Overview:

Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.

Verdant scenery, salubrious weather, snow-clad hills and an old-world charm, Shimla has always enticed nature lovers for years. Thick covers of oak and pine that spread across the city are great for soaking in the peace and serenity. If short hike is something that interests you, venture on a trek to the tranquil ‘Chadwick Falls’ that is located just 7 km from the main city. Aesthetic beauty, serene vibes and musical chirps of birds here are sure to leave you with that much needed solace. To know more about the latest updates on Manali, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Koo, Telegram and YouTube. or mail to "tmydestination@gmail.com"

While the quaint hill town is a nature enthusiast's delight, it’s also a paradise for adventure seekers. The popular 'Tattapani Point' on the banks of Satluj River, 50 km off Shimla is a hub for water sport aficionados and offers them an unmatched river rafting experience. There are plenty of other enthralling activities that one can indulge in to satiate those adrenaline cravings. Some of these are forest camping, paragliding and cycling through the wilderness of the 'Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary'.

Those travelling to Shimla on a romantic holiday, would certainly find this cosy little place on earth, a heavenly delight. The 'Scandal Point', one of the major tourist attractions in the city, is a paradise for lovers. Captivating views of the hills, a cool mountain breeze and the sun going down often cast a magical spell, leaving couples here with one of the most romantic experiences of their life. In the evening, the famous 'Mall Road' bustles with small eateries selling momos, roasted corn and ice creams. Sipping a hot cup of coffee in one of the quaint cafes here is an experience that every couple looks forward to during their romantic trip to this charming colonial city. If cultural and religious exploration is on your mind during your holidays in Shimla, it is definitely not going to leave you disappointed.

Blessed with bounties of natural life, Shimla also finds a place in the itineraries of wildlife freaks, bird lovers and nature photographers. The 'Himalayan Bird Park', 'Kiala Forest' and 'Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary' are some of the popular wildlife spots in the region, and must visit attractions when in the city.

History of Shimla goes back to the period of Anglo-Gurkha war in the beginning of 19th century. In 1804 the Gurkhas , who had suffered a severe defeat at the hands of the Sikhs at the battle of Kangra, a hill fortress about sixty miles from Shimla, where according to some accounts they lost thousand of men in the fight and many others from disease, commenced to ravage the states and hills surrounding Shimla. Gurkhas built many forts around Shimla. One of these strongholds, the Jagatgarh fortress, was the origin of the modern Jutogh, the well known military cantonment adjoining Shimla. By 1808 the invaders had conquered all the fortified posts between the Jamuna and Satluj, and from their capital Arki began their ruthless rule over the neighbouring hill states, untill at length the people in their wretchedness appealed to the British for help. A small British force under Major General ‘Sir David Ochterlony’ was despatched to liberate the hill men from Gurkhas. Majority of hill chiefs responded to the call and joined the British forces. The rivals were engaged in the toughest battle at 3750 ft high Ramgarh fort at Nalagarh. A decisive battle took place near the fort at Malaon in which superior guns of the British overpowered the enemy. The battle of Malaon on 15th May 1815 ended the dream of the Gurkhas, to rule over this part of the land for any longer. After few days, an official declaration was made according to which all Chieftains who had joined British in expelling the Gurkhas were restored with their land under the British protection. The maharaja of Patiala who has also rendered invaluable services to the British was rewarded with land in the neighbourhood of the area now comprising Shimla. After the defeat of Gurkhas they were forced to sign the ‘Treaty of Sanjauli’ . The company retained the strategic forts of Sabathu, Kotgarh, Ramgarh and Sandoch.

Present day Shimla District comprises of 19 erstwhile hill states mainly Balson, Bushahr, Bhaji and Koti, Darkoti, Tharoch & Dhadi,Kumharsain, Khaneti & Delath, Dhami, Jubbal , Keothal, Rawingarh, Ratesh, Sangri.

Bushahr was one of the oldest of the hill states after Kashmir in the Western Himalayas. According to one legend .the Bushahr dynasty was founded by ‘Pradhuman’, the son of Lord Krishna. In order to marry the daughter of Banasur, the local chief of shonitpur(Sarahan), Pradhuman is said to have come to that place and after the death of Banasur in an encounter with him, he became the chief of Bushar and Kinnaur regions, since Banasur has no son. According to C.F.Kennedy , Bushar was founded by Danbar Singh an immigrant Rajput from Deccan in 1412 A.D. In 1914 Britishers recognised Padam Singh as legitimate heir and was crowned Raja of Rampur Bushahr. Ultimately in March, 1948 Rampur Bushahr became part and parcel of province of Himachal Pradesh.

Jubbal one of the Shimla Hill States with an area of 288 Sq miles was originally tributary to Sirmaur, but after Gurkha war, it became independent. Raja Karam Chand was the founder of the Jubbal State. Jubbal merged with the Indian Union after independence and became a part of Himachal Pradesh on 15th April, 1948. at the time of merger ‘Dig Vijay Singh was the ruler of the state.

Shimla District in its present form came into existence from 1st September 1972 on the reorganisation of the districts of the state. After the reorganisation, the erstwhile Mahasu district lost its entity and its major portion was merged with Shimla. Shimla district derives its name from Shimla town, the district headquarters and now state capital of Himachal Pradesh The Shimla District comprises of 9 Sub-Divisions, 13 -Tehsils, 12 Sub Tehsils and 10 Blocks

Shimla is on the south-western ranges of the Himalayas at 31.61°N 77.10°E. It has an average altitude of 2,206 metres (7,238 ft) above mean sea level and extends along a ridge with seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 kilometres (5.7 mi) from east to west.

Peak Season: May to Mid-July/ December-January.

Shoulder Season: September to October

Low Season: Mid July- Late September

Whether you are on a solo sojourn in search of inner peace, an adventure backpack tour with your besties or a honeymoon trip with your beloved, Shimla always fascinate you. The hill town has blossomed into a paradise for the wandering heart and it also has some cultural gems that are unique to this part of the world. And the budget-friendly hotels in Shimla will take care of your accommodation while giving you a taste of the hospitality the region is known for.

If you are planning a trip to this Himalayan destination in Himachal Pradesh, here’s the list of the top places to see in and around Shimla:

• Mall Road
• Christ Church, Shimla
• Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo
• Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
• Viceregal Lodge
• The Ridge
• Indian Institute of Advanced Study
• Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
• Green Valley
• Sacndal Point
• Annandale Ground
• Jakhoo Hill
• The Glen
• Lakkar Bazaar
• Kufri
• Himachal State Museum
• Jakhu Ropeway
• Summer Hill
• Jubbal Place
• Chadwick Falls
• Mashobra
• Tara Devi Temple
• Old Shimla
• Tatta Pani

Shimla Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 25 degrees high to 4 degrees low during summer.

Shimla Weather: The hill station in this time of year is magical. A big reason for that is Shimla weather in winter. The average temperature settles at around 8 °C and can drop to as low as -7°C. Winter first spreads its cold fingers over Shimla in November and then slowly engulfs the entire hill station in December to January, when it is at its coldest. Chilly winds whip their way through Shimla, dropping the temperature even further. Snowflakes dance their way to the ground until they settle into powdery masses on the ground.

Significance: Early winter in Shimla is a great time to explore the hill station and its various tourist attractions. Winter is the time to go shopping, explore the surrounding natural landscapes or Wander through the best places to visit in Shimla, like Viceregal Lodge, the Botanical Gardens, Kaali Bari Temple and Darlaghat. As the season grows colder, turn your eyes towards the slopes – where you can trek, or ski depending on your preference. This is also the season to start some mischief – pack some of that snow into a ball and let it fly and you’ll see how fast a snowball fight can begin. Lie back in the snow and make a beautiful snow angel with your arms and legs – this is genuinely the season to be jolly. It is also time for the Shimla Winter Carnival, with ice skating, skiing, snowman building and other cultural events to enjoy. You can also celebrate traditional festivals like the Bhoj Fair, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas and Lohri.

Why you should visit now: The top reason you should visit Shimla in winters is because of the snow. Play with snow, make it into art, ski on it, skate on the ice or even look at the drift and swirl of snow from your hotel window. Versatility is the name of the game in winter. Also, a warm, hearty bowl of Shimla favourites like Chha Ghosht or Mash Dal in this weather will be magical.

Things to know before you visit: Research what the emergency contact numbers are and keep them on your phone. During activities like trekking and skiing, make sure you follow the advice of your guide and do not wander off on your own. Winter is also one of the peak seasons in Shimla, so book your tickets and hotel accommodation in advance.

Tips: The temperatures here, as you’ve seen, can be quite exacting (particularly if you’re not used to the cold). Carry woollens, mittens, thermals, scarves, hats, jackets and a sturdy pair of boots to help you move around the hill station with ease.

Shimla Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 37 degrees high to 9 degrees low during summer.

Shimla Weather: Over the Summer, Shimla is slowly warmed by the sun’s rays. The heat is moderate (for the most part) and the weather in Shimla is pleasant. The season almost begins like the Spring season, before transitioning into summer. Temperatures in Shimla hover between 16 °C to 18 °C. The snow of winter melts away to reveal a shimmering Shimla – full of green trees and hillsides, blooming flowers under the blue dome of the sky. The evenings are a bit chilly, but overall Shimla weather is a treat. Many people from neighbouring towns and cities retreat to Shimla to escape the scorch of summer outside.

Significance: Weather in Shimla in summers is picture-perfect. With pleasant days and cool nights, you can explore the hill station without worry. Winter sports are swapped for summer shenanigans. You can spend this entire season hiking, paragliding, camping, trekking, rafting and more. Head to Chharaba, Kufri, Narkanda or Naldehra (all situated around Shimla) to enjoy these activities. If you’re looking at a more relaxed summer in Shimla, visit local tourist spots like Jakhu Temple, Woodville Palace, Christ Church and Tara Devi Temple. If you’re in a celebratory mood, well, summer has plenty of festivals for you, like Holi, Baisakhi and the Sipi Fair. You can also join the Shimla Summer festival and bear witness to some great performances carried out by local and national artists. At the end of the festival, you’ll see the hill station’s beauty pageant – Miss Shimla.

Why you should visit now: Summer is, to many, the best climate to visit Shimla. The sun and flowers are out in full bloom, the weather is clear, and the hill station is open to exploring.

Things to know before you visit: Summer months feature warm days, cold nights and the occasional shower of rain. The month of May sees quite an increase in Shimla temperature, so do keep that in mind before you book your tickets.

Tips: You may be tempted to pack light clothes for the summer months. While this isn’t wrong, you should include room in your suitcase for at least a jacket, windcheater or shawl – remember the nights are cold. Furthermore, if you don’t enjoy crowds, this might not be the season for you. Shimla is packed with tourists during the summer. This also means that you’ll need to book your tickets and accommodation well in advance.

Shimla Temperature: Shimla experiences an average of 32 degrees high to 17 degrees low during the monsoon season.

Shimla Weather: Shimla is draped in sheet after sheet of wet rain and a dense curtain of humidity hangs over the hill station. Heavy rainfall does wash the hill station clean, leaving the trees and hilly slopes verdant and shimmering. However, Shimla receives an annual 1400 mm of rain during this season, substantially impairing your ability to go out and explore your surroundings. Monsoon is officially the offseason in Shimla, but it is perfect for those looking for a budget trip. Rainfall starts around mid-July and extends till September. Luckily, despite the humidity, Shimla remains cool during the monsoons.

Significance: With the heavy and continuous rain, the weather in Shimla in monsoon months makes it difficult to venture too far. However, you can still explore the hill station, especially the museums, temples and the cafes and restaurants in the area. This is also the time of the Rhyali festival, which is carried out with great enthusiasm by locals. Join them in thanking the rain gods and make an offering to ensure that they remain happy.

Why you should visit now: Since monsoon is considered the off-season, you may find a great deal when it comes to hotel accommodations or travel prices in general. If you’re on a budget, this is a great time to visit and take advantage of the overall price drop.

Things to know before you visit: Although low budgets and a lush green valley make for great reasons to visit Shimla during this season, we have to warn you that the heavy rainfall makes Shimla prone to landslides. Therefore, there is a risk when you travel to Shimla during the monsoon season. You may not get to see everything in Shimla during this season, so keep that in mind as well.

Tips: A windcheater, gum boots, umbrella and a raincoat should all be part of your packing list. Make sure that you don’t venture too far out for a hike or trek as the hillsides are unstable during this period. Proceed with caution.

Once the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla at present is a year-round vacation destination frequented by a large number tourists. Travellers contemplating how to reach Shimla need not worry as it is one of the most visited and easily accessible hill stations in the country. Though this scenic summer destination is surrounded with soaring mountains, it is well connected to major Indian cities by all means of transportation. Shimla Airport, also known as Jubbarhatti Airport and Kalka railway station are the nearest airbase and railhead, respectively, serving Shimla. Besides, a number of state roadways provide regular services from nearby places such as New Delhi, Kullu, Manali, Chandigarh and Ambala.

By Air: Shimla Airport or Jubbarhatti Airport, about 20 km from the city, is the closest domestic airport serving this beautiful hill station. There are regular flights for Shimla from cities such as New Delhi and Chandigarh. There are five flights available per week from Delhi as of now. Delhi to Shimla by flight is a time saving option also for all the weekends. Travellers coming from abroad can book their tickets till Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, which is the nearest international airport. Located about 360 km away, IGI airport is well connected with rest of the world. From the airport, travellers can avail prepaid taxis or bus service to reach Shimla.

By Road/Self Drive: Self drive also a best option to reach Shimla via Chandigarh Highwy it takes around 9 hours to reach Shimla.

By Rail/Train: Kalka railway station, situated at a distance of around 96 km, is the nearest railhead connecting Shimla to neighbouring Indian cities. There are frequent trains available from New Delhi and Chandigarh for Kalka railway station. The Kalka Shatabdi, a daily train service leaving Delhi early morning is the best option for those travelling from New Delhi and who want to make it to Kalka by midday. From Kalka station, one can hire private cabs or opt for taxis to reach Shimla.

By Bus: A road journey to Shimla is a visual delight. The hill station enjoys excellent connectivity with neighbouring cities such as New Delhi (350 km), Dehradun (230 km) and Chandigarh (115 km) through well-maintained national highways. Delhi to Shimla by car would be a fantastic idea and travellers and weekends prefer driving to this quaint hill town. A number of bus services, including Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) as well as private buses connect Shimla to its neighbouring towns and cities. NH 1 and NH 22 lead to Shimla from New Delhi. Travellers can board luxury buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, approximately eight hours away, depending upon the traffic.

Local bus service is frequent in Shimla City from 7 am to 9 pm and buses are available to all the places in the City. Buses runs mainly on the Ring Road (Covering Main Bus Stand, Lift, Chota Shimla, Kasumpti, Sanjauli, Mehli, Lakkar Bazaar Bus Stand, Victory Tunnel, Boileauganj, Totu, Summer Hill, Tutikandi. There is one Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) 4kms from main city at Tutikandi and all the buses out of Shimla ply from this place to out of Shimla town and other States. The buses from out of District and other states also arrive at this ISBT. ISBT is well connected with main town and one can avail local bus service and taxis from this place. ISBT is multi-story building having Hotel, Restaurant, Fast-Food shops, SRS theater and Parking for private vehicles. Taxis are freely available from all the points in Shimla for local travel and sight seen. Daily Tourist Buses are run by HPTDC for local sight seen and booking in them can be done at the Tourist Information Centre on the Mall. Shimla City is placed on hill top and all the major places like Mall, Ridge, Kali Bari, Lakkar Bazaar are located on it, to reach these places one has to walk on foot from the ring road on steep hill and its the only mode of travel on hill slopes. One can avail the facility of lift run by HP tourism from cart road, which links the Cart Road to Mall. Government owned Taxi Service is available from many parts of the town (Bus Stand, Sanjauli, Summerhill, New Shimla, Kasumpti) upto CTO at Mall Road and Lakkar Bazar area.