Destination guide
Shimla
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most popular hill stations, known for the Mall Road, the Ridge, colonial-era architecture and the heritage Kalka–Shimla toy train. It is the natural gateway to the surrounding hill destinations.
Things to do in Shimla
- Stroll the Mall Road and the Ridge, with views over the surrounding hills
- Visit the Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) and Christ Church
- Ride the Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore Jakhu Temple and the surrounding cedar forests
Best time to visit
March to June for summer escapes; October to November for clear views; December to February for snow. Monsoon months (July–September) can bring heavy rain.
Nearby attractions
- Kufri (16 km)
- Theog (30 km)
- Mashobra (12 km)
- Chail (45 km)
Travel considerations
Shimla is connected by road (NH-5), by the Kalka–Shimla toy train, and by Jubbarhatti airport. It is about 3.5 hours by road from Chandigarh.
Alpine Crest as a base for Shimla
Alpine Crest Homestay near Theog is roughly an hour from Shimla, making it easy to spend a day exploring Shimla and then retreat to the quiet of the Kathot hills.
Make Shimla part of your stay
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