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Shimla

Overview

Shimla is the queen of the Indian hills. This majestic city sits in the Himalayas at the grand hill’s center, surrounded by lush green pinecone forests and snow-covered mountains. One of the most popular tourist destinations for people in Northern India, Shimla, is always packed with travelers who are awe-struck by its beauty. The mountain city capital sees a plethora of people, from families with children to honeymoon couples, senior travelers to solo travelers. Shimla has forever mesmerized Indian travelers, and the best example of this love is the evergreen movie – ‘Love in Simla.’

The once summer capital, Shimla, still has the essence of the colonial-era in its Victorian architecture and beauty. One can experience a strong presence in the architectures at the Mall and the Ridge. Shimla was also the capital of British-Burma during the second World War. It is said that Shimla was named after Shyamali Devi, who is a reincarnation of Goddess Kali.

History of Shimla

Shimla has a long-standing history. Before the British East India Company occupied Shimla, it was captured by the King from Nepal (Bhimsen Thapa) in the year of 1806. The British were very fond of the weather, as it was much like home for them. Shimla’s cold weather throughout the year meant that it was more favorable for them.

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was the first concrete house created in Shimla and was built around 1822. However, the Jakhu temple is as ancient as the woods around in Shimla. The Jakhu temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the entire hill is occupied by two species of monkeys, the Langurs, and the Macaques.

Shimla gained popularity as it was a preferred location for meetings, and eventually, the high-ranking officers started to settle there. Soon, Shimla became the place where marriages between English families were fixed and gave rise to balls and parties’ culture. Slowly, but indeed the settlement started to grow, and bungalows, schools, theatres, and bazaars began to come up.

In 1863, Shimla was made the summer capital of India during the British Raj. The British Jewel of the Orient (The Kalka – Shimla Railway Line) was opened in 1903 and was considered an engineering marvel. In 2008, the Kalka-Shimla railway line got the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Demographic

Shimla is spread over an area of 35.34 square kilometers and has over 160,000 inhabitants and has had its presence since the 18th century. Shimla has a green belt that spans over 400 hectares, and its economy is primarily driven by tourism and eco-tourism.

Shimla is closest to Kalka and Chandigarh and can be reached in around 3 hours. New Delhi to Shimla is a bit over 7 hours.

Weather

Shimla’s comfortably cold temperature during the summers is the primary reason it is a popular tourist destination in India. Considering that most of India can become extremely hot during the summers, people from all over the country flock Shimla during the summers. Located at the height of 2200 metres amidst the Himalayas, Shimla rarely experiences hot weather. Due to the dense forestation around, the air here is relatively cleaner, and the flora also helps regulate the temperature. During the summers, the temperature varies between 15°C to 30°C.

During the spring, the temperatures vary between 10°C to 20°C, during autumn between 10°C to 25°C, and during the winters between -8°C to 8°C.

The temperature of Shimla was one of the main reasons why the British chose to make it their summer capital.

Culture

Shimla’s culture reflects a perfect blend of the British and old ‘Himachali’ traditions. The culture here is one of simple living away from the maddening crowds. Though, it is said that Shimla was nothing more than a mere village with an old sage, who would offer travelers water. The British seemed to love this place as Shimla's weather was the closest to the weather back in England.

Shimla hosts many cultural festivals, including The Shimla Summer Festival and The Shimla Winter Carnival (7-day long), that lasts from Christmas to New Year. Shimla has the largest ice-skating rink in South Asia and has the oldest golf course in India.

The city is also famous for its woodcraft and handloom products. Blankets, carpets, shawls, ornamental boxes, and motifs are truly collectible, and one should indulge in them.
Shimla is an amalgamation of two distinctively different cultures that have come together to blend into a genuinely monogenous culture, unique from any other.

Language
Hindi is the primary language spoken in Shimla. However, you will find locals use ‘himachali’ dialects too. Punjabi and English are the other two common languages spoken across Shimla.

When to Go?
Shimla is not only a popular tourist destination in the summers, but many travelers prefer to go to Shimla during the spring and autumn as the city is less crowded, and the views are spectacular. Winters tend to become rather cold; however, if you would like to have a white Christmas, Shimla could also be your next winter destination.

So, in short, Shimla has all the potential of being a year-long destination for travelers with different interests.

How to Get There?

Shimla can be reached comfortably by road through personal or public transport. There are many buses which connect Shimla with the rest of the Himachal Pradesh and the neighboring states. Taxis too ferry people to Shimla with ease as the connecting roads are very well constructed.

Kalka is the nearest broad gauge; however, one can take the legendary Kalka-Shimla train, which takes about 7 hours to complete. The train passes through 103 tunnels on its way to Shimla.

The closest airport is Chandigarh Airport, and one can easily find a taxi from there to Shimla. However, it is better to pre-book your transfers to avoid any additional expense and inconvenience.

Places to See in Shimla

The Mall
The Mall is the primary shopping center with post offices, banks, restaurants, clubs, and bars. It has been the leading center for the city for over a century, and a walk down the Mall is definitely a one of a kind experience.

Jakhu Temple
This ancient Lord Hanuman temple predates the Jakhoo hills, perhaps. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Hanuman, while traveling to the Himalayas, had rested at this hilltop. This happened when he was looking for the ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ to cure Lord Laxman, who was fatally wounded in the epic war between Lord Ram and Ravan. The mountain top has a spectacular view of the city and its surrounding.

It is though a bit of a walk to the temple, but you can also take the cable car right up to the temple. Some people also like taking their 4X4 vehicles up there.

Please See: Beware of the monkeys in this area.

The Ridge
Built at one end of the Mall, the Ridge stands at the height of 2230 metres above sea level. This place has a magical view and captivates people immediately. It is brilliant to spend some time alone or with friends.

Christ Church
The Christ Church is built on the Ridge and is the second oldest Church in India. The humongous organ and the stained-glass windows are a feast for the eyes. The fresco in the Church was built by Lockwood Kipling (Father of Rudyard Kipling), thus making the Christ Church a must in your to-do list.

Viceregal Lodge
Built in 1888, the Viceregal Lodge is now a part of the Institute of Advanced Studies. The garden and some sections of the mansion are open to the public and must be seen. The view (as for most of Shimla) is just unique from the garden area, and one should take a walk around to explore the whole place.

Entry Fees: Rs. 20/-; Camera – Rs. 10/-

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary
Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary is a forest of Himalayan Cedar trees and has the reservoir that feeds Shimla. There are leopards, deer, porcupine, flying squirrels, and many other animals and birds in this sanctuary; thus, it is suggested to a guided tour of this place. When visiting Shimla, one must take a hike down to the magnificent reservoir between the forest.

Entry Fees: Rs. 50/- (per person); Rs. 200/- (per car)

Tara Devi Temple
This scenic temple is at a high of over 6000 feet and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple has a splendid garden around it and has utter tranquility in its air. Spending a morning at the temple can make any traveler have a surreal experience.

Dorje Drag Monastery
This beautiful monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is a sight for sore eyes and peace for aching souls. This monastery follows the Nyingma traditions and, like so many other places in Shimla, is a definite must-visit.

Chadwick Falls
A little distance away from the central city; is in the Glen forests. It is a popular tourist spot for the extraordinary beauty of the place. It is a 100-meter-high waterfall and is perfect for spending an afternoon there.

State Museum
Located on The Mall, the building is inspired by Shimla’s Victorian history and has a collection of over 10,000 artifacts from all over Himachal Pradesh. To deeply understand the culture, tradition, and history of this beautiful and not-yet completely chartered state, you must visit the State Museum.

Things to Do in Shimla

Treks
Going on hikes is one of the everyday activities that can be taken up in Shimla. Owing to its altitude and surrounding terrain, Shimla happens to be a great starting point for many treks. The top few treks from Shimla are:

1) Churdhar Trek
Churdhar peak is the highest in the Shivalik range, and its name is derived from the word ‘Churi,’ which means Bangles in Hindi. The ridges of Churdhar resemble bangles of snow, thus named so. The trail begins in Solan and takes you through some fantastic view. Churdhar Peak is also famous as George Everest made his reading of the Himalayas from here.

Duration: 2-3 Days Trip

2) Karol Tibba
The highest peak of the region, Karol Tibba trek starts from Chambaghat, while passing through the Pandava Caves. You can see the cities of Solan & Shimla, along with the Churdhar Range. This trek takes you through some brilliant meadows on the way.

Duration: Day Trip

3) Hatu Peak
About 60 km away from Shimla is Narkanda, where you trek for the Hatu Peak. From the top, you can see the Kinner Kailash range, which makes for a spectacular view. The tranquillity here is spell-bounding, and it is an easy enough trek for beginners too. You’ll find the Hatu Temple at the peak, and the hike begins at the Narkanda Temple.

Duration: 1-2 Days Trip

4) Shali Tibba
The peak has the Bhimkali Temple dedicated to an incarnation of Goddess Kali. It is a comfortable hike up the mountain with some fantastic views of Shimla, Narkanda, and Fagu.

Duration: Day Trip

Treks are the best way of finding some peace away from the noise of the cities and give us much needed personal time.

Ice-Skating
The only natural ice-skating rink ever to be found in South Asia is the Shimla Ice Skating rink and has been famous amongst the locals and travelers. With breathtaking views, ice-skating at this rink is almost like floating in the clouds and can be an unreal experience and has been functioning since 1920. If skating has ever caught your fancy, then take time to go to the rink when in Shimla.

Golfing
The Naldehra Golf course is an 18-hole golf course in Shimla, which is perfect for golfing. The altitude, the picturesque views, the clean air make golfing in Shimla a tremendous experience. Shimla’s love for golf is over 100 years old.

Nature Walks
The whole of Shimla is a nature walk, and any place in the Shimla region can make for a perfect walk, be it a few days or a few hours. The walks will always lead you to some great view in the lap of nature. And for locals of Shimla, walking seems like their favorite pastime.

Rafting
You can experience rafting in Tattapani in Shimla and feel the raging wildness of the Sutlej River. There are multiple rafting companies where you can book a trip down the chilled river. There are many hot springs here too, which should also be explored. Nothing better the ending a chilly rafting trip with a dip in the hot spring.

Places to Eat in Shimla

The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant
The old Victorian look and feel at the Restaurant in the Oberoi Cecil are still very present. The variety is extremely extensive where you can find International, Indian, and even Himachali cuisine. The food here is exceptionally hygienically prepared and is absolutely mouth-watering. Coupled with views of the Shimla valley, the Restaurant satisfies your hunger and your need for nature.

Indian Coffee House
This iconic landmark has been satisfying hungry and thirsty travelers since 1957. With unmatched views, sipping coffee here with a quick bite is like no other place.

Wake and Bake
This perfect little café in the heart of Shimla has fantastic international food and coffee. A unique setup and a tranquil environment make it ideal for a peaceful evening.

Hide Out Cafe
The hospitality and the food in the Hide Out Café are unmatched. The café in the mountain concept here shows that if you have great food and service, customers will keep coming.

Krishna Bakery
One of the oldest bakeries in Shimla and is known for their Chicken Bun. The other confectioneries too, are good and should be tried.

Himachali Rasoi
The most famous restaurant in Shimla for Himachali Dham; if you want to try to authentic Himachali cuisine, you must go to Himachali Rasoi. Dham is the traditional Himachali meal with various types of ‘daal’ and rice.

The traditional Himachali daals are Madra, Mahni, Mah, and Chana daal. You can also find Sepu Badi, Kadu Khatta, Kadhi, and Sidu, along with many other Himachali delicacies.

One must try this to get the authentic feel of Himachal.

Eighteen 71 Cookhouse & Bar
This restaurant at the Hotel Willow Banks is multi-cuisine. Its contemporary design and plush environment add to the fact that it has a live grill and some very unique cocktails. They also have Parsi and Malayali cuisines, along with Bengali.

Eighteen 71 Cookhouse also hosts musical nights, which can make for a perfect dinner with your loved ones.

Places to Stay in Shimla

The best options to stay in Shimla are:
The Oberoi Cecil
One of the oldest heritage hotels in Shimla is just the perfect option to stay. With luxurious suites to fine dining, The Oberoi even has marble fireplaces. It has been pleasing guests since the colonial days.

Wildflower Hall
The Wildflower Hall is another exotic and premium hotel in Shimla. It is precariously set on the side of the mountain at the height of 2450 metres and offers one of the best views of the valley.

Hotel Willow Banks
Another excellent option for a stay is the Hotel Willow Banks, bang in the heart of the Mall, and keep you right in between all the action.

Evoke Shimla Havens Resorts
Close to the Mall and the Summer Hill Station is the Evoke Shimla Haven Resorts. This comfortable resort is close to the action yet manages to give you the peace that brought you to the mountains.

Snow Valley Resorts
One of the most prominent hotels in Shimla, Snow Valley, is an excellent option for stay. Walking into one of their rooms can transport you back in time with all the woodwork.

Radisson Hotel
At proximity from everything, Radisson is a modern take on today’s Shimla and caters to all the needs of the millennial crowds.

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