01Key Sight
The Ridge & Christ Church
Iconic open pedestrian square featuring 1850s Neo
Recommended Experience
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hill station
Shimla Travel Guide
The timeless Queen of Hills, blending colonial heritage with panoramic Himalayan horizons.
About Shimla
Set against the backdrop of seven pine-covered ridges at an elevation of 2,200 meters, Shimla is Himachal Pradesh's historic capital and one of India's most celebrated hill retreats. Once serving as the summer capital of British India, the town preserves its colonial elegance through iconic heritage landmarks like the Neo-Gothic Christ Church, the Viceregal Lodge, and the pedestrianized promenade of Mall Road and The Ridge. Beyond its Raj-era architectural legacy, Shimla offers sweeping views of the snow-clad Shivalik ranges, dense deodar forests, and charming mountain outskirts like Kufri, Mashobra, and Naldehra. With its UNESCO World Heritage toy train railway, tranquil pine forest trails, and vibrant heritage markets, Shimla remains a premier year-round retreat for families, couples, and mountain lovers alike.
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilMayJuneSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuary
Summers (March to June) offer pleasant mountain weather between 15°C and 25°C, making it the peak season for leisure strolls and outdoor activities. Winters (November to February) turn crisp and chilly (1°C to 12°C), with sub-zero dips and occasional snowfall transforming the ridges in December and January. Monsoons (July to August) bring dramatic mist and lush pine greenery, accompanied by frequent rain showers.
How to Reach Shimla
Transportation & route options by Air, Train, and Highway
By Air
Shimla Airport at Jubbarhatti (SLV) is located ~22 km away, handling limited regional connectivity. The primary and most reliable hub is Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh (IXC, ~125 km), connected via frequent highway cabs and buses (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours drive).
By Train
Kalka Railway Station (KLK) is the principal broad-gauge railhead (~90 km), directly linked to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From Kalka, travelers can board the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Kalka–Shimla Toy Train directly into Shimla Station, or hire an outstation taxi up the highway (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours).
By Road
Seamlessly connected via the 4-lane NH 5 Himalayan Expressway. Frequent luxury AC Volvo and state transport buses run daily from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate, ~345 km, 7–8 hours) and Chandigarh (ISBT Sector 43, ~115 km, 3.5 hours).
Experiences & Highlights
Top Activities & Sights in Shimla
Must-visit places, popular activities, and local experiences
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Tour Packages for Shimla
Curated itineraries and custom holiday tours