A travel Guide to Shimla
Shimla Tourism
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is perhaps one of the most sought-after hill stations during the holiday seasons. Such was its beauty that the British had declared Shimla as the summer capital of the country. Located right in the middle of the Himalayas, the chilly climate of the spot validates the popularity of Shimla tours. The weather is conducive for the growth of pine forests amongst the snowy peaks which adds to the beauty. Although small in area, the towering mountains and unending plains give the hill station a magnificent feel.
Along with people from India, people from countries like Afghanistan, Tibet, and Myanmar wish to get a glimpse of Shimla tourist attractions. A walk through the lanes and streets of the city will show the colonial influences on the city's architecture. Apart from its strikingly beautiful structures, the tourist spot also offers a wide variety of exciting activities that make sure the visitors have a fun and peaceful stay.
The pristine peaks, friendly locals, and mesmerising scenic beauty, all combine to give a memorable experience. For a trip that allows a wake up amongst the hills to view layers of fog embracing the mountains, Shimla, India, is the place to be.
Places to visit in Shimla
Things to do in Shimla
While the hill station is famous for the mentioned tourist spots, there are a variety of things to do in Shimla that will create wonderful memories.
Shop at Lakkar Bazaar
While you are admiring the beauty of the Ridge, you can head over to the nearby Lakkar Bazaar to do some shopping. This market is famous for its wooden souvenirs, made mostly by the local Sikh community. After shopping, you can indulge in some local delicacies like aloo tikis and chole bhature. Having a Shimla travel guide will help navigate through the multiple shops and innumerable food stalls around here.
Go to Shimla Ice Skating Club
Shimla has one of the oldest ice rinks in Asia. The club rents out the gear and even provides training sessions if required. All round the year, the club also hosts many events and galas, which are worth a visit if you are in town. The skating club is one of the most fun parts of Shimla tourism.
Hop on the Toy Train
One of the famous Shimla attractions is the Toy Train. You will feel like a child while aboard the UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the resplendent landscapes with sheer awe. The journey takes roughly 100 tunnels and 800 bridges, offering scenic beauty of mountains, forests, and old stations. Hitching a ride on this 100-year-old attraction will surely take you around old Himachal and let you feel its true charm.
Experience camping in the wild
Camping out in the wild, especially under the twinkling stars, has become an increasingly popular addition to Shimla attractions. Many spots around Shimla are perfect for taking out your tent and experiencing nature in its truest form. Some of the well-known spots for camping are Narkanda, Shogi, and Kufri.
Best time to visit Shimla
The hill station is blessed with the perfect weather a tourist can ask for. You can visit Shimla at any time of the year. But the best time to visit Shimla is between May to July or December to January.
The best season to visit Shimla would be either summer to save you from the heat or winter to experience the pristine snow.
How to Reach Shimla
Here are some ways and tips on how to reach Shimla:
By Air
The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti airport. You will get a flight to Jubbarhatti from the major cities of India. Chandigarh airport and Delhi airport are also close by. You can board on flights to Chandigarh or Delhi and from there, reach Shimla by road.
By Rail
The Kalka railway station is the closest station to Shimla, and is well connected to neighbouring cities. Visitors can avail themselves of the bus and taxi services to the various hotels in Shimla.
By Road
A road trip to Shimla can be a wonderful idea. It is very well linked to neighbouring cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, and Chandigarh. There are various bus services provided by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation that allows you to travel to and from Shimla.