A Guide to "Queens of Hills" Shimla : Tips on places to visit, things to do, weather, restaurants and hotels

Shimla can be visited throughout the year due to the pleasant weather. Whereas October to March is considered to be the most happening time when the temperature goes till -2 to 8-degree Celcius. Whereas, those who wish to enjoy the heavy snowfall then December and January are ideal months.   

Adventure lovers can plan their holidays to Shimla, in April to June months when the temperature stays till 15-degree Celcius, ideal for paragliding, camping, and trekking.
 

Shimla is a year-round vacation destination flocked by tourists, so the travelers who are wondering how to reach Shimla, need not worry. Shimla is well connected to major Indian cities by all means of transportation. Shimla Airport is also known as Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest airbase. Moreover, Kalka railway station, where train routes are connected majorly from all the cities. Besides, railways and air connectivity, Shimla is well connected through road and have regular services of buses and cabs from places such as Kullu, Manali, New Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala. 

There is no trouble in packing for Shimla, during the peak winter season it is advisable to pack extra woolens and winter clothes as you don’t know when it’s going to snow there. Otherwise, the weather in Shimla is pleasant one can even plan to travel light and not overpacking.

Shimla the beautiful hill station offers myriad places to visit in Shimla, from adventure lovers to nature explorers, everyone can make the most of their trip. So if you are planning a trip to Shimla do not forget to visit Mall road, Summer hill, Jakhoo hill, Scandal point, Christ Church, Tara Devi temple, Kufri, Chail.

Mall Road, Shimla: Located in the heart of the town the most popular mall road is the busiest stretch in Shimla. The mall road is lined up with many restaurants, shops, clubs, banks and post offices. Not just that one can also be the spectator of many attractions here such as Scandal Point and Kali bari Temple. It is here on the Mall road, you can relive and cherish the spirit of the hills, and it is also said if you are visiting the Mall road of Shimla, you can’t come back without shopping from there. 

Summer Hill: Summer Hill in Shimla is one of the most beautiful and captivating of all the seven hills. The dense forest and abundance of greenery give you ample space to relax and connect with nature. Its a place for nature lovers, who wish to move away from the hustle-bustle of the city and relax for a while.

Jakhoo Hill: Covered with Alpine trees, Jhakhoo hill in Shimla is the highest point of the city, which gives the most spectacular views from the top. At the top of the flat hill, there is a Jhakoo temple and the newly constructed Hanuman Stature. There are many monkeys as well on the hill, so beware of them. 

Scandal point: The popular tourist attraction in Shimla, Scandal point is the intersection between the Mall and the Ridge. This is the point where the end of the Mall road joins the Ridge. The mystery regarding the name given to the Scandal Point has romantic folklore behind it. It is said that the two lovers eloped from, where it is the intersection between the Mall and The Ridge. 

Christ Church:  The yellow building is visible from far across in town of Shimla is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in entire Northern India. The beautiful church is standing in the middle of the city is a site of pure devotion and architectural beauty. The reminder of the British colonization in India, there is something unique about the Christ Church in Shimla, which attracts tourists from around the world. 

Tara Devi Temple: Around 250 years old Tara Devi Temple in Shimla is a popular tourist attraction. Situated at a distance of 11km from Shimla at the top of the hill offers breathtaking views of the countryside. This famous temple can be visited while traveling on the Kala- Shimla National Highway. 

Kufri: Located at a distance of 20 km from Shimla, Kufri is a small hill station, which offers a myriad of activities options for adventure lovers. It is also the starting point of treks to Fagu, Shimla, Manali, and Rewalsar. Kufri, along with Chail and Shimla forms the famous Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. 

Chail: Just at a two hours drive from Shimla, Chail is a must-visit hill station of Himachal Pradesh. It is the place where you can enjoy nature and mesmerize the ethereal landscapes. Not just that one can dine at a lake restaurant and walk on the highest cricket ground in the world. 
 

The queen of Hill station Shimla offers a myriad of things to do in Shimla. One can go for long romantic walks with the beloved, indulge in adventure activities or shop till they drop. Therefore to make your Shimla Tour package an exciting one we have listed some of the best things to do in Shimla. It is an altogether different experience to revisit British Era with Viceregal Lodge, and visit the mini-museum of British colonial rule and houses a collection of ancient antiques and photographs from that period. Those who wish to buy an amazing souvenir for friends and families then strolling through Lakkar Bazaar can get you some of the most beautiful wooden souvenirs.

The bucket list of many the historic Kalka-Shimla train ride gives joy unlike any other, one must travel in a toy train in Shimla. Apart from that skiing in Kufri is also one of the best things to do in Shimla, after that one can go and enjoy the beautiful sunset at Scandal point and explore Annadale Museum. Golfing in Naldhera and walking through a pine forest in Shimla are also some of the best things to do in Shimla. 

Shimla is so much more than bustling snow-capped capital of Himachal Pradesh, with tourism throughout the year, Shimla does not just offer mesmerizing views but also is a house of many restaurants, small diners, and themed cafes that will definitely add flavor to your trip. Some of the best-themed Cafes in Shimla are Cafe Sol, Hotel Combermere, which caters to the international cuisine lovers, Wake and Bake Cafe located at the Mall road gives the whole view of the Mall Road and offers both Indian and continental food. Cafe Shimla Times is one of the most creative and stylish cafes, with the inception of just two years, this cafe has rave a lot of good reviews and visitors. Also, with the opening of many international cafes and eating joints, those who wish to indulge in the local cuisines, then one should head to Himachali Rasoi, for the authentic flavors of Himachal. 

Not just that, Shimla is not just famous for green-lush beauty but the variety of food you get here is so much more to appreciate. Apart from some of the best-themed cafes, some restaurants that offer Indo-Asian-Arab-fusion experience are also here such as Baljee's & Fascination is one of the oldest restaurants in Shimla. The Devicos the city’s oldest restaurant also gives you the most beautiful nighttime views, which you won’t find anywhere else. Another one in the list Qilaa restaurant as guided by the locals offers Arab and Mediterranean cuisine and ambiance. Honeymooners and couples in Shimla who wish to have a romantic dining experience can visit Seventh Heaven for the most romantic dining experience in Shimla.
 

Shimla is on the top of the bucket list of everyone and one of the most popular tourist destinations of India, which attracts tourists from around the world. Not just that Shimla is also the gateway to many beautiful hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, thus the rush of tourists in Shimla is always there. Thus there is no dearth of hotels in Shimla for all kinds of traveler, from the budget- midrange stays to luxury hotels everything is available in Shimla. 

Luxury resorts in Shimla that you can book for your stay are Radisson Hotel, The Oberoi Cecil, Hotel Marina, Woodsmoke Resort and Spa, Wildflower Hall these hotels defines the luxury in a true sense, equipped with amenities like swimming pools, gym and restaurants within the hotel premises only. 

Mid-range hotels in Shimla, which are the most affordable ones and will make your stay in Shimla the most memorable one. One can book Forest Hill Villa, Hotel Springfields, Fairmount Hotel, Whistling Pines, Shimla Havens Resort 

Budget hotels in Shimla, that you can book are Hotel Greenland, Hotel Gulmarg RegencyOakwood Hamlet A Village Resort, Hotel Rock Heaven. 

Shimla is known as the queen of hills, and apart from that Shimla also offers an array of shopping spots. However, to bargain, you need to have an idea of where to shop in Shimla. Shopping in Shimla is altogether a different experience, where you can shop from the local works to antiques and handicrafts. Some of the best places to shop in Shimla are the Lakkar Bazaar, Lower Bazaar, The Mall, Himachal Emporium and Tibetan Market. It’s here you can find a variety of products and actually get the feel of real markets. As it is said that any trip is not complete if you have not experienced the local culture and traditions, thus these markets will give you the glimpses of real Shimla’s culture and traditions. 

Shimla is a gateway to the many hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, and once you are done exploring the hill station, you can head to many weekend getaways from Shimla, which are just a few hours drive away. Thus here we have a short getaway from Shimla, which is perfect for a short getaway. One can plan a trip to Kullu Manali, to experience the snow-clad mountains and abundance of nature around. Kasauli is another destination for peace lovers and writers, who wish to delve into solitude and enjoy the peace and tranquility. If this is not enough one can embrace the bright sun rays of early morning in Chakarta and have breakfast while enjoying the most spectacular views. Not just that, Kausaul, Chail, Kufri, Dehradun, Delhi are many other perfect weekend getaways from Shimla to make the most of your trip.

For those who are traveling for just a day to Shimla should not be bothered, one can explore plenty of Shimla in just a day. Thus this 24 hours in Shimla itinerary will definitely, be the best tour package for the Shimla trip. One can start their day with the delicious breakfast at one of the cafes or restaurants in Shimla, Cafe Shimla Times is one of the most creative and stylish cafes that you can visit. After a good meal then one can start with strolling on the Mall road, which is one of the famous roads in Shimla and enjoy the hustle-bustle of tourists and meanwhile shop some trinkets here and there. After this then head to lunch at Sitaram and Sons. For some sightseeing visit the famous Christ Church and choose between Jhakoo hill or Summer hill to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the city.