Shimla Tour

Fact File
» Location from major metros : Delhi (343 kms), Mumbai (1742 kms)

» Known for : Shimla ranks as one of India's best hill stations. It is also the capital of northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

» Climate & the best time to visit : Shimla has a very pleasant climate. Summers are mild and temperature could rise to a high of about 30 degrees. Winters are cold with mercury dipping below freezing points during the season. Nights in winter are very chilly with cold breeze and occassional snowfall. Monsoon arrives in late June and lasts till the middle of September. The best time to visit Shimla is between the months of April and October.
The City
Shimla, capital city of Himachal Pradesh is also one of India's best hill stations. Also attached to this marvellous destination is a rich history and heritage. But the reason why Shimla attracts tourists in such large numbers is the great diversity of its landscape. If lush greenery on one side has a mesmerizing effect, snow-clad mountains on another side are equally stunning. If a few buildings are reminiscent of the colonial past, modern structures aptly remind that Shimla has succeeded in keeping pace with time. All this combines to create an aura which is very different from all other hill stations. Shimla derives its name from Goddess 'Shayamla Devi', a manifestation of Goddess Kali.

Attractions in the City
» Jakhoo Hills : Jakhoo hills offer a great panoramic view of Shimla town. This is the highest point of Shimla also. A small and attractive temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is also located on the hill top.

» Chadwick Falls : Chadwick Falls is generally on the top of the itinerary of every tourist coming to Shimla. The view of Chadwick waters falling from a height of 67 metres and cascading into a deep gorge is rare and stunning. Best views of the falls are available after monsoons when it is full of water. The falls are surrounded by thick forests which further adds to the beauty of the place.

» Taradevi Temple : The temple of Taradevi in one of the most revered places of Shimla. The deity worshipped is Tara Devi, a Hindu version of the Tibetan Goddess Drolma. The place also commands a great view of the landscape below.

» Himachal State Museum : At a distance of 3 kms from the city centre, the Himachal State Museum is located in a beautiful building that is regarded as a great piece of colonial architecture. A visit to the museum can be regarded as highly informative. There is an impressive collection of statues, miniatures, coins, photos and other items that belong to various places of Himachal. The items on display also give a good idea of the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.

» The Mall : The mall is the main commercial centre of Shimla. It is a place full of shops and restaurants and has a lot of history attached to it. Gaiety Theatre, the main centre in Shimla for cultural activities is situated here. The theatre is a reproduction of an old British theatre. The mall becomes a riot of colours in the evening when all the big and small shops of the area selling attractive merchandise put on their lights. At a point called the 'Scandal Point' in the mall area, a statue of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has also been erected.

» Sankat Mochan : On the outskirts of Shimla in the Chandigarh-Shimla highway, there is another well visited temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is popularly known as Sankat Mochan temple. A splendid view of entire Shimla town is available from the place.

Other Places to Visit
» Naldhera : Naldhera is a small town located at a distance of 23 kms from Shimla. Its claim to fame is the presence of the oldest and highest golf course in India. Many tourists come here to try their luck in the lush green course. An ancient Nag temple is also located at the place. Naldhera is at an altitude of 2050 metres.

» Chail : Chail is a former summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. Known for its lush greenery, Chail is located at a distance of 43 kms from Shimla. Chail is also known for its cricket stadium and a wildlife sanctuary. At an altitude of 2250 metres, the cricket stadium of Chail is the highest in the world. The wildlife sanctuary houses animal species that are mostly found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. Chail is also gaining popularity as a hiking destination.

» Kufri : Kufri is another place nearer to Shimla known for its scenic beauty. Located at an altitude of 2510 metres, Kufri is a popular destination for hiking. The winter sports festival hosted in Kufri attracts tourists in large numbers.

How To Reach
» By Air : Shimla airport is located on the outskirts of the city at a distance of 12 kms. Commercial flights are available from Delhi and many other national destinations.

» By Rail : The Kalka railway station connects Shimla with the rest of India. The Kalka -Shimla narrow gauge line is also regarded as one of the country's greatest engineering feats. There is direct connectivity between Kalka and Delhi.

» By Road : A good road network connects Shimla with other destinations of northern India. Buses regularly operate between national capital Delhi and Shimla.