Shimla H.P.

Shimla Himachal Pradesh India

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station in India known for its colonial architecture, natural beauty, and pleasant climate. Here is a travel guide for Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Shimla is between March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during monsoon season (July-August) as the region receives heavy rainfall and there might be landslides and roadblocks.

How to reach: The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti airport, which is located at a distance of around 23 km. The airport has flights from Delhi and Chandigarh. You can also reach Shimla by train as it is well-connected with major cities of India through Kalka-Shimla railway line. The nearest major railway station is Kalka, which is around 90 km from Shimla. Shimla is well-connected by road with major cities of North India.

Places to visit: 

• The Ridge: The Ridge is a popular spot in Shimla that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is also the venue for many cultural events and fairs.
• Mall Road: Mall Road is a bustling street in Shimla that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a popular spot for shopping and enjoying local food.
• Christ Church: Christ Church is a historic church in Shimla that is known for its beautiful architecture.
• Jakhoo Temple: Jakhoo Temple is a popular temple in Shimla that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is located on Jakhoo Hill and offers panoramic views of the city.
• Kufri: Kufri is a small hill station located near Shimla that is known for its natural beauty and adventure activities like skiing and hiking.

Things to do:

• Take a walk on The Ridge and enjoy the views.
• Visit the Viceregal Lodge, which was once the summer residence of British viceroys.
• Take a ride on the Kalka-Shimla toy train and enjoy the scenic beauty.
• Go for trekking or hiking in the surrounding hills.
• Enjoy skiing and other adventure activities in Kufri.

Accommodation: Shimla has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular options are The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, Clarkes Hotel, and The Ridge View Hotel.

Food: Shimla is famous for its local Himachali cuisine, which includes dishes like Chha Gosht, Tudkiya Bhat, and Dham. There are also many restaurants in Shimla that serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Some of the popular restaurants are The Devicos, Cafe Sol, Wake & Bake Cafe, and Indian Coffee House.

Safety tips:

• Carry warm clothes as the weather can get cold even in summers.
• Avoid venturing out alone at night.
• Be cautious while trekking or hiking and follow the instructions of the guide.
• Carry sufficient cash as there might be limited ATM facilities in some areas.
• Follow COVID-19 protocols like wearing a mask and maintaining social distance.

Visit Story:

It was a bright and sunny day when I arrived in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. As I stepped out of the car, I was greeted by the cool mountain breeze and the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The city, which was once the summer capital of British India, was now bustling with tourists from all over the world.

My first stop was the Ridge, a spacious open-air platform located in the heart of the city. From here, I could see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance, and the colorful colonial-era buildings that lined the streets below. I walked along the Ridge, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Next, I visited the Mall Road, which is the main shopping street in Shimla. Here, I found a plethora of shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to designer clothing. The street was filled with the sound of horse-drawn carriages and the chatter of tourists, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

As I walked along the Mall Road, I came across the Christ Church, a beautiful Gothic-style church that was built in 1857. The church was adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, and the peaceful ambiance inside provided a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the street outside.

In the evening, I visited the Viceregal Lodge, a stunning mansion that was once the summer residence of the British Viceroy. The building was surrounded by beautiful gardens and lawns, and the views of the surrounding mountains were breathtaking. As I walked around the property, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer beauty of the place.

On my final day in Shimla, I decided to take a hike to the Jakhu Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple was located on a hilltop, and the climb was steep, but the views from the top were well worth the effort. From here, I could see the entire city spread out below me, and the surrounding hills looked like a sea of green.

As I bid farewell to Shimla, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to visit such a beautiful and historic city. The memories of my trip will stay with me forever, and I know that I will return to this magical place someday.

Quiz for Visitor:

1. What is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?

a) Shimla 

b) Manali 

c) Dharamshala 

d) Solan

2. What is the highest point in Shimla?

a) Kufri 

b) Jakhu Hill 

c) Chail 

d) Mashobra

3. Which famous writer spent time in Shimla and wrote extensively about it in his works?

a) Mark Twain 

b) Rudyard Kipling 

c) Charles Dickens 

d) Oscar Wilde

4. What is the name of the famous toy train that runs from Kalka to Shimla?

a) Himalayan Queen 

b) Kalka Shimla Express 

c) Shivalik Express 

d) Himalayan Express

5. What is the name of the iconic building that used to house the British Viceroy during the colonial era?

a) Rashtrapati Bhavan 

b) Viceregal Lodge 

c) Parliament House 

d) India Gate

6. What is the name of the famous temple located on the Jakhu Hill in Shimla?

a) Kali Bari Temple 

b) Tara Devi Temple 

c) Jakhoo Temple 

d) Hanuman Temple

7. What is the name of the famous shopping street in Shimla that is known for its handicrafts, shawls, and woolen clothes?

a) The Mall 

b) Ridge Road 

c) Lower Bazaar 

d) Lakkar Bazaar

8. Which famous movie was shot in Shimla and featured the famous song "Yeh Ishq Hai" ?

a) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 

b) Jab We Met 

c) Kal Ho Naa Ho 

d) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Answers:

1. a) Shimla
2. b) Jakhu Hill
3. b) Rudyard Kipling
4. b) Kalka Shimla Express
5. b) Viceregal Lodge
6. c) Jakhoo Temple
7. d) Lakkar Bazaar
8. b) Jab We Met

How many questions did you get right? We hope this quiz has inspired you to visit Shimla and explore all that it has to offer!

Image Credits: wikipedia.org