Shimla Tourism
Interesting Facts about Shimla
- Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864 by the British and before that it was a part of Nepal.
- After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until Chandigarh came into existence.
- Shimla hosts the legendary mountain biking race- MTB Himalaya, which is the biggest event in South-East Asia.
- The Kalka to Shimla Toy train passes through 806 bridges and 103 tunnels.
- The Kalka-Shimla Railway is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Shimla has the only natural ice skating rink in South Asia.
- The Durand Football tournament was held at the Annandale Ground in 1888.
- The Town Hall was built in 1888 and it is an earthquake proof building.
- Gandhi first came to Shimla on 11th May, 1921.
- Shimla is the birth place of Anupam Kher, Prem Chopra, Balraj Sahni, Priya Rajvansh.
- The Auckland House School is the only girl’s school in India to introduce Scuba Diving.
- Shimla is home to South Asia’s only natural ice skating rink.
- There is a Scandal Point at the Ridge, which has a spot where the Viceroy’s daughter and the Maharaja of Patiala used to have a romantic date in colonial times.
- Shimla Falls in Seismic zone IV
The ever-charming Queen of Hills ‘Shimla’ was once the summer capital of the British in India. This beautiful hill station is surrounded by picturesque green valleys, snow-capped Himalayan mountain range, scenic hills, and spectacular structures, made during the colonial era. The city creates an aura of regal India and embraces numerous attractions in its vicinity that looks absolutely stunning in winter.
Shimla is the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, which is situated in the northwestern part of the Himalayan Mountain Range and is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak, and rhododendron forests. It has grand old buildings, stately Viceregal Lodges, charming iron lamp posts, regal bakeries and coffee houses that make Shimla one of the top tourist destinations in India. This picturesque city is very much different from other hill stations as it has the most happening Mall road, which comprises a number of restaurants, clubs, bars, shops, bakeries, etc. The city also plays host to the historic toy train that links Kalka with Shimla through 105 tunnels and many beautiful rail & road stations.
Shimla is also close to other nearby tourist destinations such as Naldehra, Chail, Kufri and Summer Hill. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Shimla are Christ Church, Sankat Mochan, Jakhoo temple, The Ridge of Shimla, The Mall Road, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, and Himachal State Museum. Everything in this beautiful town has a unique charm and appeal that never fails to impress even the most demanding tourists visiting Shimla.
Right from regal buildings to eateries to shopping centers to hotels to scenic locations and snowy hills, everything about holidaying in Shimla is unique and astonishing. So, plan your trip to Shimla and experience an exhilarating journey all by yourself.
Best attractions and tourist places to visit in Shimla: There are many attractions and tourist places to visit nearby Shimla that provides stunning views of the majestic mountains and hills covered with snow and Deodar plantation. Kamna Devi Temple, Tattapani, Naldhera, Hatkoti, Kharapathar, Sankat Mochan, Kali Bari Temple, etc. are some places that one must visit during his or her stay in the ever-charming Shimla.
Shopping in Shimla One wouldn’t be stuck with the question of what to buy in Shimla as the place has numerous markets that offers everything from clothes to books to toys to handicrafts to handmade artifacts to spices to electronics, and more. The Mall Road is one of the most popular places to go for shopping in Shimla along with Lakkar Bazaar, Tibetan Bazaar, and Lower Bazaar. These markets offer wood, metalwork, shawls, woolens, carpets, pickles, jams, etc. at a very reasonable price. Also, there are many emporiums and showrooms on the Mall Road that sells Himachali Shawls, Pahari Caps, Pullovers, Handicrafts, Souvenirs, and Toys that are famous for their traditional touch and design.
Best Place to Eat in Shimla Looking forward to gorge on wholesome delicacies during your holiday in Shimla? Well, you can savour your favorite food in Shimla, as the place has plenty of restaurants, stalls, local shacks, and coffee joints that offer a variety of cuisines to satiate your cravings. One can enjoy the rich taste of tangy fruit chaats, delectable pastries, saucy Chole Bhature, flavorsome Bun Muska, Exotic Ice Sundae, and luscious Tibetan delicacies in a charming setting in Shimla. Here are some of the popular places that offer a delightful culinary experience to the visitors.
- Sita Ram and Sons
- Embassy Ice Creams
- Kewal Ka Dhaba
- Bihari Lal Sharma Stall
- Alfa Restaurant (The Mall)
- Ashiana Goofa Restaurant (The Ridge)
- Baljees (The Mall)
- Devicos (The Mall)
- Fascination Restaurant (The Mall)
- India Coffee House (The Mall)
- Lutyen’s Room (Springfield)
Accommodation in Shimla Shimla is one of the top destinations in India that enfolds countless number of hotels and lodges that ensure guests a comfortable stay in a peaceful surrounding. Shimla has few five star hotels, but many three star hotels, Govt. houses, private guest houses, and homestays, which offer affordable staying option to the guests. The hotels and lodges, most of them built in Victorian style, are surrounded by placid mountain lakes, snowy hills, and green alpine meadows that double the fun of tourists and make their holidays in Shimla memorable. Here are some the hotels where you can stay and enjoy the glimpse of nature closely.
Climate in Shimla The cool and pleasant climate of Shimla makes it a most preferred destination of tourist across India. The city never loses its charm, be it in winter or summer and that’s why tourist escape from the scorching heats of the plains and visit Shimla to enjoy its cool breeze and fantastic weather. The temperature in Shimla varies from 15-27°C in summer and 0°C to 17°C in winter and it gets snowfall around the time of Christmas or in the last week of December.
Best Time to Visit Shimla Shimla can be visited throughout the year, as each season has its own charm. But, if you are keen on experiencing the chill and wish to see a snowfall, then winter is the best time to visit Shimla. Some of the major highlights of winter include winter-sports and ice-skating carnival. So, if you are visiting Shimla with your family and friends, plan your trip somewhere close to winters to make it an unforgettable journey in the lap of Mother Nature.
