Himachal Pradesh

Shimla

The Queen of Hills - a charming colonial hill station where British Raj heritage meets Himalayan beauty.

Best Time

March to June, September to November

Altitude

2,276 meters (7,467 ft)

Nearest Airport

Jubbarhatti Airport (23 km)

Languages

Hindi, Pahari, English

About the Destination

The Summer Capital of British India

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, served as the summer capital of British India and retains much of its colonial charm. The town sprawls across a ridge with stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

The Mall Road, lined with old colonial buildings, bookshops, and cafes, remains the heart of Shimla's social life. The town's architecture tells stories of the Raj era, from the Viceregal Lodge to the Gothic Christ Church.

Beyond its heritage, Shimla offers excellent trekking, skiing in winter at Kufri, and the magical UNESCO-listed toy train journey from Kalka that winds through 102 tunnels and across 800 bridges.

Must Visit

Top Attractions

From colonial heritage to Himalayan adventures, discover the best of Shimla.

Heritage

Mall Road

2-3 hours

The heart of Shimla's social life, this colonial-era promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and Victorian buildings. No vehicles allowed, making it perfect for leisurely walks.

Landmark

Ridge

1-2 hours

A large open space in the heart of town offering panoramic views of the mountains. Home to Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India.

Spiritual

Jakhoo Temple

2 hours

Perched atop the highest peak in Shimla, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman features a 108-foot tall statue visible from across the city.

Experience

Toy Train Ride

5-6 hours

The UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla Railway offers a breathtaking journey through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges across the scenic Himalayan foothills.

Things to Do

Unique Experiences

Heritage Walk

Explore colonial architecture and Raj-era buildings

Toy Train Journey

Ride the UNESCO heritage narrow-gauge railway

Ice Skating

Glide on India's oldest natural ice skating rink

Apple Orchards

Visit lush orchards in nearby Kotgarh and Narkanda

Travel Essentials

Packing Checklist

Getting There

How to Reach Shimla

By Air

Jubbarhatti Airport is 23 km from Shimla. Limited flights from Delhi. Most travelers fly to Chandigarh (113 km) and drive up.

Flight to Chandigarh: 1 hour

By Train

The heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train (96 km) is a UNESCO World Heritage route. Kalka is well-connected to Delhi and other major cities.

Toy train from Kalka: 5-6 hours

By Road

Well-connected by road from Delhi (350 km), Chandigarh (113 km), and Manali (250 km). Volvo and HRTC buses run regularly.

Drive from Delhi: 7-8 hours