Sights

Explore Shimla

Shimla, often called the “Queen of Hills,” is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Shimla is a beautiful blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and modern amenities. It remains one of the most popular hill stations in India. Here’s a guide to exploring Shimla:Perched at the highest point in Shimla, Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple offers breathtaking views of Shimla and the surrounding hills.

Places You'll See

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Shimla

5 Days 6 Nights
Himachal Pradesh: Shimla

Days Plan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Shimla Town

Morning:

  • Arrival at Shimla: Arrive at Shimla by road, train, or air. Check-in to your hotel or guesthouse.
  • Visit the Ridge: Begin your exploration at The Ridge, the heart of Shimla, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You can also visit the Christ Church and Gaiety Theatre, both of which are located on the Ridge.

Afternoon:

  • Stroll along Mall Road: Walk along the famous Mall Road, Shimla’s main street, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy shopping for woolens, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Lunch at a Local Cafe: Enjoy a hearty lunch at one of Shimla’s famous cafes. Indian Coffee House is a great place to try local snacks.

Evening:

  • Jakhoo Temple: Head to Jakhoo Hill for a visit to the ancient Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located at Shimla’s highest point, offering a great view of the town and surrounding landscapes. You can take a walk up or opt for a short cab ride.
  • Dinner at Mall Road: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant on Mall Road, offering a mix of North Indian and Tibetan cuisine.

Day 2: Adventure and Scenic Beauty

Morning:

  • Kufri: After breakfast, head to Kufri, located around 16 km from Shimla. Kufri is known for its adventure sports during the winter season, such as skiing, sledging, and snowboarding.
    • Kufri Fun World: Visit Kufri Fun World, an amusement park with rides, a mini-zoo, and other attractions for both adults and children.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch in Kufri: Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in Kufri or back in Shimla.
  • Naldehra: After lunch, head to Naldehra, which is about 23 km from Shimla, known for its scenic golf course and beautiful pine forests. Enjoy a peaceful walk or take a horse ride around the golf course.

Evening:

  • Relax and Explore Local Markets: Return to Shimla and relax. Spend the evening exploring the local markets or take a walk along the Mall Road.
  • Dinner: Dine at a cozy restaurant in Shimla, where you can savor traditional Himachali dishes like siddu and chana madra.

Day 3: Exploring History and Culture

Morning:

  • Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study): Start your day by visiting the Viceregal Lodge, an important historical site and the residence of British Viceroys. It’s now home to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The beautiful gardens and the grand architecture make it a must-visit.
  • Shimla State Museum: Afterward, visit the Shimla State Museum, located on the Mall Road. It offers fascinating exhibits on the region’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Café: Stop for a delicious lunch at one of Shimla’s charming cafés. You could try Wake & Bake Café for a cozy atmosphere and great food.
  • Tattapani: If you're interested in a relaxing dip, head to Tattapani (about 50 km from Shimla), known for its natural hot springs. It’s an ideal place to relax after a morning of sightseeing.

Evening:

  • Shimla’s Local Temples: If time permits, visit the Shimla Kali Bari Temple, which offers a scenic view of Shimla town.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a nice dinner in one of the town’s many restaurants, perhaps trying some local Himachali delicacies.

Day 4: Day Trip to Chail and Departure

Morning:

  • Chail: On the final day, take a short trip to Chail (around 45 km from Shimla), a quiet town known for its royal heritage and breathtaking views.
    • Chail Palace: Visit the Chail Palace, a heritage property once the residence of the Maharaja of Patiala. You can also explore the world’s highest cricket ground in Chail, which is a unique attraction.
    • Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: If you enjoy nature, visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary for a peaceful walk or wildlife spotting.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch in Chail: Have lunch at one of the local restaurants or within the Chail Palace.
  • Return to Shimla: Head back to Shimla and spend some time relaxing before your departure.

Evening:

  • Departure: Depending on your travel plans, you can either take a bus, train, or flight to your next destination. If you have time, enjoy one last sunset view from The Ridge.

Tips for Your Shimla Trip:

  • Clothing: Depending on the season, carry warm clothing for winters and light clothes for summer. Even in summer, evenings can be chilly.
  • Altitude: Shimla is located at a high altitude, so stay hydrated and take rest if you're not used to high altitudes.
  • Transport: Shimla is well-connected by road, so hiring a cab or using local buses is an easy way to get around.
Notes:

    • 2 passport size photos
    • Adult – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / Driving Licence /  Voters       ID / Passport
    • Child – Original + photocopy of any of the ID proof i.e. Aadhar Card / School ID / Passport
    • Infant – Aadhar Card / Birth certificate
    • NRI / Foreign nationals – Mandatory Passport + Valid Indian visa / OCI card / PIO card
    • Above mentioned ID proof is mandatory at the time of booking and carry the same ID proof on         tour as well

Shimla

Tour Details


Hear from Our
Happy Travelers

"My trip to Shimla was truly magical. The town is a perfect blend of scenic beauty, adventure, and history. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the cool weather and the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Ridge area was my first stop, and I was amazed by the panoramic views. Walking along Mall Road was an experience in itself—shopping for woolens and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere was a delight. I also loved the colonial charm of the Viceregal Lodge and the beautiful Christ Church.

Ravi Kumar from Delhi, India

Kufri, just a short drive from Shimla, was perfect for a fun-filled day of skiing and snowboarding. The adventure activities there are second to none! I also visited Naldehra, where the scenic golf course and pine forests made for a perfect afternoon getaway."The historical significance of Shimla, including the Shimla Conference and the iconic Jakhoo Temple, made my visit even more enriching. The trip to Chail was a peaceful retreat,

— Riya Verma, Mumbai

The historical significance of Shimla, including the Shimla Conference and the iconic Jakhoo Temple, made my visit even more enriching. The trip to Chail was a peaceful retreat, and the Chail Palace was breathtaking. Shimla was more than just a hill station for me—it was a place to relax, explore, and connect with the past."

"I recommend Shimla to anyone who wants a perfect mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're here for the weather, the history, or the adventure, Shimla offers an unforgettable experience."

— Kiran Devi Bengaluru

Best Time to Visit:

  • Summer (March to June): Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Perfect for escaping the heat of the plains.Monsoon (July to September): While the rains bring lush greenery, landslides are common, making travel less convenient

How to Reach:

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti), about 23 km from the town center, which is well-connected to Delhi. Alternatively, you can fly into Chandigarh and take a taxi or bus to Shimla (around 3 hours).
  • By Train: Shimla has its own narrow-gauge railway line, connecting to Kalka (around 96 km). From Kalka, you can take the famous Toy Train to Shimla, which is a unique and scenic experience.
  • By Road: Shimla is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali. The Shimla-Kalka Highway is the most common route.Shimla offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxurious resorts to budget hotels and cozy guesthouses.
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Importance of Shimla :

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, holds significant cultural, historical, and geographical importance. Known as the “Queen of Hills,” Shimla has been a prominent destination for travelers, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike. Here’s a detailed look at the importance of Shimla British Summer Capital: During the British colonial era, Shimla served as the summer capital of India due to its cool climate and scenic beauty. The British would escape the intense heat of the plains, making Shimla the focal point of administrative and social life.Shimla Conference (1945): Shimla holds historical significance for being the venue for the Shimla Conference between the British Government, the Indian National Congress, and the Muslim League.