North India Holidays » Hill Stations in North India » Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Fast Facts

Languages	Hindi, English, Himachali,
Population	2,161
Temperature	10°C-11°C (winter) 25°C-26°C (summer)
STD Code	0177

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The hill station was referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations' during the Raj era. Shimla is the favourite haunt of honeymooners, families and youngsters who escape to sylvan heights to spend some time in the lap of hills. Come and tour Shimla with Hill Resorts in India.

Shimla- Location
Shimla is located on the north-west of the Himalayas and is capital of Himachal Pradesh. Many people tour Shimla, Himachal Pradesh as it is quite close to the neighbouring states of Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Shimla- History
The name Shimla has been derived from the word 'Shyamala' the other name of Goddess Kali, whose temple was located in the dense forests of Jakhu Hill in the 19th century. The English used to call it Simla. During the times of the Raj, Shimla was summer retreat of the British.

Shimla- Sites to Visit
Ridge is the place to bask in the glory of the lazy sun. The place remains abuzz with tourists and is wonderful to have some light refreshment. Chaat is quite popular here. You can see many people posing for a picture as the snow capped peaks form a wonderful back drop. Lakkad Bazaar is an ideal place to watch or shop for the wooden items. Some of these items make wonderful souvenir. You can shop for walking sticks, key chains, jewellery box and stationary holders.

The other places that you can visit include St. Michael's Cathedral, Tara Devi Temple and Institute of Advanced Studies. Tara Devi Temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. But it is the Mall where one can see many people. The Mall is the heart of Shimla, which is dotted with shops, restaurants and clubs.

Shimla - Sites Nearby
If you want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are a number of beautiful spots around Shimla that you can visit. About two kilometres from Shimla, Jakhu Hill offers a scenic view of the town and snow-covered peaks. Summer Hill is about five kilometres from Shimla, is the seat of Himachal Pradesh University. The idyllic hill was once house to Mahatama Gandhi, when he used to visit the town.

The other beautiful spots that you can include in your itinerary when on a tour to Shimla are Annandale, Kufri, Naldehra and Chail.

Shimla - Shopping
The Mall is the place to shop, as it is dotted with a number of shops and showrooms. The exclusive items to region include Kullu shawls, caps and hand knitted socks. The Lakkad Bazzar is an ideal spot if you are looking forward to shop some furniture items. Some other items that you can include in shopping are rugs, leather craft, carpets and silver jewellery.

Shimla - How to Reach
The main airport near Shimla is Jubbarhatti, which is 20 kilometres from Shimla. You can also fly to Chandigarh and then reach Shimla by rail or road. Kalka and Chandigarh are the closest railheads. Shimla is well connected by road to other parts of the country.

Shimla- Best Time to Visit
Shimla offers respite from the rising mercury levels in the summer months and can be toured between April and October.

Shimla- Where to Stay
Hotels in Shimla offer travellers an ideal base to tour Shimla. The hotels in Shimla are well equipped with all the modern facilities. Hill Resorts in India offers online booking for hotels in Shimla. Enjoy your tour to Shimla with Hill Resorts in India.