass windows, representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father. Entry free, donations welcome.
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Lower Bazaar,
The Mall (Below Central Section). Shops Open Mo-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and stores, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepard's Pie. It also sells clothes and household items.
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Take a leisurely walk at the Mall
This is 7km thoroughfare is famous for its Victorian Architecture, and retains much of its Raj-era charm. The central area of The Mall is composed of half-timbered buildings and is the place to rub shoulders and clash knives and forks with Shimla's elite
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Visit the zoo
Home to native species such as the great Himalayan Snow Leopard, and varieties of Musk Deer.
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Ice skating
It is possible in Shimla from November to March, though Kufri and Chail on the outskirts of town offer better options.
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Trek in the local mountains.
Walk along the meandering roads to the meadows at Annadale, 5 kms out of town. The Glen, further west, is a favorite picnic-spot with locals. Head north and visit Wildflower Hall, the former retreat of Lord Kitchner. Further on along the Hindustan-Tibet Road lies the quaint village of Mashobra. A gravel-road indicates the entry to the Seog Wildlife Sanctuary. The annual Sipi Fair is held in a little steep pathway off Mashobra.
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Naldehra Golf Course
On the northern outskirts of the town, at a distance of about 25 kilometres from Shimla. The 9-hole golf-course, set amidst sloping meadows at an elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level, was designed by Lord Curzon in the 19th century. The flora is impressive, ranging from alpine grass to pine and deodar. But the tourists are not permitted to enter the golf course and they can only have a distant view of the golf-course. There are two separate entries, one for walking and the other for horses, which lead to a vast ground surrounded by pine trees and golf-course. It is better go up by own instead of taking horses and enjoy the serenity.
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Kinnaur Kailash Parikrma Trek
Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places but very less known district of Himachal Pradesh. This place is surrounded by Tibet, Garhwal Himalayan, Spiti valley and Kullu. Sutlej River also flows from the Kinnaur valley. Tourists can experience a Buddhism life style, due to its proximity to Tibet.
Nearby Places
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Kinnaur(265 Kms)
An area located on the international border. Nature at it’s best. You'll find a mix of densely forested valleys and deep river ravines here. It's also home to several traditional Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples. According to legend, Pandavas spent part of their exile here.
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Manali, Kullu Valley (260 Kms)
An area of hot springs, traditional buildings, and Buddhist monasteries.
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Dharamshalla (250 Kms)
Home of H.H. Dalai Lama and the Tibetan-Government-in-exile. Many Buddhist monasteries in the area.
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Kasauli (85 Kms)
Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. The town is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. It is one of those places that, despite its beauty still has yet to find itself prominently on the tourist's map. In fact, it is very good for all those who yearn to spend some time alone with their family or, for that matter, even themselves.
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Chail (50 Kms)
Originally a private reserve created by the Maharaja of Patiala who was banned from Shimla. Now a 75 acre resort that meanders over undulating hills. Home to the world's highest cricket pitch.
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Spiti Valley
A cold mountain desert located in the Trans-Himalayan region is accessible from Shimla, via Kinnaur. It is characterized by surreal landscapes, remote villages, ancient monasteries, and an extremely hospitable culture.
Tours around Shimla
