Spread across seven hills in the northwest Himalayas among lush valleys and forests of oak, rhododendron and pine is the capital of Himachal Pradesh that was once the summer capital of colonial India. The majestic snow clad mountains, stunningly rich greenery and the beautiful lakes in the land of Shimla greet you to enjoy their timeless beauty.
Certain places on earth do boast of places that equal or even surpass the beauty of Shimla. However, Shimla which is one of the most visited tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh holds magic in the air, which is beyond comparison. No wonder it is called the Queen of Hill Stations. Visitors from all over the world visit this place. This place can be visited anytime in a year.
How to reach Shimla?
✈️ By Air
Shimla Airport is an airport located in Jubbarhatti, 22 kilometres from Shimla in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Domestic flights connect Shimla airport with Delhi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore. Once at the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi to Shimla. However, owing to weather conditions, flights are not the most reliable option for getting to or out of Shimla.
Shimla is very well-connected to important tourist destinations like Leh, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Shimla is 342 kilometres, and it is advisable to book your tickets in the air-conditioned Volvo coaches, as the buses are more comfortable than ordinary ones, keeping in mind the long distance of the journey.
? By Road
The drive up to Shimla is simply breathtaking! You can catch scenic glimpses of the adjoining mountains and valleys from almost every turn that the twisty uphill road throws you in. Though a lot of tourists prefer a self-drive up to Shimla, it is advisable to hire a taxi in case you are not comfortable with driving in mountainous regions.
Places to visit in Shimla
Mall Road
The town’s lifeline, the Mall Road is the main street in Shimla. It’s the centre of all activity. Over time, colonial buildings have been overrun by kitschy boutiques and buildings. Cafes, restaurants and social hangouts on Mall Road are especially popular with locals and tourists alike.
Ridge
The Ridge is a territory in Shimla among Observatory and Jhakoo slopes. The core of soul of Shimla town, the Ridge is the center of action with sightseers coming to see a few provincial style structures including a congregation and library and statues of Mahatma Gandhi. The Ridge is additionally where Shimla’s fairs, celebrations and capacities are held.
Christ Church
© Shutterstock
The second most seasoned church in India going back to 1857, Christ Church is a conspicuous milestone in Shimla. Arranged on the Ridge, it’s a fine presentation of Neo-Gothic design. With recolored glass windows, a pipe organ, a clock tower and a rich gathering of old sacred texts, Christ Church emerges for its magnificence. A marvelous incredible sight is Christ Church lit up during the evening.
Jakhoo Hill
Arranged 2 km from Shimla, Jakhoo Hill is the most elevated top in the whole slope station offers picturesque perspective on the city and snow topped Himalayan Mountains. The 8000 ft Jakhoo Hill is a celebrated vacation destination that is visited naturally sweethearts and travelers too. It is home to the antiquated Jakhoo Temple, which has an expansive statue of Hanuman, its main god.
Kalka-Shimla Railway
Kalka Shimla Toy Train in Winter | © Jannat-e-Shimla / Facebook
Kalka-Shimla Railway is a mountain railroads of India. It was worked in the year 1898 to associate Shimla with other railroad lines of India by British. It keeps running from Kalka to Shimla. It stops through numerous traveler places like Summer Hill, Solan and some more. A rail trip through this line will give the watchers some amazing perspectives and the voyage through numerous passages and extensions would compensate for a life-changing background.
Kufri
Kufri is found 17 kms from Shimla. At an elevation of 2510 meters and in the Himalayan lower regions, the slope station delights nature sweethearts and explorers alike. Kufri alongside certain spots around Shimla once had a place with the Nepal kingdom. This spot is must visit for everybody visiting Shimla due to the shocking perspectives it offers and furthermore on account of its status as an experience hub.