So, you are planning to visit Shimla?- Shimla is one of the most visited Hill stations in India. in this article, we will cover-up complete information about Shimla eg- How to reach Shimla, Shimla Weather, Best hotels in Shimla, Place to visit in Shimla, etc.
Before proceeding- look below some Details of Shimla.
Distance - 350 KM by Road( from Delhi )
Nearest Railway St. -Shimla Railway St.
Nearest Airport - Chandigarh Airport
Travel time - 10 Hrs approx.
Weather - Min -2 / Max 30
Best Time to visit - Nov to Feb
Snow-Fall time - End of Dec to Feb
Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and its also popularly known as the queen of hill stations and is located at an average elevation of 2,205 meters above sea level. Lakhs of tourists not only from India but from around the world, visit Shimla all throughout the year. There are various adventure activities like skiing, paragliding, trekking, and other adventure sports that one can do in Shimla.
How to Go Shimla?
I personally suggest that you should go to Shimla by Kalka-Shimla Toy train at least once a time in your life.
By road - There are many direct buses plying between New Delhi to Shimla. These buses are Himachal Road Transport Corporation ( HRTC ), and other private bus services, etc. The minimum time a bus takes to reach Shimla from New Delhi is 9h 00m. Buses fare is starting at 500 INR to 1500 INR.
You can also consider going by road if you know well driving at hill stations.
By Train - The small railway station in Shimla is just 2.5 kilometres away from the Mall Road and is connected to Kalka by a narrow-gauge rail track( Formally called Toy Train). The famous toy train of Shimla goes between Kalka and Shimla, covering a distance of 96 kilometres in about 7 hours at the cost of only 65rs for Second Sitting, 265rs for AC Chair car and 630rs for First class. Kalka, in turn, is the nearest railhead, which is connected to Chandigarh and Delhi by regular trains. You can take the Kalka Shatabdi and other trains, which goes from New Delhi Railway Station to Kalka Railway Station via Chandigarh.
By Air - Located at a distance of 22 km away from the Shimla, the Jubbarhatti airport is well connected to various other cities by air. The other nearby airports such as Chandigarh Airport and Delhi airport can be accessed easily.Flights from Delhi to Chandigarh will cost you approx 2000rs.
Best Time to Visit Shimla?
The best time to visit Shimla with family is the summer season when daytime temperatures are pleasant and outdoor adventures are plentiful. The best season to visit Shimla for snow is the winter season, which is between the end of Dec and February. The snowfall season in Shimla begins in late December and lasts through February. The best time to visit Shimla for honeymoon is from March to June. Many honeymooners come to Shimla during this time. Also, one must make sure to make the hotel bookings well in advance during this period, as all the hotels and resorts are bustling with tourists during this period of the year.
Here are some of the important points that the tourists must keep in mind about the best time to visit Shimla.
Best Season to Visit Shimla
March to June & October to December is Best Season to Visit Shimla.Shimla, often called as the 'Queen of Hills', can be visited anytime during the year, However, winter & summer from October to June are the best seasons to visit Shimla. winters are bone-chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero degrees and this is the perfect time for tourists who like to enjoy snowfall in Shimla. This is also the best time for honeymooners to witness snowfall and Skiing in Shimla is one of the best exciting winter adventure sport. Summer in Shimla is warm with cool and pleasant evenings and attracts a huge number of tourists. Summer is the good season for adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, camping, and rafting.
Peak Season in Shimla
December to January & May to June is Peak Season in Shimla.December to January and Summer is the peak season in Shimla. Most of the tourists planning to visit Shimla in the New year's time and hotels are usually expensive during this season. Summer is the busiest season in Shimla to experience pleasant weather and at this time all the adventure activities are crowded with long queues. In Summer season hotels in Shimla are also full and advance booking at least one month before the trip is highly recommended.
Places to visit in Shimla.
Shimla is a beautiful hill station that offers a multitude of activities to its tourists. As per my suggestions places to visit in Shimla in the list below.
1. Walk Around Mall Road and The Ridge.Shimla's Mall Road is where people hang out, shop for souvenirs and watch movies. The Mall has a number of good restaurants, cafes, and bars. Traditional handicrafts, shawls and tweeds, fruit juices and jams, honey, woollens, silver jewellery, miniature Pahari paintings, rugs and carpets, handmade footwear and wooden items like walking sticks can be found in the shopping area here. after that, you can go also the centre of the town The Shimla Ridge, which offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks of the land.
2.Jakhoo TempleLocated on Jakhoo Hill, two kilometres away from Shimla is the hill station's most popular temple, which offers some of the most breath-taking views of the hill-town, and of the majestic, frosty Himalayan Mountains. At the temple, you will come across a bunch of mischievous monkeys who are likely to brazenly snatch your belongings and foodstuff from your hands! They're rather fun to watch though.
3.Indian Institute of advanced studyThe Indian Institute of advanced study of Rashtrapati Niwas hi housed in the famous viceregal lodge situated on top of the observatory hill. the building was constructed between 1880 and 1888 during British reign. the year 1965 as the establishment of the Indian Institute of advanced study here by dr Radhakrishnan. the ticket fare for entry here is 20 INR for Indian & 50 INR for foreigners and 20 INR extra for garden Visit.
4.KurfiThe beauty of the Kufri hill will definitely entice all. It is ideal for adventure activities in Shimla which includes skiing and hiking that definitely must be tried at least once when you visit Kufri. Snow-clad hills of Kufri make it the hotspot for trying your hand at skiing.
5.Chail Chail is the ultimate place for setting up summer camps in a snow-clad town. It is a small hill slope in Shimla that was built solely for the purpose of helping people escape from summer heats. And eventually, the place turned out to be one of the best places to visit in Shimla. In fact, it's a resort that offers people exposure to the spectacular deodar forests scattered all around the hilly slope. While deodar is the common tree found in this region, you can also find pine and fir forests complementing the majestic beauty of forests in the hilly region.
Best Hotels in Shimla
Hotels Totally depend on your budget If you are a couple I will recommend to use OYO Room. Because OYO Room is totally in budge and Couple friendly. Note Down my Tips before you Book online Hotels. Tip 1 - Always Check Rating of Hotel- Higher rating means the Hotel is good for you. Tip 2 - Check the distance from Mall Road, The Ridge or Railway station.