🧳 Welcome to Shimla
Shimla is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is full of green mountains, cold weather, old British buildings, and fun places to visit.
Shimla was once the summer capital of British India. Now, it is a favorite holiday spot for families, couples, and nature lovers. People love to walk on the Mall Road, play in the snow in Kufri, and enjoy the peaceful mountain air.
📍 How to Reach Shimla
✈️ By Air
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Nearest airport: Chandigarh Airport (4 hours away)
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Shimla Airport has very few flights
🚂 By Train
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Take the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train – very scenic and fun!
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Book in advance during tourist season
🚌 By Bus or Car
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From Delhi: 8 hours
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From Chandigarh: 4 hours
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You can book Volvo buses or hire a taxi
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March – June | Cool weather, sunny days 🌞 |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Snowfall and cold ❄️ |
| Monsoon | July – Sept | Rainy, but very green 🌧️ |
👉 Visit in winter if you want to see snow.
🗺️ Top Places to Visit in Shimla
🛍️ Mall Road
A car-free street full of shops, cafés, and fun. You can buy woollen clothes, souvenirs, and enjoy local food.
🏞️ The Ridge
An open space with a view of the mountains. You can sit, relax, and enjoy the sunset.
🕉️ Jakhoo Temple
A temple for Lord Hanuman. It’s on the highest hill in Shimla. You can walk or take a ropeway to reach.
Kufri
A small place near Shimla where you can play in the snow, ride a yak, and visit a zoo.
🏛️ Viceregal Lodge
An old British building. It looks like a castle and has beautiful gardens.
🍲 Local Food You Must Try
| Dish | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Madra | A curry made with chickpeas and curd |
| Siddu | Steamed bread with spicy filling |
| Chha Gosht | Spicy mutton dish |
| Tudkiya Bhath | Rice cooked with dal and masalas |
| Momos & Noodles | Common street food in Shimla |
You can find these dishes in local restaurants and on Mall Road.
🛍️ Shopping in Shimla
| Market | What to Buy |
|---|---|
| Lakkar Bazaar | Wooden toys, sticks, and souvenirs |
| Mall Road | Clothes, jackets, woollen items |
| Tibetan Market | Handmade jewelry and bags |
🛏️ Where to Stay (Per Person, Per Night)
| Type | Price Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹600 – ₹1,200 |
| Mid-Range | ₹1,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Luxury | ₹4,000 – ₹10,000+ |
📍 Tip: Stay near Mall Road so you can walk everywhere easily.
💰 3-Day Budget Estimate (Per Person)
| Expense | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Travel (to Shimla) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 |
| Hotel Stay | ₹1,200 – ₹5,000 |
| Food | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Local Travel | ₹400 – ₹800 |
| Shopping | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Activities | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Total | ₹4,600 – ₹11,800 |
📅 3-Day Shimla Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Shimla City
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Check-in to hotel
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Walk on Mall Road
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Watch sunset from The Ridge
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Try local food and enjoy café time
Day 2: Kufri Trip
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Go to Kufri (40 minutes)
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Ride a yak, play in snow, visit zoo
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Come back by evening
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Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar
Day 3: Temple & History
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Visit Jakhoo Temple (ropeway or hike)
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Explore Viceregal Lodge
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Have lunch and leave for home
🎒 What to Pack
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Warm clothes (even in summer, nights are cool)
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Comfortable shoes
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Raincoat (if traveling in July–Sept)
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Sunglasses, sunscreen
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Water bottle and small backpack
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Power bank and camera
📸 Best Photo Spots
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View from The Ridge
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Sunset over the hills
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Kufri snow and yak rides
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Toy train journey shots
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Old British buildings on Mall Road
✅ Simple Travel Tips
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Book toy train and hotels early
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Walk more — local cabs are costly
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Don’t feed monkeys at Jakhoo Temple 🐒
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Respect temple rules and local customs
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Carry some cash — small shops may not accept cards
❤️ Final Words: Shimla Is Peaceful, Beautiful, and Memorable
Shimla is not just a place — it’s a peaceful feeling. You’ll enjoy the slow life, beautiful views, tasty food, and friendly people. Whether you’re with friends, family, or traveling solo — Shimla will always give you sweet memories.
“Come to Shimla, and let the mountains heal your mind.”