Shimla Travel Guide

Shimla is Himachal Pradesh's capital and India's most famous hill station — a magnificent ridge-top town at 2,205 metres that served as the summer capital of British India from 1864, the nerve centre of an empire administered from a Himalayan perch. The colonial legacy is beautifully preserved: the Viceregal Lodge (now IIAS), the Christ Church (1857), the Gaiety Theatre, and the famous Ridge and Mall Road lined with Tudor and Gothic buildings give Shimla a European hill town character unlike any other Indian city. The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train — a UNESCO World Heritage railway — climbs 96 km through 103 tunnels and 864 bridges to reach Shimla, and is one of India's greatest travel experiences. Shimla receives consistent snowfall in winter, making it North India's most accessible snow destination from Delhi. The surrounding Himalayan landscape — Jakhu Temple peak (2,455m), Chadwick Falls, Kufri (16 km) — adds natural beauty to the colonial charm.

Places to Visit in Shimla

The Ridge & Mall Road

The spine of Shimla — the Ridge is a broad open space with Christ Church (1857) at one end and a view over the valley at the other. The Mall Road below is lined with colonial-era shops, cafes and the iconic Scandal Point. Car-free zone.

Viceregal Lodge (1888)

The former summer residence of the Viceroy of India — a magnificent Elizabethan-style building set in 330 acres of gardens. Now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Tours of the interior where the decisions of empire were made.

Jakhu Temple & Peak (2,455m)

The hilltop Hanuman temple above Shimla — 2.5 km hike from The Ridge (or horse ride). The giant 108-foot Hanuman statue is visible from across Shimla. The forest path has resident monkeys. Panoramic views of the snow ranges on clear days.

Kufri (16 km · 2,622m)

A small hill resort above Shimla — ski slopes in January–February, yak rides and mountain views year-round. The Himalayan Nature Park has snow leopard, Himalayan bear and musk deer. 45-minute drive from Shimla.

Experiences & Activities

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  Kalka–Shimla Toy Train: The UNESCO Heritage narrow-gauge railway — departs Kalka (240 km from Delhi) multiple times daily, arrives Shimla in 5.5 hrs. Book at irctc.co.in (Shivalik Deluxe Express or Rail Motor Car for best experience). Extraordinary mountain scenery.
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  Skiing at Kufri (Jan–Feb): Kufri has basic ski slopes with equipment rental available. The season is short (when snowfall cooperates) but the experience of skiing in the Himalayas 7 hours from Delhi is remarkable.
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  Jakhu Hill Trek: 2.5 km hike to the summit temple at 2,455m. Allow 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down. The forest has large Hanuman langur monkeys. Early morning gives the best Himalayan views before clouds form.
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  Viceregal Lodge Tour: The architectural crown of colonial Shimla — guided tours of the interior where Nehru, Jinnah and Mountbatten sat to decide the partition of India. Extraordinary to stand in these rooms.

When to Visit Shimla

Delhi to Shimla Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Shimla Trip

Essential Shimla Tips

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  Toy Train Booking: The Shivalik Deluxe Express (Kalka 6 AM, Shimla 11:35 AM) and Rail Motor Car are the most scenic. Book at irctc.co.in weeks ahead — fills fast. First AC chairs are worth the premium for window views.
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  Monkeys: Shimla has large populations of rhesus macaques — do not carry food visibly on Mall Road or near Jakhu Temple. They will snatch it. Keep bags closed.