Shimla
It is a popular Hill station located at 115 Km from Chandigarh, 342 Km from Delhi. It is a District Headquarter located in Himachal Pradesh and also Capital of the state. it is at an altitude of 2200 meters and also the largest most densely populated city of the state.
π€π€ Why Shimla is famous-
It is a very famous Hill station for spending some luxury time with family and also an ideal location for Honeymoon goers. Britishers made it their summer capital in 1864 and used to control the area from here when the temperature in the nearby plains especially Delhi rose in the summer season. The city had maintained the same charm and uniqueness of the British Era as it holds many structures of Colonial Architecture and Churches which make the city more beautiful.Shimla is also famous as a Historic point of view as well because many important meetings held here in past and famous among them are Shimla conference of 1945 and Shimla agreement of 1972 held between India and Pakistan on Bilateral issues.
Shimla is also a popular destination because of close proximity to Kufri peaks which is quite chilled and snow-laden in winter and with of Chail which is famous for the Highest Cricket ground in the world and Palace.
Best Time to Visit Shimla:
Shimla has pleasant weather throughout the year and can be easily accessible from major cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala. so you can plan your journey anytime in the year to Shimla, as it totally rests on you whether you want to enjoy Summer here or Winter.Usually, a Summer season that is from Mid March to June is best to visit and chill here because at this time the beauty of Hill station remains at the peak which gives you many things to explore.
➤From July to Mid September is the season of Monsoon which should be avoided if possible because of heavy rains. There are instances of Landslides that can cause discomfort to you and spoil the journey and also it is not safe to be out in such time.
➤Winter season starts from November to February in which you can easily find Snow laden peaks, especially at Kufri. So, if you want to enjoy Snow than, Winter season is for you to plan the journey.
➽➽But the thing to share is that nowadays Shimla is getting a lot of traffic because of visitors in Hill station, so in Winter season when there is Snowfall going on, Traffic jams can be at its worst. As far as Summer season, some problems start creeping In like shortage of Drinking water which happened in recent past that also because of the overload of visitors to the station. So better plan accordingly and confirm the present situation before moving.
πΊπΊPlanning to Travel to Shimla
You can come to Manali by using any convenient medium out of Road/Train/Flight as it is well connected to the rest of India with all three means available.
ππBy Road to Shimla
It is the most common medium of transport used by the people as It is about 115 km from Chandigarh and around 342 km from Delhi. It takes about 8-9 hours of journey to reach Shimla from Delhi via a bus and there are lots of Bus services from Himachal Roadways Himsuta, Haryana Roadways and Private Volvo Buses are available between Delhi ISBT to Shimla.
Every Bus coming from Delhi to Shimla halts at Chandigarh so one can easily board buses here as well. Alternatively, private cabs can be hired from both major cities.
ππBy Train to Shimla
The nearest Railhead (Broad Gauge) is at Kalka in Chandigarh which is 90 km from Shimla. Shimla is connected via train to Kalka with Kalka-Shimla Train Route which is UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Train from Kalka to Shimla usually takes 4 hours to reach Shimla. The time table for the same is listed below for your convenience.
✈✈By Flight to Shimla
Nearest Airport is situated at Jubathatti at around 22 Km from Shimla. Though there are very limited flights available from Shimla to other parts, it can be helpful for you in planning the journey in advance. Only Air India operates, that also not on a regular basis but only one flight a day four days/week. Schedule of Flights subjected to change as per prevailing weather so it's better to check on the net prior. You can use any good websites like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Yatra, Cleartrip, EasemyTrip, etc.
☢☢How much time required to Roam in Shimla:-
The time required to move in and around Shimla is 4-5 days out of which one day must be reserved for Kufri and Chail each. Otherwise, just 2 days are enough for sightseeing in Shimla.
π΅Places/Things to do & see in and around Shimla:-
# Mall Road
It is a Road located in the center of the city and all types of Marketing stuff you can get in the shops which are situated on the Mall Road. The concept of a single road called Mall road with all the shopping facilities and other required facilities on road itself is of Britishers. So you can easily see Mall Road in each hill station which was under Colonial Era like Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie and many more. Woolen clothes are famous here on Mall road and worth to buy but then also I would suggest that please Bargain with the owner for Price because Shop owners make false claims usually about the price to cheat customers which is but natural being a Human being and same can be seen in all markets across the world.Evening time is best to spend here at Mall Road with a lot of Rush add charm to it. There are a lot of Cafes and Showrooms on Mall Road where you can relax and enjoy your time with your partner. Cafe Sol which is popular among tourists for a brilliant Bar is worth to enjoy. Indian Coffee House is also a great option for Tea/Coffee lovers. To reach Mall road from the main road, Lift is being operated by Government with a minimal charge of 8 Rs and Lift is just 1 Km from Bus Stop and at 1.5 Km from Railway Station.
Gaiti Theatre on Mall road is famous as many famous artists of the country performed here and as it is renovated now but the Original structure keeps untouched, so you can enjoy it there. Also, Scandal Point, Town Hall, and Kali Bari Temple are worth to visit.
# Christ Church
The church is famous because of its architectural design inspired by the non-gothic structure and also because it is the second oldest church in Northern India. Officially sanctioned in 1857 and it took 11 years to complete the Building of Church. It remains open from 8AM to 6PM with and you can walk down to it and have a great experience of it in just 1-2 Hours. There are no Entry Fees attached to it.
# Kufri
It is located at a distance of just 13 Km from Shimla. It is at a reasonable Height from Shimla and is widely popular in the present time because Snow remains for the longer duration here as compared to Shimla. Also, it has a Zoo which is a must-watch if you are going to Kufri and Zoo contains rare species of Bears, Birds, and Antelopes. Himalayan Molan which is the State bird for Himachal is also Housed here. Mashru Peak is the highest point in Kufri and it can be visited by trekking and Horse Riding till the Top is also an option available here for one who can not afford to trek. Here at Kufri lots of options available to stay like Hotels/Guesthouses etc so you can avail them to best explore the destination.
# Chail
It is situated at a distance of 45 Km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2250 meters. It is famous for World's highest Cricket and Polo ground with its scenic beauty surrounding it. Also, Chail has three resorts on three peaks and the Palace which once used to be Home to Patiala King is now converted to Hotel. So Chail is a perfect destination to spend some luxury time without any Honking of Vehicles plus away from the rush.
# Kalka Shimla Toy Train
It is also included in the UNESCO world heritage site is running on a daily basis from Kalka near Chandigarh to Shimla and it takes around 5 hours of journey to reach the destination. The track it passes through is simply amazing especially in winter season when peaks are capped with snow. I should suggest that you must have experience of enjoyment during the ride. The time table for the train to plan your journey is already shared in this blog. Enroute one another hill station namely Solan comes which is also a must-visit the place and not so far from plains in Northern India. Booking for the Train can be completed online through using the link below
https://www.irctc.co.in
# Tattapani
Tattapani is another major tourist destination nearby to Shimla and located at a distance of 52 Km from Shimla on the bank of river Sutlej. It is famous for the Hot springs of Sulphur which is believed to have a medicinal property to cure Joint Pain etc. Shiva Cave is also a must-visit place and at around 4 Km distance from the city Centre. Adventurous activities like Horse Riding, Paragliding, Zorbing, Skiing can be undertaken here. April to June is the best time to visit here and enjoy the springs.
# Jakhu Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman and situated at the Jakhoo peak which is the highest peak in Shimla. You will find a lot of monkeys here and it is believed as per mythology that Hanuman took rest for some time before resuming his search for Sanjivani. It is approx 2 Km from the city ridge. The Lord Hanuman statue here is worlds tallest at such height. You must visit this place as it carries a lot of positive vibes in it. The ropeway is also functional to reach Jakhoo at a nominal charge of 250 and it takes around 5 minutes to reach.
# Rashtrapati Niwas
Which was formerly the residence of Viceroy is now named like. It houses some of the most ancient articles and photographs going back to the times of the Colonial Rule in India. It is spread over 110 acres and a marvelous example of architecture.
# Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
It is housed in the same building of Viceroy Lodge and Research is conducted post Doctorate programs in the field of Politics, Economics, Development and Social Issues.π‘π‘ Where to reside in Shimla:
In the city, you can find a number of Hotels/Guesthouses and can select based on your comfort level. (Must try to reside in Homestay if possible at some distance from city). Good hotels ranging from 5 stars to deluxe hotels are easily available. But surely you can check on any of the apps out of OYO/MAKEMYTRIP/TRIPADVISOR and many more.
ππ Services Available in Shimla :
- Mobile network YES of most of the operators
- Bank/ATM YES
- Hospital YES
- Pharmacy/Medicals YES
- Restaurants YES
- Bars YES
- Automobile/Vehicle Repair YES
- Courier facility YES
- Massage & Spa plus Saloons. YES
- Police Station YES
π€π€Wanna do marketing in Shimla:-
The market remains open from 9AM to 11PM mostly and mainly Mall Road and its nearby area is the only option for Marketing where you can enjoy shopping and Dining. In Mall Road lots of Restaurants also available.it will take around 3 to 4 hours to explore the market on foot. You can buy Shawls and other Winter clothing from the market.
π€π€ Finally, its time to have food in Shimla:-
A lot of Restaurants can be easily located on the Mall road itself where you can find a variety of foods especially North Indian Spicy Foods and
ππPlanning a long trip of 10 days or more than you can follow-
Chandigarh- Solan-Shimla-Narkanda-Kaza-Rohtang Pass-Manali-Mandi-Chandigarh
ππNearby locations to Shimla to enjoy:-
Narkanda 60 Km
Solan 45 Km
Chopal 88 Km
Shoja 154 Km
Kalpa 230 Km
Solan 45 Km
Chopal 88 Km
Shoja 154 Km
Kalpa 230 Km
ππWorth to mention (please note):-
- Don't throw Plastic and spoil the beauty of Hill station
- Please left this beauty for our next generation to enjoy as well
- Carry sufficient Cash in hand which will save you from some situations where no card facility exists (although maximum hotels have card facility)
- Try to taste local foods wherever you go
- Be polite with serving staff
- If time and your will permit, please help locals to collect garbage thrown over there by visitors like us so that we can think to plan the same destination again
ππAt the end don't forget
- To take your Camera + addition batteries + memory cards to allow you to capture memorable moments forever without any glitches.
- Wherever need please hire local guides
- Try to enjoy the time there and don't just keep clicking images unnecessary.
@ Image credit goes to --- Google
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