Shimla

Colonial-era hill station with Mall Road charm and pine-clad Himalayan views.

Himachal Pradesh, India3-4 daysMarch to June, December for snow

Overview

The former summer capital of British India, Shimla keeps its colonial character along the car-free Mall Road and the Ridge. Ride the UNESCO-listed toy train from Kalka, wander to Christ Church, and take in sweeping views of the snow-dusted ranges. It sits around 350 km from Delhi.

Getting there: 7 to 8 hours by road from Delhi, or a train to Kalka followed by the toy train up the hills. The nearest major airport is Chandigarh, about 115 km away.

Don't miss

Mall Road & The Ridge
Kalka–Shimla toy train
Jakhoo Temple
Kufri day trip

Places to visit in Shimla

The sights worth planning your days around.

Monuments & Landmarks

The Ridge

The open promenade at the heart of Shimla, with views of the snow ranges and the town's main events.

Town centre1 hour

Temples & Sacred Sites

Christ Church

A neo-Gothic church completed in 1857, one of the oldest in north India, known for its stained-glass windows.

The Ridge30 minutes

Temples & Sacred Sites

Jakhu Temple

A Hanuman temple on Shimla's highest peak, with a giant statue visible across town. Keep bags close; the monkeys are bold.

2 km uphill from the Ridge1.5 hours

Museums & Memorials

Viceregal Lodge

The former Viceroy's summer residence, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, open for guided tours.

Observatory Hill, 4 km1.5 hours

Nature & Viewpoints

Kufri

A hill resort with Himalayan views, pony rides to Mahasu Peak and snow in winter.

About 16 kmHalf day

Museums & Memorials

Gaiety Theatre

A restored Victorian theatre from 1887 on Mall Road that still hosts plays and cultural events.

Mall Road30 minutes

Things to do in Shimla

Sunrise spots, walks, food, shopping, festivals and more.

Sightseeing

Ride the Kalka-Shimla toy train

A narrow-gauge UNESCO World Heritage railway climbing 96 km through more than 100 tunnels and hundreds of bridges.

Kalka to Shimla5-6 hours

Walks & Treks

Stroll Mall Road

The car-free colonial promenade of shops, cafés and Tudor-style buildings.

Town centre2 hours

Sunrise & Sunset

Sunset from the Ridge

Watch the ranges turn pink and the lights come on across the hillside.

The RidgeEvening, 1 hour

Adventure

Ice skating in winter

One of Asia's oldest natural ice rinks opens when winter nights freeze it, usually December to February.

Below the RidgeWinter mornings and evenings

Adventure

Snow day at Kufri or Narkanda

In winter, sledging and skiing on the slopes of Kufri and Narkanda.

Kufri 16 km, Narkanda 60 kmFull day (winter)

Shopping

Shop at Lakkar Bazaar

Wooden handicrafts, walking sticks and toys, plus Himachali shawls and caps nearby.

Next to the Ridge1 hour

Food & Local Flavours

Try Himachali siddu

A steamed wheat bun stuffed with walnuts or lentils, best with ghee, plus a Himachali dham meal if you find one.

Mall Road and Lower Bazaar1 hour

Events & Festivals

Shimla Summer Festival

Folk music, dance and concerts on the Ridge in late May and early June.

The RidgeLate May to June

Packages for Shimla

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Stays in Shimla

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Gallery

Shimla in pictures. Tap a photo to see it full size.

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