Although the British departed Shimla a long time ago, the city continues to have the same legal standing as before. The natural beauty of this location is no less spectacular now than it was a century earlier, and it continues to draw thousands of visitors each year from all corners of the nation.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla would undoubtedly be the number one spot. For over two centuries, this little hill town has earned the distinction of being the most popular destination. The British first came to this area in the early 1800s and were so taken with the site that they designated it their summertime capital in 1864. They also took on constructing a railroad from Delhi to Shimla.
If you, too, are considering a vacation to Shimla in the coming years, then the following article will offer you some fast pointers on organizing a vacation to Shimla. Your final travel itinerary will, of course, be determined by various factors such as how you are traveling, how many weeks you have available, and the time of year you are traveling. But I will include a few points in this article that will remain constant regardless of all of these considerations.
Reasons to Visit Shimla
What makes Shimla such a popular holiday location for thousands of people, though, is suitable for a wide range of vacation activities. Many different types of individuals come to the city, from honeymooners and adventure seekers to families and everyone in between. Through its beautiful ancient churches and institutions, such as Christ Church, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and others, this former summer capital of the British has managed to keep its colonial-era beauty and a sense of history.
Because it is quite well linked by road, getting here should not be a problem. You’ll never be too far away from civilization, and the famed market of Shimla is a great place to spend an evening shopping. Every contemporary convenience, including excellent hospitals in a medical emergency, is accessible in this location. In Shimla, all mobile phone networks are operational, allowing you to stay in touch with your family and friends at all times.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
The answer to this question can vary depending on whether you’re planning a winter vacation or one during the summer months; and what you’re looking for specifically. The months of March to June are generally regarded as the finest time to visit Shimla. This is the year when the weather is neither too cold nor excessively hot. Temperatures will vary between 10°C to 28°C, with nice days and nights.
If you’re planning a winter vacation and want to see lots of snow, January and February are the ideal months to visit. However, the temperature might fall to as low as 4 °C at this time of year. As a result, you must pack plenty of woolens, coats, and other warm clothing. Snowfall is more likely in January than February.
On the other hand, if you want to see the lush green valleys, the months of July, August, and September are the greatest. This is the time of year when the monsoon is either in the valley or has just gone, bringing vitality to the region’s animals and plants.
Please be aware that the rainy season also increases the likelihood of persistent rainfall and landslides. You may even be entirely confined to your hotel room if it rains continuously.
How to Reach Shimla
Getting to Shimla will be the easiest aspect of your holiday here. The city is quite well linked, and depending on your desire. You may reach there by road, plane, or rail.
By Road
Let us begin by considering how to get to Shimla if you are going by vehicle or motorbike. For the sake of discussing the itinerary, I’ll assume you started in Delhi. Even if you arrive from a different city, the travel to Chandigarh will remain the same. The remainder of the information will remain applicable.
By Bus
Shimla is quite well linked by bus. Daily buses connect practically all major cities in North India, and locating one is a breeze. The HRTC and HPTDC run daily buses between Shimla and cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and vice versa. Regular buses are also provided by other state transportation organizations and commercial travel providers. Do a Google search, and you will discover a plethora of possibilities.
You may either take an overnight air-conditioned luxury bus or a daytime bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate if you’re traveling Shimla from Delhi by bus.
By Train
However, an even more enjoyable and convenient method to arrive is by train. I am, of course, referring to the well-known toy. You may either take a train from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kalka and then transfer to the Toy Train. The whole trip is on a narrow-gauge rail track and takes around 7 hours to complete.
If you do not like to go by rail, you may reach Chandigarh. From there, you may either take a bus or a private cab.
By Flight:
Jubbarhatti Airport, located around 23 kilometers from Shimla, is the town’s closest airport. From Jubarhatti, daily flights connect to Chandigarh and Delhi. Apart from Jubbarhatti, the next nearest airport is Chandigarh.
Best Places To Visit in Shimla
The following are some of the greatest places you should consider seeing throughout your vacation.
#1. Mall Road:
Mall Road of Shimla is the name of the main retail street, which is sometimes known as “The Mall” or “Mall Road.” It serves as the town’s lifeblood and is more or less the focal point of all activities in the area. Cafes, eateries, and social hangouts on Mall Road are particularly popular with residents and visitors due to their convenient location.
#2. God’s Church:
Christ Church is the second-oldest church in Northern India, founded in 1857. This famous building, located on The Ridge, is one of Shimla’s most recognizable structures and a remarkable example of neo-Gothic architecture.
#3. Scandal Point:
This location is noted for being the location where the Maharaja of Patiala met and married the daughter of the British Viceroy. It was considered a scandal of the greatest caliber at the time.
#4. Jakhu Hill:
At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Jakhu Hill is the tallest hill in the Shimla region, providing a spectacular perspective of the surrounding valley.
#5. Shimla State Museum:
The Shimla State Museum is home to a plethora of antique relics that showcase the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
#6. Statue of Lord Hanuman:
The Statue of Lord Hanuman on Jakhu Hill is 108 feet tall and sits at an elevation of 8,500 feet above sea level, making it the highest statue in the world.
#7. Viceregal Lodge:
Constructed by British architect Henry Irwin in 1888, this lodge served as the official house of the Viceroy of India under the British Raj.
#8. Rothney Castle:
Rothney Castle was the residence of Allan Octavian Hume, the British government servant who was instrumental in the founding of the Congress of Industrialists and Manufacturers in 1885.
Best Things To Do in Shimla
As an alternative to seeing all of the attractions listed above, here is a list of some more things that you might do during your vacation to Shimla.
#1. Take a stroll around The Ridge:
The ridge is a section of land between Jakhu Hill and the Observatory. This is the location where all of Shimla’s fairs, festivals, and other festivities are hosted. Here, visitors may take in several colonial-style structures, including a church, a library, and a monument commemorating Mahatma Gandhi.
#2. Trek to the top of Jakhu Hill:
At 2,455 meters above sea level, the summit of Jakhu Hill provides a breathtaking view of Shimla and the whole Shivalik range in the distance. It is a pleasant 30-minute hike to the summit, which takes you through a beautiful forest landscape.
#3. Mall Road Shopping:
While you are in Shimla, don’t forget to go shopping at the renowned Mall Road and pick up some souvenirs for yourself.
#4. Take a trip on the Shimla Toy Train:
Take a ride on the world-famous Shimla Toy train. It is a 96-kilometer trek that will take you over 864 bridges and 102 tunnels, including the world’s longest at Barog, before arriving at your destination. You will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery throughout the drive, and you will find it difficult to put your camera down.
Where to Relax in Shimla
When it comes to hill stations, Shimla is one of the most popular in our nation, which means that no matter what month you arrive, finding a place to stay will not be a problem at all. In this city, hotels of every price range are accessible, from luxurious 5-star resorts to budget-friendly guest homes. To be more specific, the minute you set foot in Shimla, you will be pursued by brokers looking to get a favorable hotel rate.
It is entirely up to you whether or not to make a reservation in advance, and it is not essential. If you have already decided on a resort and know where you want to stay, you may proceed with the reservation. If you are on a tight budget or aren’t sure which hotel to choose, the ideal option would be to arrive in Shimla, discover a hotel that suits your needs, and negotiate a bargain on the spot.
With so many things to do in Shimla, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the scenery. Our city life can make us forget about the simple things in life. Shimla Tourism will bring you back down to earth and make you feel better.