Shimla, the beautiful hill station of Himachal Pradesh, is a great place for a vacation. With its scenic beauty, cool climate and adventure activities, it's no wonder that many people flock to this town year after year. But before you can enjoy everything that Shimla has to offer, you need to know how to get there and the best time to visit. Read on to find out more!
Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a hill station nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It was the summer capital of British India and now serves as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Shimla" is derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kaliappearing in the local temple. Shimla is home to a number of colonial-era buildings reminiscent of its time as a summer retreat for British officials. The most popular tourist attractions include The Mall, Jakhoo Hill, Christ Church, and The Ridge. Shimla is also a gateway to some of the most popular trekking destinations in India such as Sar Pass, Pin Parvati Pass, and Kareri Lake.
The best way to reach Shimla is by road. The city is well connected to the rest of India by a good network of roads. However, due to its high altitude, it can be quite challenging to drive in Shimla. The other option is to take the toy train from Kalka, which is a heritage site in itself. This scenic train journey takes about 5 hours.
If you are coming from Delhi, the most convenient way to reach Shimla is by taking an overnight Volvo bus. These buses leave Delhi at around 9 pm and reach Shimla early morning at around 5 am. The journey takes about 8-9 hours.
The best time to visit Shimla is from March to June when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 10-25 degrees Celsius during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Shimla also receives a good amount of rainfall during this time, so pack your raincoats! July to September is also a good time to visit as the rains clear up and the temperature drops to 5-10 degrees Celsius. However, be prepared for some cold nights. October to February is the winter season in Shimla and while the snowfall is a sight to behold, the temperatures can drop below freezing point. So if you're planning a trip during this time, make sure you pack your woollens!
There are a number of things to do in Shimla, ranging from exploring the city’s many attractions to enjoying the outdoor activities on offer. Some of the top things to do in Shimla include visiting The Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, Scandal Point, and taking a ride on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
When it comes to shopping in Shimla, there are a number of options available to visitors. The most popular shopping areas are the Mall Road and the Lakkar Bazaar.
The Mall Road is Shimla's main shopping street and is lined with a variety of shops selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to books and handicrafts. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located on the Mall Road, making it the perfect place to take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat.
The Lakkar Bazaar is another popular shopping area in Shimla, known for its wooden handicrafts and souvenirs. This market is located just off the Mall Road and is the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
