Shimla, the summer capital of India, is a beautiful town with a lot to offer. Its location in the Himalayas makes it a great place for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The city is also home to many historical sites, including the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which was built in the 19th century by the British. It has several hotels, restaurants and cafes that cater to all kinds of tastes and budgets.
The city ofShimlalies at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level inHimachal Pradesh. It was founded by Raja Man Singh I in 1792 AD. He named it after his kingdom ‘Shimla’ (meaning abode of snow) which was later changed to ‘Shimlas’. It is popularly known as the ‘Summer Capital of India’ due to its pleasant climate throughout the year. It’s located in the middle of the Himalayas, thus making it cooler than many parts of India. It is situated at a distance of about 200 km northeast of Kullu town. The city has recently seen immense development with several commercial and residential buildings being constructed.
Climate of Shimla
It experiences a temperate climate. Summers last from April to June while winters extend from November to February. Snowfall occurs mainly between December and February. The average annual rainfall is around 1200 mm. The rainy season lasts for almost six months from July to October. The coldest month is January with a mean maximum temperature of 5°C while the hottest month is May with a mean minimum of 24°C.
Popular Attractions
Shimla, the “Queen of Hills”, is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s nestled amidst the Himalayas and offers stunning views, colonial architecture, and a variety of activities for visitors. Here are some of the must-see tourist attractions in Shimla:
- The Ridge: This 7 km long promenade is the heart of the city. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, shopping, and entertainment. You can find cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and historical buildings like the Viceroy’s Lodge and the Christ Church.
- Mall Road: This pedestrian-only street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to stroll, people-watch, and soak in the atmosphere. You can also find historical landmarks like the Gaiety Theatre and the Scandal Point.
- Jakhoo Hill: This is the highest point in the city and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills. You can hike to the top or take the Jakhoo Ropeway. There is also a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god, at the summit.
- Kufri: This hill station is located about 16 km from the city and is known for its skiing and horseback riding opportunities. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas from here.
- Green Valley: This scenic valley is located on the way to Kufri and is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
- Himachal State Museum: This museum houses a collection of artefacts related to the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh.
- Christ Church: This neo-Gothic church was built in 1857 and is one of the oldest churches in the city.
- Gaiety Theatre: This historic theatre was built in 1887 and is known for its Victorian architecture. It now hosts cultural events and performances.
- Tara Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to the goddess Tara and is located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city.
- Viceregal Lodge: This grand building was once the summer residence of the British viceroys of India. It is now an Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
- Kalka-Shimla Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka-Shimla Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that takes you on a scenic journey through the Himalayas. The train winds its way through lush valleys, tunnels, and bridges, offering breathtaking views along the way.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in the city. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, The Queen of Hills is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
In addition to the above, here are some other activities you can enjoy in the city:
- Hiking and trekking: Many trails in and around the city offer stunning views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
- Ice skating: The city has an ice skating rink that is open during the winter months.
- Paragliding: For the adventurous, several paragliding operators in the city offer tandem flights.
- Boating: You can go boating on Swan Lake in the heart of the city.
- Golfing: The city has a beautiful golf course that offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Shopping
Shopping is a favourite activity among tourists. Visitors can buy local handicraft items, handlooms, wooden carvings, paintings, papier-mâché articles, clothing items, leather goods, brassware, pottery, woodcarving and stone carving. The best time to visit the markets is from 10 am till 2 pm. Mall Road offers a variety of shops selling clothes, jewellery, footwear, electronic gadgets, stationery, books, toys, musical instruments and traditional Indian arts and crafts. The market here is famous for its colourful bazaars. If you want to enjoy some shopping without any hassle, head to the Anand Vihar Market where you can find everything under one roof.
How to Reach?
The city is well connected by road, rail and air. There are regular flights connecting Shimla with major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu, Amritsar etc.
By Air:The nearest airport to Shimla is Chandigarh Airport, which is located about 120 km from Shimla.
By Rail:The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station. Other stations nearby are Solan, Pathankot, Chamba, Kalka, Baijnath and Rohru.
By Bus:Regular buses connect Shimla with major towns and cities of India. Major bus operators serving Shimla are Himachal Roadways, Shivalik Travels, Saini Tours & Travels, Laxmi Travels and Doon Valley Transport Corporation.
Final Thoughts
Shimla, with its captivating blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and cultural richness, offers something for every traveller. Whether you seek panoramic vistas, historical exploration, or adventurous activities, this “Queen of Hills” promises an unforgettable escape. So, pack your bags, lace up your shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of Shimla!
Shimla is a great tourist attraction of India.
Thanks for the detailed information. I’ll go there.