Travel Guide of Shimla in India by Influencers and Travelers

Shimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Shimla

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Kufri

   9 km away

Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. It is located 20 km from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway No.22. The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language.

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2 - Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

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3 - Mountain Bike Tours in Shimla

We are passionate mountain bikers and locals from Shimla. According to your individual needs and wishes, we will take you for a fun whole day ride around Shimla. On the round trip we will be mostly on jeep tracks and forest roads, but we can include as many trails as you like.

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4 - Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

   7 km away
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5 - Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park

   19 km away
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6 - Climbing in Shimla

Lamkhaga pass (Approx. 18000 ft. high) one of the toughest, roughest and challenging terrain in Baspa valley of Kinnaur. The trek route runs along the Indo-Tibetan border. Lamkhaga pass connects Chitkul village of Himachal Pradesh with Harshil in the Gangotri valley of Uttarakhand. Its a journey of approx. 100Kms & 9 days

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7 - Kasauli

   31 km away

Kasauli is a cantonment and town, located in Solan district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The cantonment was established by the British Raj in 1842 as a Colonial hill station, 77 km from Shimla, 65 km from Chandigarh, and 94 km from Ambala Cantt, an important railway junction of North India.

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8 - Narkanda

   32 km away

Narkanda is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kumarsain subdivision of Shimla district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is at an elevation of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, India within a fir forest.

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9 - Wildlife Watching in Shimla

Spiti Snow Leopard Trail: Wildlife spotting in Kibber wildlife sanctuary Spot and photograph vulnerable species like snow leopard, learn to survive in sub-zero temperature of the Spiti valley, meet local people, visit monasteries and meet monks. Itinerary Day #1: Shimla – Sarahan Sarahan Altitude 2100m Distance covered 180 km. Drive Duration: 7 hours Day #2: Sarahan – Kalpa Kalpa Altitude 3000m. Distance 85km. Drive Duration; 5-6 hours(Overnight at hotel). Day #3 Kalpa – Kibber Kibber altitude 4270m. Drive duration: 7 – 8 hours Day #4: Rest day at Kibber. Explore Kibber village and Kibber wildlife sanctuary. Day 5,6,7: Hiking and following the elusive snow leopard, red fox and blue sheep around Kibber wildlife sanctuary. Day #8: Kibber – Reckong Peo Day #10: Reckong Peo – Shimla

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10 - Kumarsain

   35 km away

Kumarsain, also known as Kumharsain, is a town and a city council in Shimla District in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Formerly it was a princely state of the British Raj and was one of the several states of the Punjab States Agency.

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11 - Camping in Shimla

Located just 45-min drive away from the hill station of Shimla, your campsite has an abundance of Himalayan wilderness, from heavily wooded jungles to the picturesque Shimla hills. The forests around Shoghi, the closest village to the campsite, makes for the perfect setting to go on short, guided treks. During this camping trip, you’ll stay in deluxe tents equipped with the comforts of a king-sized bed, mattresses, blankets, side table, fan and chairs. The tents come with an attached washroom and hot, running water. The campsite is also equipped with a multi-cuisine kitchen to serve delicious meals. Highlights Stay in the rustic hills of Shimla on a camping trip near Shimla. Participate in adventure activities like Burma Bridge, tree bridge and more. Sleep in deluxe tents pitched under a starry, night sky. Explore the forests and mountains of Shimla.

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Shimla here

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Pictures and Stories of Shimla from Influencers

20 pictures of Shimla from Charlotte Harrison, Pritam Das Biswas, Mister tickle and other travelers

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Why should you visit Shimla ?

Travel to Shimla if you like:

  🏘️ Town     ⛰️ Hill station     🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests     🌲 Forest     ⛰️ Mountain     🗼 Landmark  

How to visit Shimla ?

To reach Shimla, you can either fly or take a train to Chandigarh, the closest major city. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or a bus to Shimla, which is approximately 113 kilometers away. Alternatively, you can also take the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a scenic and memorable journey through the hills.

It is recommended to book your train tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season (April to June and September to November). If you plan to take the Kalka-Shimla Railway, make sure to reserve your seats well in advance, as the train fills up quickly.

The costs of visiting Shimla can vary depending on your preferences. Budget accommodations can be found for as low as INR 1,000 per night, while luxury hotels may charge upwards of INR 7,000. Meals at local restaurants are relatively affordable, with an average cost of INR 200-300 per person.

Some of the best things to do in Shimla include exploring the Mall Road, visiting the Jakhu Temple, taking a stroll at the Ridge, and admiring the Christ Church's Gothic architecture. You can also explore the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, to learn about Shimla's colonial history.

For dining options, try the Wake & Bake Café for a variety of international and Indian dishes, or Baljees Restaurant for local favorites like chole bhature and parathas. For a fine dining experience, head to the Ashiana Restaurant in the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex.

When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from budget options like Hotel Willow Banks, a colonial-era property with modern amenities, or the affordable Hotel Chaman Palace. For a luxurious stay, consider the Oberoi Cecil, featuring elegant rooms and impeccable service.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual and memorable experience, venture to the nearby village of Fagu, located about 22 kilometers from Shimla. This picturesque hamlet offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is an excellent spot for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Stay at the apple orchards for a unique experience, and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and traditions. This peaceful getaway is the perfect way to escape the crowds and truly immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the mountains.

Learn More about Shimla

Shimla had its heyday in the 19th century, when the British chose the city as their summer capital to escape the furnace of Calcutta, 1,850 km away. They moved most of the administrative services, including men and archives, by train. Today, the city has kept a very British touch.

Located in the northern mountains at an altitude of more than 2,200 meters above sea level, the city of Shimla, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, possesses a cool and pleasant climate, completely different from the usual heat of India. In winter, the scenery here exudes a luxurious and pure beauty with oak forests, pine forests covered with white snow, buildings with Western architecture immersed in the cold air between the pass slopes. Winter is the most ideal time to visit the "snow city".

Shimla has many beautiful roads to visit and explore. Walking through The Mall square in the city center, you will come across buildings, temples, churches built in Western style, with a hint of Renaissance, Tudor and neo-Gothic architecture from the period. colony. The old Christ Church, with its striking yellow color and beautiful stained-glass windows, is one of the attractions. This is also a rare church that you can see in this North Indian region as just over 2% of India's population is Christian. In addition, you can visit Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Library and Museum or the famous Lakkar Bazaar mountain market with wooden handicrafts.

Tourism in Shimla has enough recreational and sports activities, such as kayaking, trekking, mountain climbing... Especially you will have the opportunity to experience skating on the largest natural ice rink in South Asia when coming to Shimla. in winter. The cool weather is the ideal condition to enjoy a cup of hot coffee with delicious Himachal dishes such as chha, patore and khoru...

There are many roads to get to Shimla. Visitors can travel by train on the Kalka - Shimla world heritage railway line built by the British in 1898, or take a plane to Chandigarh (Delhi) airport, then continue on the pass to the city Here, to be once immersed in the magnificent scenery of the "snow city" between the mountains and forests of North India in the winter.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Shimla

What are the best restaurants in Shimla ?

• Himachali Rasoi (Indian) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g304552-d8664505-Reviews-Himachali_Rasoi-Shimla_Shimla_District_Himachal_Pradesh.html
• Sita Ram and Sons (Indian, street food) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g304552-d8113612-Reviews-Sita_Ram_And_Sons-Shimla_Shimla_District_Himachal_Pradesh.html
• Sher E Punjab https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g304552-d2647046-Reviews-Sher_E_Punjab-Shimla_Shimla_District_Himachal_Pradesh.html

Where can I stay in Shimla ?

Because this is a popular tourist destination, there are many hotel options for you

1. Hotel Tara Regency https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/tara-regenecy.html
2. WoodVista Cottages https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/woodvista-cottages.html
3. Marigold Sarovar Portico Shimla https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/marigold-holiday-cottages.html

   Where to Stay in Shimla

   More Travel spots to explore around Shimla

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Shimla

  ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏘️ Town spots     🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spots     🌲 Forest spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🗼 Landmark spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots  

  Travel map of Shimla

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