- Altitude
- Over 2,000 m
- Languages
- Hindi, Pahari, English
- Best time
- May to June; December to February for snow
- Nearest railway station
- Kalka (toy train to Shimla)
- Nearest major airport
- Chandigarh
Places to visit
The town grew over seven hills, from Jakhoo to Elysium, so expect plenty of slopes and steps between sights.
- The Ridge and Mall Road: the heart of town, with Christ Church, cafes and mountain views
- Jakhoo Temple: a Hanuman shrine on Jakhoo, the highest of Shimla's seven hills
- Lakkar Bazaar: known for wooden handicrafts
- Kali Bari Temple and Chadwick Falls
- Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra and Chail: quieter hill spots within easy reach
Kalka-Shimla toy train
The narrow-gauge line from Kalka, part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO listing, winds up through many tunnels and bridges. It is slow, but the journey is a highlight in itself, so book ahead in peak season.
Culture and food
Nati, Himachal's group folk dance, is performed at fairs and festivals to drums like the dhol and nagada. Try Pahari dishes such as madra, a spiced chickpea or bean curry in yoghurt, and siddu, a steamed bread stuffed with walnut or lentils. A dham is the traditional festive meal. Momos, thukpa and old-style bakeries round out the choices.
Best time to visit
May and June are pleasant for sightseeing, with days around 16 to 25°C. December to February brings snow, mostly around Kufri, and chances to try skiing. July to September is wet but green and less crowded.
How to reach and where to stay
Kalka is the main railhead, with the toy train or a road journey onwards. Chandigarh has the nearest well-connected airport, and good roads link Shimla with Delhi and Chandigarh. Stay near the Mall or Ridge for convenience, in Chhota Shimla for quiet, or in Kufri or Mashobra for forest views. We can plan Shimla with Manali or a longer Himachal tour.
Also nearby
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