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Shimla – The Queen of Hills

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Are you planning a trip to Hills? Are you looking for a destination where you can enjoy your summer or winter vacations? Himachal Pradesh is one of the best places for a vacation be it summer or a winter. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is one of the destinations where you can have full fun and enjoyment during your holidays.

Shimla (formerly Simla) has derived its name from the Goddess Shyamala. Before the Britishers discovered this beautiful hill Shimla was a small village. They loved this place to an extent that they built summer retreats here. It was in 1822. The English were so much in love with this place that they developed it and by 1864 Shimla was declared the summer capital of the Raj

Shimla is now capital of small but beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is located at an altitude of 6890 + feet high up in the lush green Shivalik hills

Shimla is just about 130 Kms from Chandigarh and about 335 Kms from New Delhi the capital city of India

Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations in India. Most of the sightseeing points are well connected by roads. However it is advisable to take a walk through the most of the points to get the real feel of the place. There are also some lovely and amazing walks and treks in and around Shimla.

Best Places to Visit in Shimla

The Mall – One of the oldest attractions in Shimla, the Mall is one of the important landmarks of Shimla. The cool breeze and the Deodars on one side and the mesmerizing Anglican Christ Church on the other is a perfect spot for photo shoots and selfies. You will find the side doors of the church always open. Just in case it is closed you can ask the rector who lives nearby to open the gate.

There is a famous Gaiety Theatre near the Mall. It was the favourite place for amateur theatricals during the British Raj. This theatre is home for the production photographs, wonderful images which date back to 1927. The small theatre is just nine rows deep and twelve seats across. There is a box of honour made especially for the viceroy and his team.

Scandal Point is yet another famous spot near the Mall. Vehicles are not allowed inside The Mall Road in Shimla and that is the best part. The enjoyment is through walking only. The horse rides will attracts you in The Mall Road in Shimla. The kids are seen enjoying the moment having ice creams and riding on the horses on the mall road. 

Lakkar Bazaar id one of the oldest markets in Shimla near The Mall Road. It is famous for woodwork and you can chose souvenirs from thousands of woodwork varieties in Lakkar Bazaar. 

Do not miss the Trek to Hanuman Temple located on the Jakhoo Hill. Trek starts from the Ridge or Mall Road to the highest point of Shimla. The sunset vew from the Jakhoo hill is magnificent a true delight. On the way to the Hanuman Temple you can also see the residence of A O Hume who is believed to have founded the Indian National Congress. 

Be careful of the monkeys on the way to Jakhoo Hill. Though they do not harm anybody but they may snatch your bag if it contains eatables.

Walks in Shimla

While in Shimla take a walk in some of the lush green areas of Shimla. There is no match and replacement for the satisfaction and rejuvenation that you will experience while walking in some of the best locations in Shimla.  

From the Mall Road take a walk towards Viceregal Lodge (people generally pronounce it as viceroy lodge). The Viceregal Lodge is perhaps the most resounding of old structures in Shimla. Now the viceroy lodge is the campus of Indian Institute of Advanced Studies Shimla. On the way from Mall Road to Viceroy Lodge you will find many interesting shops and may buy souvenirs.  You can also visit the St Michael’s Cathedral and Gorton Castle on the way.

On moving further there is Himachal State Museum where you can see a vast display of Himachal’s culture and archaeological heritage. The name of the building that houses the Himachal State Museum is Inverarm. It was the house of a member of viceroy’s council.

Kamna Devi Temple a serene and mesmerizing temple is located just 2 kms from the Viceregal Lodge near Boileauganj. The view of the town is enthralling from this place. You can also enjoy the amazing view of airfields and other ranges from here.

You can also take a walk to Potter’s Hill which is situated near the HP University Campus at Summer Hill Shimla. Not very far from here is the enchanting Chadwick Falls.

One of the amazing walks in Shimla that you should never miss is the walk to The Glen. Thickly wooded Ravine with a stream flowing through it is an unforgettable experience just 5 kms from the scandal point in Shimla. 

There is a Helipad also known as Annandale located about 5 Kms from the Mall Road. It is surrounded by thick, gigantic and astounding Deodar trees.

Other important sightseeing points in Shimla which can be best experienced by taking a walk includes Raj Bhawan in Chhota Shimla, Tara Devi Temple, Dhanu Devta Temple, monastery in Kasumpti and Sanjauli.

Best and Beautiful Places to Visit around Shimla

Naldehra –Famous for nine-hole par-68 Golf Course, Naldehra is a place where you will find thick Cedar forests and beautiful picnic grounds. Located about 30 Kms from Shimla

Mashobra – The exquisite village with serene locations and landscapes Mashobra is about 14 Kms from the main town of Shimla. Take a trek to the ancient Bhimkali Temple located on the Shali peak at an altitude of 9,843 ft

Dhami – Be close to the nature at Dhami located about 20 kms from Shimla. Thick forests and lush green locales will mesmerize you to the fullest in Dhami

Arki – Mesmerising scenic views are the main attractions of Arki which was once the capital of princely state of Bhagal. The old palace at Arki has now been converted into a heritage hotel Palce retreat. 

Chail – The town located about 60 kms from Shimla has an interesting history. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was banned from Shimla for having an affair with British Commander In Chief’s daughter.  The Maharaja felt so insulted that he wanted to establish his empire at a hill higher than Shimla from where he can see Shimla as well. He found this hill where he built a big mansion within a short span of time. 

Chail thus became the summer capital of former state of Patilala. The Palce is now converted into a heritage hotel.

How to reach Shimla by bus rail or air

Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is connected to Dharamshala, Kulllu Manali. The fights were available earlier from Delhi but due to expansion work of the airport flights are not available to Shimla now from Delhi or Chandigarh. Chartered flights are available

Nearest Broad-gauge railway station is Kalka about 90 kms from Shimla. Kalka is connected to Delhi and other major cities of India via trains like Shatabdi Express and other fast trains. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Kalka to Shimla. The best option however would be to catch a toy train from Kalka to Shimla. Advance online booking from Kalka-Shimla-Kalka for the toy trains are available at the irctc website.

The Hindustant Tibet Road also known as NH22 connects Shimla to Ambala. You can take NH1 or GT Karnal road from Ambala to Delhi

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