India Tours PlanPrivate tours of North India

Shimla travel guide

The former summer capital of British India, on a ridge of the lower Himalaya.

Shimla's buildings spread over a ridge of the lower Himalaya

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and spreads along a ridge at around 2,200 metres, surrounded by forests of deodar and pine. From the 1860s until 1947 the government of British India moved here every summer to escape the heat of the plains, and the town still has the churches, cottages and public buildings of that period.

Today it is a busy hill town and a popular escape for Indian families, best enjoyed on foot along the pedestrian streets at its centre.

Why visit Shimla

Shimla is the easiest Himalayan hill station to reach from Delhi, and the journey can be part of the experience if you ride the narrow-gauge Kalka–Shimla Railway. The colonial architecture, mountain views and cooler air make a strong contrast with the forts and palaces of the plains, and Shimla is a natural first stop on a route into the mountains towards Manali.

What to see in Shimla

  • The Ridge and Mall Road

    The open square and pedestrian promenade at the heart of Shimla, lined with colonial-era buildings, cafés and shops, with views over the hills.

  • Christ Church

    A neo-Gothic church on the Ridge, completed in the 1850s and known for its stained-glass windows.

  • Viceregal Lodge

    The former summer residence of the Viceroys, completed in 1888 and now home to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Guided tours of part of the building and its gardens are offered; it is usually closed on Mondays.

  • Jakhoo Temple

    A Hanuman temple on Shimla's highest hill, reached by a steep walk or a ropeway, with a very tall statue of Hanuman and views over the town. Watch out for the monkeys.

  • Kalka–Shimla Railway

    A narrow-gauge mountain railway opened in 1903, climbing from Kalka through more than 100 tunnels and over hundreds of bridges. It is part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Kufri and the surrounding hills

    Viewpoints, walks and orchards within an hour's drive of the town.

Christ Church, a yellow neo-Gothic church on the Ridge in Shimla
The grey stone Viceregal Lodge in Shimla and its lawns

Suggested itinerary for Shimla

  • Day 1

    Travel from Delhi to Kalka by train and take the toy train up to Shimla, or drive up through the hills. Evening walk on the Ridge and Mall Road.

  • Day 2

    Viceregal Lodge in the morning, Jakhoo Temple and Christ Church in the afternoon.

  • Day 3

    An excursion to Kufri or the surrounding villages, or continue towards Manali.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

Two to three days, depending on how you travel up. The toy train takes about five to six hours from Kalka, which uses most of a day.

Best time to visit

March to June and October to November are the most pleasant. December to February is cold, with snow in some years. During the monsoon, from July to September, landslides can block roads and delay trains.

Getting there

Most travellers take a fast train from Delhi to Kalka (about four hours) and continue by toy train or road. By car, Delhi to Shimla is about 350 km and usually takes eight to nine hours. Shimla's small airport has very limited flights; Chandigarh airport, about three to four hours away by road, is more reliable.

Combine it with

Shimla is often combined with Manali, about seven to eight hours away by road, on a Delhi – Shimla – Manali – Delhi loop. It can also be linked with Amritsar and Dharamshala.

Travel tips

  • Most of central Shimla is closed to traffic, so expect to walk, often uphill. Lifts and the ropeway help in places.
  • Book toy-train tickets well in advance in the busy season, and allow for delays.
  • Keep food and sunglasses out of sight around Jakhoo; the monkeys are bold.
  • Bring warm layers at any time of year: evenings can be cool even in summer.

Opening hours, fees and seasonal conditions change. We confirm current details when we plan your trip.

Questions about Shimla

How long is the toy train journey to Shimla?

The Kalka–Shimla Railway takes about five to six hours to cover 96 km, depending on the train. It is slow but scenic.

Does it snow in Shimla?

Snow is possible from December to February, but it varies from year to year and cannot be predicted when planning a trip.

Plan your trip

Plan your visit to Shimla

Tell us when you plan to travel, which places you want to explore, and what kind of experience you are looking for.

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