It was only in 1819 when the British discovered it and made it their summer capital was when Shimla became popular with tourists. Known as the "Queen of Hills" this beautiful little town is perched on a ridge and is now captured by the chaos of tourism, especially in the summer months when Shimla is thronged by people making their way to the hills for some much needed respite from the heat of the plains.
Shimla Weather
Best Time to Visit Shimla: Shimla experiences pleasant climate all through the year, though it can experience very cold winters along with snow, and temperatures may fall to below zero degrees; this is a good time to take part in winter sports like skiing and many tourists visit Shimla during Christmas and New Year. The best time to visit Shimla would be from October to November and from March to May; as it is very pleasant during the summers. Shimla is best avoided during the monsoons as it's prone to landslides. Nearest Railway Stations to Shimla: To get to Shimla from Delhi involves changing from the broad to narrow gauge tracks at Kalka. This is known as a Toy Train and ascends into the hills, passing through 103 tunnels along the way, making this an extremely beautiful and unforgettable journey.
Trains to Shimla
- Himalayan Queen Express
- Kalka Shimla Passenger
- Shimla Kalka Passenger
- Holiday Special
- Rail Motor Car
- Shivalik Deluxe Express
Buses to Shimla: Shimla is well connected by road and there are many bus services that operate from Delhi, Kalka and Chandigarh to Shimla. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation run AC, and deluxe and semi deluxe buses to Shimla as well.
Inter State Bus Terminus
Shimla Bypass, NH 22
Tutikandi
Himachal Pradesh
Local Taxi Companies in Shimla
Shimla Taxi Service:
Hi Landers Tours and Travels
Below main bus stand (ISBT)
Cart Road
Shimla- 171001
Himachal Pradesh
Ph Nos: 9816007799, (0177) 2801565, 3209899
The Kalka –Shimla Taxi Union:
Main Bus Stand
Shimla
Himachal Pradesh
Ph No: (0177) 2651162, 2658225
Tourist Attractions in Shimla
Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens: Now known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, this was the former residence of the British viceroy's. This magnificent colonial fixture was completed in 1888 in the fascinating Scottish baronial style of architecture. The lodge is a pleasant 2 km walk west of the museum and while you're there don't forget to explore the lawns and botanical gardens and have a quick bite from the café there. Opposite the lodge is a small aviary that is home to a variety bird species', including the Monal pheasants, the sate bird of Himachal Pradesh.
Christ Church: The second oldest church in northern India, Christ Church was built between 1846 and 1857. This church is one of Shimla's oldest landmarks and is famous for its stained glass windows.
Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey God. This temple is situated to the east of the town near the highest point of the Shimla ridge and offers a magnificent view of Shimla and its surrounding valleys. The Jakhu Temple is surrounded by many monkeys and is steep 45 walk from Scandal Point.
Scandal Point: As the name suggest, this place is known for its scandalous history. Scandal point is where the Mall Road meets the Ridge Road on the left side. Legend has it that the king of Pataila eloped with a British Lady here and hence this place received its name.
Hiking: Shimla offers several short hikes to places around the town, like:
- The Glen
- Annandale
- Summer Hill
- Chandwik Falls
- Kamna Devi Temple
- Prospect Hill
The Not to be Missed Tourst Spots in Shimla are:
The Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens
Christ Church
Jakhu Temple
Shopping in Shimla
The Himachal Emporium: Near the Mall Road, this emporium has a reasonable collection of local handicrafts and pottery dogs.
Tibetan Refugee Handloom Shop: At the other end of the Mall, is the showroom for the local development project and sells carpets and clothing and other Tibetan crafts.
Lakkar Bazaar: Meaning “Wood Market”, this is Shimla's main souvenir market and sells wooden massage wheels and rollers. This is a good place to pick up inexpensive mementoes to take home.
Mandi (vegetable market): Located between the Ridge and Cart Road this is Shimla's colourful and chaotic fruit and vegetable market.
Other Entertainment in Shimla: Other than sightseeing Shimla has little else to offer. There is an ice skating rink near the Rivoli bus stand, but the rink is only open during winters. The few other options are the Gaiety Theatre, that has occasional shows and recitals or the Ritz Cinema that plays blockbuster Bollywood films.
The Shimla Summer Festival: The Shimla Summer Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year in the months of May and June. The festival has many attractions in the form of cultural performances, Himachali cuisine, local handicraft exhibitions, dog, shows, flower shows among other attractions.
Restaurants in Shimla
Himani's: Located at the Mall, just below the community building, this restaurant does tasty South Indian snacks and has a popular, relaxed bar.
Nalini: Situated on the Mall, this restaurant, though slightly expensive is popular for its vegetarian food.
Indian Cofee House: Located at the Mall. This restaurant does excellent coffee and South Indian snacks.
Oberoi Clarke's Hotel: A high end place where you can enjoy good Indian food set in luxurious surroundings.
Embassy Restaurant: Located at the Mall, this place does great pizzas and hamburgers.
Devicos Restaurant: Found at the mall, go here if what you're looking for are sizzlers, pizzas, croissants, cakes and pastries.
Park Café: Located on the Ridge, this place is popular with backpackers and students because of its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, good drinks and late-evening music.
Trishool's: Located near the Gaiety Theatre, is recommended for its cakes, pastries and quick snacks.
Government Tourist Office
Asstt. General Manager,
HPTDC Marketing Office,
The Mall, Shimla
Email : shimla@hptdc.in
Tel : 0177-2658302, 2652561
Currency Exchange: Opposite Scandal Point there is an ICICI and HPSCB Bank and these have 24 hour ATM's. At the west end of the Mall is a State Bank of India, they change Thomas Cook and American Express (Amex) traveller's cheques and foreign currency. There is a Punjab National Bank as well that accepts Visa and American Express traveller's cheques.
Other Places of Interest around Shimla
Naldehra: The village of Naldehra, 15 km north of Mashobra is known for its golf course which is the oldest and highest golf course in the world.
Tattapani: This peaceful village 30 km from Naldehra is known for its hot sulphurous springs. It is a good place to while away a few days and wander through the hills.
Kasauli: Kasauli is a charming little village around 75 km from Shimla and has many Raj-era buildings.
Chail: This hilltop village is 65 km from Shimla and was created by the Maharaja of Pataila as his summer capital after he was banned from Shimla. Chail is known for the Chail Palace and the worlds highest cricket ground.
Kufri: This is a little village highway and is a transit point to Chail.
Emergency Contacts in Shimla
Police Control Room: (0177) 2657430
Ambulance: (0177) 2804648/ 102 (Emergency Helpline)
Fire Brigade: 101
Medical Services in Shimla
Kamla Nehru Hospital
Shimla - 171 001, India.
Contact : 0177- 2625097
Mail-id: info@ddh.in
Indus Hospital
Shimla -171 002
Himachal Pradesh
Ph Nos : 91-177-2841401- 04
Fan Nos : 91-177-2842017
E-mail:indus@indushospital.org
Sanitarium Hospital Shimla
Shimla - 171 001, India
Contact: 0177-2652800
Mail-id: info@shs.in
Last Updated on 5/20/2011
