Traveling has an appeal of its own. It is the gusto of exploring new destinations, discovering unique cultures, and celebrating life on the road that compels some people to adopt traveling as a way of life and make a living out of it as well to explore the wide worlds and its numerous wonders

Himachal PradeshShimla –

A Complete Travel Guide



one was to prepare a list of the favorite and most visited tourist destinations of our country, Shimla will definitely be at the top of that list. This small hill town has enjoyed the status of being the favored one for almost 2 centuries now. British arrived here in the early 1800s and liked the place so much that they declared it as their summer capital in 1864. They even took all the hassle of building a railroad to Shimla.The British left a long time ago but Shimla still continues to enjoy the same status. The beauty of this place is no less than it was a century ago, and still attracts thousands of tourists each year from all parts of the country.

If you too were thinking of visiting Shimla in the near future, then in this article I will provide some quick tips on how to plan a trip to Shimla. Your final travel plan will of course depend on several factors like how you are traveling; how many days you have in hand; the time of your trip.

Reasons to visit Shimla

What makes Shimla a desired destination for thousands of people however is because it is perfect for all kinds of vacations. From honeymooners to adventure seekers to families, the city serves as a charming retreat to a large number of people. The enchanting beauty of this hill station has attracted countless filmmakers and cinematographers. This erstwhile summer capital of the British, still retains its colonial-era charm through its spectacular historical churches and institutes, like Christ Church, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and many more

About ShimlaShimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It gets its name from Shyamala Mata, an incarnation of the goddess Kali. A temple, dedicated to the goddess and named Kali Bari temple, is situated near the Ridge.The town is located at 2,276 meters (7,467 ft) and is fondly called as the ‘queen of the hills’. Before independence, it served as the summer capital of British India. After independence, it became the capital of Punjab and then finally the capital of Himachal Pradesh after the state came into existence.

Shimla is very well connected by road so getting here is not a problem. You never really go too remote and the famous market of Shimla is perfect for an evening of shopping around. Every modern-day facility is available here including good hospitals in case a medical emergency came up. All cell phone networks work in Shimla so you remain connected with your family and friends all the time.

Best way to reach Shimla

The best way to reach Shimla would be to travel by your own vehicle; either by a motorcycle or Car. The condition of the road, as I mentioned, is very good and it takes you through some really stunning landscape. You can take as many breaks as you want, travel at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

What to See in Shimla



Shimla has a long list of tourist attractions. You can spend days here and still not be done with it all. Some places are right in the town whereas some others are at a little distance, like Kufri. If you drove a little further, you can even visit places like Narkanda and Thanedar, that are equally beautiful and even quieter than the main town.

Places to visit in Shimla

But for a brief summary, below are some of the best places you can visit during your trip.

Mall Road:

Main shopping street is known as “The Mall” or “Mall Road”. It is more or less the center of all activity here and runs as the town’s lifeline. Cafes, restaurants, and social hangouts on Mall Road are especially popular with locals and tourists alike.

Christ Church:

It is the second oldest church in Northern India, dating back to 1857. Situated on The Ridge, it is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and a fine display of neo-Gothic architecture.

Scandal Point:

It is known so because this is where the Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. Back then, it was the scandal of the highest order.

Jakhu Hill:

The highest peak around Shimla, at a height of 8,000 ft, offering a magnificent view of the valley around.

Shimla State Museum:

Full of several ancient artifacts displaying the cultural wealth of Himachal PradeshStatue of Lord Hanuman at Jakhu Hill: This 108 feet tall statue stands at a height of 8,500 ft above sea level.Viceregal Lodge: Dating back to 1888, this lodge was built by British architect Henry Irwin and served as the residence of the British Viceroy of IndiaRothney Castle: Rothney Castle was the home of Allan Octavian Hume, the British civil servant who founded the Congress in 1885



Things to do in Shimla

Other than visiting all of the places mentioned above, here is a list of some other activities that you may indulge yourself in while visiting Shimla. I am not including things like hiring a cab and drive an hour to visit a nearby place, but things that you can do while staying in the town itself.Take a Walk on

The Ridge:

The ridge is an area near Jhaku Hill and the Observatory. This is the place where Shimla’s fairs, festivals, and functions are held. Tourists come here to see several colonial-style buildings, a church, a library, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Trek to Jhaku Hill:

At a height of 2,455 meters, the top of Jhaku hill offers a mesmerizing view of Shimla and the entire Shivalik range around. It is a fun trek of about 30 minutes to the top through lush forest terrain.

Shop at Mall Road:

While you are in Shimla, do not forget to do some shopping at the famous Mall road and buy yourself some souvenirs.

Ride the Toy Train:



Take a ride in the famous Toy train of Shimla. It is a journey of 96 kilometers that will take you over 864 bridges and 102 tunnels, including the longest one at Barog. Scenic vistas will accompany you throughout the journey and you will have a hard time to stop clicking your camera.