About City - Shimla

Shimla is one of India's most popular tourist destinations, perfect for Summer and Winter. The 'Queen of Hills' is famous for its exemplary blend of Himalayan Culture, rich history, and lush green mountain ranges, making it a masterpiece. There is much more to the City that makes the traveler's trip unforgettable, including its cultural traditions, mesmerizing views, colonial past, Mall Road, and more. To discover the best time to visit, things to do, famous food to taste, and enjoy the scenic toy train ride, you should check out the beautiful City for a memorable experience. It is located on a ridge in the Himalayan foothills. The city name may originate from a few different theories, among which one of the most popular is their state; according to Vishwa Hindu Parishad functionary Aman Puri, this popular holiday destination is named Shyamala. Britishers found it tricky to pronounce, so they renamed the City Shimla.

The Best Time to Visit Shimla

The best time to visit Shimla may vary, depending on what you wish to experience while there. Some want to experience their first snowfall here, while others wish to explore bright, Sunny days during Summer vacation with family. 

Peak Season:

Ordinarily, Shimla remains always crowded as it is a flawless getaway for the people residing in Chandigarh. The peak season for travelers and Couples is between March and June, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. This is the most preferable month because it is the ultimate time for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, trekking, Paragliding, and Parasailing. You can also explore the Shimla Summer Festival, which happens in May and June and mainly features folk dances, flower shows, and several musical performances. 

Moderate Season:

October to February is considered a mild season with cool temperatures and snowfall. The months between December and February are great, and February is an excellent time for skiing and ice skating. YoSkiingalso enjoys hot chocolate with a view of snow-capped mountains. 

Off-season:

It would be best to avoid traveling to Shimla during the off-season between July and September due to heavy rainfall and frequent landslides. Although it is not safe to take a road trip to Shimla, it is a great time to escape crowds and take advantage of several discounts due to less demand.

Places to visit nearby Shimla 

Shimla is one of the top destinations for every Indian and International traveler, as there are many activities to keep the tourist engaged throughout the trip. Several places near the British Summer Capital are the perfect fusion of hill stations, trekking trails, and wildlife sanctuaries. These places can be the supreme choice for fuelled adventurous alike. Here is a list of some popular places to visit nearby Shimla to make the trip unforgettable.

• Kufri, Himachal Pradesh:

Kufri is located 20km from Shimla, which was renowned as the British Summer Retreat in 1819. Consequently, the place is flocked by tourists every time due to its pleasant Summer weather and winter snowfall. Thus, the peak season for visiting Kufri is November to March, as it is famous for skiing.

• Jakhu Temple:

The Skiing Jakhu Temple of Shimla is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers stunning views. The temple is situated at Jakhu Hill, Shimla's highest peak, 2.5km east of the Ridge at 2455m above the sea. You can reach here by taxi or car or take an adventurous ride on Jakhu Ropeway Shimla and enjoy breathtaking views; however, there is no entry fee. Otherwise, you can enjoy brunch in the cafe in the Jakhu temple's surroundings and appreciate the picturesque view of snowcapped mountains. 

• Narkanda:

​​​​​​​Narkanda is also famous for skiing in Kufri, a small town near Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet Road. Lush green forests and majestic hills surround it, and it is 63 km away from Shimla. Although this hill station provides connectivity to the valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti, the town is 9000 feet from sea level.

• Lakkar Bazar:

​​​​​​​Lakkar Bazar is one of the vibrant Shimla markets. It is known for its beautiful handmade wooden toys, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market, located on Mall Road, generally opens during regular shopping hours. It is an ideal choice for culture and retail therapy and is one of the foremost places to visit. 

• Scandal Point:

​​​​​​​Scandal Point of Shimla is a popular tourist spot in the central area. It is located where Mall Road joins Ridge Road from the west side. The place is popular and praised for its stunning scenery and captivating past, making it a top-notch place to visit in Shimla. You can see it here anytime as it is open throughout the day, there is no entry fee, and it is the ultimate location for a leisure walk. 

Important things to remember before visiting Shimla

To enhance your travel experience, remember a few things before visiting Shimla to prevent uncertainty or inconvenience due to bad climate conditions, tourist spot opening times, etc.

• Check weather conditions: It is highly recommended that you check the weather conditions before traveling to Shimla, especially when planning your trip during the rainy season. This will help you avoid getting stuck anywhere due to heavy rainfall or landslides.
• Book accommodation before the trip: If traveling during the peak season, such as New Year or Christmas, book accommodation beforehand to avoid last-minute hustle once you reach Shimla and avoid paying a massive amount for a hotel room due to high demand.
• Carry ID Proofs: Always prefer to carry ID proofs along with your ID card. Do not forget to bring your vehicle papers if traveling by car.
• Always follow instructions: To respect the culture, seek permission before photographing and recording videos while visiting the famous Jhaku temple and Narkanda Hatu Peak. Most temples do not allow leather shoes and belts, so follow the instructions to maintain decorum.

Famous Food of Shimla

Shimla is famous for its colonial structure and delicious local cuisine; some renowned restaurants offer a fascinating fusion of traditional Himachali meals and regional wines. The City has mouth-watering food of all varieties, from old road food destinations to many cafes and fine-dining restaurants at first-class properties. While visiting Shimla either for the First time or several times, there is a list of famous mouth-watering dishes you cannot afford to skip.

• Sidu.
• Madra.
• Babru.
• Thukpa.
• Sepu Vadi.
• Dhaam.
• Chaa Gosht.
• Mash Dal.
• Chicken Anardana Himachali style.
• Tibetan momos.
• Kukrej.

Famous Restaurants  of Shimla

You can find some renowned restaurants if you want to taste some delicious Himachali dishes in Shimla. These restaurants offer breathtaking views of the hills and promise a flavourful meal.

• Cafe Simla Times: It is a top-notch Instagrammable cafe with live music in the evening. Therefore, it offers highly recommended dishes like wood-fired Pizza, Chili mushroom, hummus and pita, and Thai Curry.
• The Oberoi Cecil: The restaurant has a colonial charm and showcases Pan India. Consequently, the must-try foods are Fish and Chips, Roasted Chicken, Tiramisu, and Baileys Creme Bruiley.
• Devicos Restaurant & Lounge Bar: Devicos is a gastropub on Mall Road with a 40-year history. The restaurant serves various cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The must-try dishes are Mysore masala dosa, club Sandwiches, pav bhaji, and Kati rolls.
• Himachali Rasoi: The eatery is in the middle of the bazaar on Mall Road. It is famous for its local recipes, such as authentic Dhaam and traditional vegetarian Himachal ch are often eaten on special occasions. 

Things to shop in Shimla

There are multiple things to shop for in Shimla, such as handicrafts, clothing, Tibetan items, wooden items, spices/ dry fruits, and food. 

• Handicrafts - Shimla Lakkar Bazar is famous for wooden handicraft items, including cravings, metalwork, and pottery.
• Food items: Tourists can buy popular food products, such as Jam, Jelly, Squashes, and Fruit wines.
• Tibetan items: Significantly, Shimla has a Tibetan influence; you can easily find Tibetan handicraft items in the Shimla Mall Road market, like Prayer flags, Buddhist Artifacts, thangka paintings, and jewelry at the Tibetan market.
• Shop Spices and Dry Fruits: You should also shop for local spices and dry fruits, which you can easily find at the Lower Bazaar. 

How can I reach Shimla?

Shimla is well connected by road, train, and air, so various ways to reach it suit you. 

By Air—Shimla has its Jubbarhatti Airport, located about 25km from the City, but it is not always operational; it is better to book a flight to Chandigarh Airport and then take a cab.

By Road—Shimla is usually well connected by road; the total distance from Shimla to Chandigarh highway takes almost 3.5 hours. Travelers can take the Volvo bus from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.

By Train—Take the train to Kalka, and then take a Toy train to experience scenic views.