Shimla

Shimla (also known as Simla) is a tourist destination par excellence. It is a beautiful hill town in the lap of nature, surrounded by pine and deodar forests. Temperature is ideal in summers and tourists flock it in great numbers and it is highly advisable to get hotel reservations done well in advance despite the fact that there are over 1000 hotels in Shimla. It is well connected by road to the plains. Facilities and amenities are good. People are friendly. It is also comparatively safer than other tourist destinations. All this makes it the favorite travel destination of tourists from India and across the world. A amazingly high percentage of tourists come back here again.

It is situated in the north-west Himalayas and is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters. British coined the term “Queen of the hills” for Shimla. It has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. The biggest industry in Shimla is hotel, travel and tourism. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, the town retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. If you happen to visit Shimla without hotel reservations, you can take the services of one of the numerous porters who double up as travel guides and touts for hotels in Shimla.

A hotel in Shimla Besides being the ultimate summer retreat it remains an ideal spot for adventure sports. Tourists can go in for the various treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. The more adventurous may ski at the Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.

This beautiful hill resort also offers a lot for those who would like to indulge in a shopping spree. The Mall is the place to check out for the best in garment and textile industry. Here the State emporium offers the himachali (local) handicrafts and handloom items. The hats that are available in a wide range of charges and colors make the perfect souvenirs. For the dry fruits and natural herbs carrying medicinal properties you may check out any of the local shops whereas the Lakkar Bazaar is the one stop market for the wooden items of all shapes and sizes.

Important Tourist Spots in Shimla

The Mall: It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Shimla. Dotted with colorful shops and swanky commercial plazas, this is the perfect place to hang out.

Summer Hill: The quite and charming hamlet basks in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. Tread along the shady walkways to get charming views of the region.

Chadwick Falls: Proceed a little further from the Summer Hill where the Chadwick Falls plunges down into a deep gorge.

Himachal State Museum: The museum showcases a large collection of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

Painting Exhibition at State Musium, Shimla

Sankat Mochen: From this Lord Hanuman Temple, you can get a panoramic view of the Shimla town.

Viceregal Lodge: Magnificent English renaissance structure is with its spacious lawn and wooded groves is India's premier institute of higher studies.

How to Reach Shimla

How to Reach Shimla by Air: Shimla's airport is at a distance of 23 kilometers at Jubbarhatti. The Airport is well connected to Chandigarh, Kullu Manali and Delhi. Jagsons Airways offer excellent services and connect Shimla to various parts of the country.

How to Reach Shimla by Road: A fine network of roads connects Shimla to all major cities in India.

How to Reach Shimla by Train: Kalka, located at a distance of 96 kilometers from Shimla is the nearest railhead. From Delhi you can take a train to reach Kalka. There are no direct trains to Shimla.