Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is still one of the most charming hill towns in the country: colonial buildings on a ridge, pine and deodar forests, and a UNESCO-listed toy train climbing from Kalka. It’s the starting point of our Shimla–Manali, Kinnaur and Spiti tours.
- Altitude: about 2,200 m
- Distance from Chandigarh: about 115 km (3–4 hours)
- Must-see: the Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple, Kufri, Viceregal Lodge
- Our packages: Shimla – Manali from ₹12,500; Kinnaur – Kalpa from ₹16,000
Top Shimla tourist places
- The Ridge: the open heart of Shimla with views of the mountains.
- Christ Church: a neo-Gothic church from the 1850s, a Shimla landmark.
- Mall Road: shops, cafés and the old Gaiety Theatre.
- Lakkar Bazaar: famous for wooden crafts.
- Jakhu Temple: a Hanuman temple on Shimla’s highest hill, with a giant statue. Watch out for monkeys!
- Kali Bari temple: a temple to Goddess Kali, especially loved by Bengali visitors.
- Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study): a grand building with guided tours.
- Kufri: a nearby hill resort with snow in winter, horse rides and a nature park.
- Chadwick Falls and Annandale for short outings.
The Kalka–Shimla toy train
The narrow-gauge railway climbs 96 km through more than 100 tunnels and hundreds of bridges – part of the “Mountain Railways of India” UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes about 5–6 hours; book well in advance.
Best time to visit Shimla
- March to June: pleasant – peak season.
- July to September: monsoon fog and greenery.
- October and November: clear and crisp.
- December to February: cold; snow in Kufri and sometimes in Shimla town.
Shimla in our tours
- Shimla Manali tour package – the classic hill holiday.
- Kinnaur – Kalpa – starts with a night in Shimla.
- Spiti Valley – the Standard tour also begins in Shimla.
Tips
- Much of central Shimla is pedestrian – wear comfortable shoes.
- Use the public lift between the Cart Road and Mall Road.
- Weekends are busy with Chandigarh and Delhi visitors.
Message us on WhatsApp to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit in Shimla?
The Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple, Kali Bari temple, Viceregal Lodge and Kufri.
How far is Shimla from Chandigarh?
About 115 km, roughly 3–4 hours by road.
Does it snow in Shimla?
Kufri usually gets snow in winter; Shimla town sometimes does between December and February.
Is the Kalka–Shimla toy train worth it?
Yes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage railway with beautiful mountain scenery. Book early.
How many days are enough for Shimla?
One to two days.
What is the best time to visit Shimla?
March to June and October to November; December to February for snow.
Which of your tours include Shimla?
Shimla – Manali, Kinnaur – Kalpa and the Spiti Valley tour.
How do I book?
Tap "Book on WhatsApp" on the Shimla – Manali package page or message +91 89102 77805.
