Shimla Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do and Travel Tips
This Shimla travel guide helps you plan a visit to the Queen of Hills. It covers the best places to visit, things to do, the best time to go and how to get there. When you are ready to book, see our Shimla tour packages.
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The British made it their summer capital, and its churches, theatre and old buildings still stand along ridges covered in pine and cedar. For the whole state, read our Himachal travel guide.
Why Visit Shimla
Every Shimla travel guide has its reasons. These are ours:
- Colonial heritage: the Mall Road, the Ridge, Christ Church and the Viceregal Lodge.
- Cool mountain air: a welcome escape from the summer heat of the plains.
- Snow in winter: at Kufri, Narkanda and sometimes in town.
- The toy train: one of the most famous railway journeys in India.
- Easy to reach: a short drive from Chandigarh and a day’s drive from Delhi.
Best Places to Visit in Shimla
These are the places every Shimla travel guide should start with.
The Ridge and Mall Road
The open square of the Ridge and the long Mall Road are closed to cars. Walk past old shops and cafes, and watch the sunset from Scandal Point.
Christ Church
The yellow church on the Ridge, built in 1857, is the best-known sight in Shimla. Look for its stained glass windows.
Viceregal Lodge
This grand stone building was the summer home of the British viceroys. Today it is the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, with guided tours of its halls and gardens.
Jakhoo Temple
A steep walk or a short ropeway ride takes you to the highest point in town and its giant statue of Lord Hanuman. Hold on to your glasses, as the monkeys are bold.
Gaiety Theatre
A restored Victorian theatre on the Mall Road, still used for plays and shows.
Chadwick Falls
A waterfall in a quiet forest, at its best after the monsoon.
Kufri
About 16 km from Shimla, Kufri has pony rides, the Himalayan Nature Park and snow sports in winter.
Mashobra, Craignano and Naldehra
Forest walks, apple orchards and an old golf course, all close to town.
Chail
A peaceful town with a royal palace and one of the highest cricket grounds in the world.
The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
The narrow-gauge railway from Kalka climbs about 96 km through 102 tunnels and over hundreds of bridges. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways of India. Book a window seat early, and allow about five to six hours for the journey.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
This part of our Shimla travel guide matters most when you choose your dates.
- March to June: pleasant days and the main season.
- July to September: green hills and rain. Chadwick Falls is at its best.
- October and November: clear skies and the best mountain views.
- December to February: cold, with the best chance of snow.
How to Reach Shimla
This Shimla travel guide lists the three main routes.
- By air: Shimla airport at Jubbarhatti is about 22 km from town, with few flights. Chandigarh airport, about 113 km away, is the main choice.
- By train: take a train to Kalka, then the toy train to Shimla.
- By road: Shimla is about 343 km from Delhi, 113 km from Chandigarh and 250 km from Manali.
Things to Do in Shimla
Here is what our Shimla travel guide recommends most:
- Take a heritage walk along the Mall Road and the Ridge.
- Ride the toy train for at least part of the way.
- Watch the sunset from Scandal Point.
- Try ice skating on the open-air rink in winter.
- Shop at the Lakkar Bazaar for wooden crafts.
- Take a day trip to Kufri, Chail or Narkanda.
Where to Stay in Shimla
Stay near the Mall Road to walk everywhere, or in Mashobra and Chail for peace and forest views. Shimla has heritage hotels, luxury spa resorts and simple guesthouses.
Ready-Made Shimla Tours
If you would like us to plan your trip, these private tours follow the routes in this Shimla travel guide:
- 6-day Himachal Delight tour: Shimla and Manali, with the Kullu Valley.
- 7-day Beautiful Himachal tour: three nights each in Shimla and Manali.
- 7-day Classic Himachal tour: Shimla, Manali and a night in Chandigarh.
- 10-day Scenic Himachal with the Taj Mahal tour: Manali, Shimla, Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.
Compare them all on our Shimla tour packages page, or go on to our Manali travel guide.
Travel Tips for Shimla
Before you go, read these tips from our Shimla travel guide.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Much of the town is steep and closed to cars.
- Carry a warm layer in every season.
- Keep food and bags out of reach of the monkeys.
- Book hotels and the toy train early for May, June and the Christmas holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions travellers ask us most while reading this Shimla travel guide.
How many days are enough for Shimla?
Two or three days are enough for Shimla and Kufri. Add a day for Chail or Narkanda.
When does it snow in Shimla?
Usually between late December and February.
Is Shimla good for families?
Yes. It is safe, easy to walk and has plenty for children.
How far is Manali from Shimla?
About 250 km, a drive of seven to eight hours through the Kullu Valley.
Plan Your Shimla Trip
We hope this Shimla travel guide helps you plan. Shamrock Journeys has planned holidays in Himachal since 2002. See our Shimla tour packages, our Himachal tour packages or all our India tour packages.
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