Places to visit in Shimla

The old summer capital of British India, strung along a ridge, and the first stop on most Himachal circuits.

2,205 m Shimla district about 240 km from Gaggal Airport

Shimla grew from a few cottages into the summer capital of British India, and the ridge-top town still shows it: a pedestrian Mall Road, mock-Tudor buildings, the yellow Christ Church and the grand Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill.

It is busy, especially in May, June and around Christmas, but it is also the gateway to Kinnaur and the apple country, and an easy first night for anyone coming up from Chandigarh.

Things to do in Shimla

  • The Ridge and Mall Road: Evening walks, with Christ Church at one end.
  • Jakhoo temple: Hanuman temple on Shimla's highest point; mind the monkeys.
  • Viceregal Lodge: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, with guided tours.
  • Kufri: Viewpoints and snow in winter, about 16 km away.
  • Kalka–Shimla railway: A UNESCO World Heritage toy train through 100-odd tunnels.

How to reach Shimla

Chandigarh is about 115 km away, and the toy train runs up from Kalka. From Dharamshala it is about 235 km by road via Hamirpur and Bilaspur.

Dharamshala to Shimla taxi from ₹2,820 Chandigarh to Dharamshala taxi from ₹2,880

Best time to visit Shimla

March to June and September to November. Snow is possible from late December to February, mostly in Kufri and Narkanda.

Where to stay

Near the Mall for walking, or quieter hotels at Chhota Shimla, Mashobra or Kufri.

Shimla: questions

How far is Shimla from Dharamshala?

About 235 km by road via Hamirpur and Bilaspur, roughly 6–7 hours.

Does Shimla get snow?

Some winters, usually between late December and February. Kufri and Narkanda, higher up, get snow more reliably.

Tours that include Shimla

See it with a local

Plan your Shimla trip

Tell us your dates. We will suggest how many days, where to stay and how to get around.

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