Shimla Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, How to Reach & Best Time
This slow moving small town has a wonderful charm within itself. Gothic churches, nineteenth-century monuments reminiscent of the British Raj and breathtaking landscapes are part of the natural beauty of the place. A walk in the apple orchards is also a favorite tourist attraction. The city enjoys a variety of climates due to its sub-tropical location. Hence, it is also a perfect place to escape the summers.
Find More: 06 Days Shimla Manali Travel PackagesFun within the city can be enjoyed on foot (vehicles are generally not allowed there), plus a trip to Shimla can't be without adventure!
So here's how we help you make your trip to Shimla and the nearby cities, Kufri and Chail, a memorable summertime escape. Here is your plan to visit Shimla in 3-days!How to Reach Shimla?
Shimla is well connected through national highways to neighboring cities like New Delhi and Chandigarh. It takes around 10 hours to travel by road from Delhi to Shimla. A number of Volvo sleeper buses also ply on the Delhi-Shimla route. Most of the buses cover the overnight journey to Shimla.
The nearest railway station connecting to Shimla is Kalka which is at a distance of about 96 kms / 6 hours from Shimla and the journey from Delhi to Kalka is an overnight journey. The Kalka-Shimla train journey is a lot of fun and this travel experience should be on your list!
You can hire a taxi from a local tour company or a local taxi driver to see all the places in and around Shimla. Apart from this travel can be done by state/local transport buses as well as private buses which are well - It connects Shimla with nearby places. The fun of the nearby places can be enjoyed by walking.
Best Places to Visit in Shimla
1. Mall Road
Mall Road, Ridge and Christ Church are special places to visit in Shimla. Although there is a spectacular view of Shimla from here at all times, but it is advisable to spend some time here in the morning. Fresh in the morning and less crowded, there is nothing more fun to see than the expansive view from the ridge.
2. Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Garden
Shimla's Viceregal Lodge, which is now known as Rashtrapati Niwas, is wonderful to visit in the afternoon. This luxurious building of the British Raj is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla. The building is reminiscent of the Victorian era when Shimla was the summer capital of India under the British government. It is an important place from historical point of view. The lodge is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on Mondays. The entry fee is ₹40 for Indians and ₹85 for foreigners.
3. Jakhu Temple
Near the city, this ancient temple is situated at an altitude of 8000 feet and offers a panoramic and expansive view of the Shivalik ranges all around. A long walk up to this temple amidst the thick shade of pine trees, a refreshing end to your day. gives. Here the 30 meter high statue of Lord Hanuman which is the tallest statue in the world. Visiting timings of Jakhu Temple are from 5 am to 12 noon and 4 to 9 pm and admission is free.
Best Places to Visit in Kufri
Kufri, which is located within a radius of about 20 km from Shimla, is a place where your summer trip is incomplete without visiting. A day trip can be planned in Kufri and Naldehra, but it would be better if you stay overnight in Shimla.
1. Kufri Fun World
If you are a fan of riding, go-karting and adventure sports, then Kufri Fun World will prove to be a complete adventure for you. It claims to be the highest go-karting track in the world. The hills and valleys of the Himalayas make the go-karting experience even better. So be ready to feel this experience amidst the thrill and the beautiful scenery.
The park offers a variety of rides and pool facilities to make a day with the family a memorable one and a wonderful afternoon at the outdoors.
The timing of Kufri Fun World is from 9 AM to 7 PM. The entry fee starts from ₹ 500 and people spend an average of three hours in this amusement park.
2. Mahasu Peak
Mahasu Peak is the highest point of Kufri and a horse or mule ride on this hill is a great suggestion for your second day. From here on a clear weather afternoon, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Kedarnath and Badrinath ranges.
Best Places to Visit in Chail
Another place that should be included in your Shimla trip is Chail, a serene hill town 45 km away from Shimla. Start your walk early to enjoy the mesmerizing views here. You can also stop at Chail at night. can. Accommodation facilities are readily available in this quiet city and less crowded environment.
1. Kali Ka Tibba Hilltop
The 360-degree panoramic view from Kali Ka Tibba is a great location for photography enthusiasts.
The ancient Kali temple on the summit is very famous in Chail and you can see the locals visiting there throughout the year. The wonderful views of the moonlight and Shivalik range from its summit are very appealing to the minds of nature lovers.
2. Chail Cricket Stadium
Chail Cricket Ground, built at a height of about 2,144 meters, is the highest cricket ground in the world. At a distance of 2 km from Chail Bazar, this stadium is surrounded by tall deodar trees from all sides. The hill stations of Kasauli have a spectacular view.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
The best time to visit Shimla is from March to June, when the temperature ranges between 15 to 30 degree Celsius and there is hardly any rain at that time.
If you haven't been to Himachal yet, you certainly haven't experienced one of the most thrilling mountainous terrains in India.
Spending a few days in the mountains fills you with hope, vigor and wonder and Shimla is one such place to refresh your heart, mind and eyes. When you return from here, a box of some fun memories of the Great Himalayas will be with you