Stretched along a 12km ? long ridge with wide open windows to the snowcapped mountains- this gorgeous capital of Himachal is a place where the lingering echoes of the British Empire are yet to fade into oblivion. Once the summer capital of colonial India, Shimla still holds on to the old world charm amidst the economy & tourism boom in the region. It’s bustling Mall Road, quaint colonial churches, elegant Georgian bungalows, slowly chugging toy train and offbeat trekking trails beckon you for a perfect romance in the hills.
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Mall Road- Walk and Shop
Peppered with tiny shops, quaint cafes and the usual hustle-bustle; the Mall Road is simply the essence of Shimla.
Jakhoo Temple- Dedicated to Lord Hanuman
Perched high on the Jakhoo Hill, the temple dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman is renowned for the 108 feet high idol of Lord Hanuman.
Kalka- Shimla Toy Train- A Glorious Legacy
Affectionately called the toy train, this narrow gauge rail is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site. It chugs along from Kalka to Shimla and back, passing 800 bridges and 103 tunnels on its scenic route.
The Shimla State Museum- Meet the Past
Situated in a classic colonial building, this museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts, handicrafts, coins and paintings.
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex- A Theatrical Paradise
This theatre, once the entertainment avenue for the Brits, staged performances by Rudyard Kipling and Viceroy Lord Lytton. This fairy-castle building is now the epicenter of performing arts in Himachal.
Annandale- Quaint Beauty
Once the racecourse & polo ground for the British, Annandale has now come up as a small golf course and a regular picnic spot. It also houses the Army Heritage Museum in its confines.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study- A Colonial Edifice
This erstwhile Vice-regal Lodge, perched atop Observatory Hill, narrates its fascinating journey from colonial anecdotes to the chronicles of modern India. Built with grey stone and Burmese teak, the exotic fa?ade of this building is simply spellbinding.
Other Attractions
Fairs and Festivals of Shimla
Nearby Excursion
Kufri- The tiny village of Kufri, located around 18kms from Shimla is a pleasant respite during summers and is completely snow-bound in winters. With its amazing ski runs and horse riding & trekking trails, Kufri is a perfect add-on to your Shimla holiday.
Shopping In Shimla
Check out the Mall Road for colorful shawls, stoles, woolens & caps and various knick knacks. Himachal Emporium in Shimla offers great deals on local handicrafts while the narrow streets of Lakkar bazaar are sure to surprise you with pretty walking sticks & exquisite wooden boxes. Or bask in the Tibetan culture with pretty prayer bells, prayer flags Thangakas (Tibetan paintings) and Feng Shui objects.
Food in Shimla
Shimla cuisine is quite cosmopolitan with pretty cafes offering pasta, pizza and other continental dishes while Momos, Thupkas and Pani Puri still rule the streets. Typical Himachali dishes like Palda (Yogurt based curry), Madra (chickpea gravy), Chicken Anardana and Auriya Kaddoo (Pumpkin dish) are certainly lip smacking.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
Shimla is a perfect place to beat the heat all-year-round. Its peak summer season is from March-June while from September to February the cold catches up and snow changes the landscape completely. Shimla’s White Christmas has been legendary since the British-era.
How to Reach Shimla
By Air- Jubbarhatti Airport, 23kms from Shimla, connects Shimla to Delhi.
By Train- Kalka-Shimla toy train takes you to Shimla through a scenic route. Kalka is well connected to major cities in the country through rail & road.
By Road- Shimla is connected to the major cities in northern India through a network of well maintained roads and highways.
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