//
Capital of Himachal Pradesh, India
Photo: Ryan Wenzel (en:user:Ryanwenzel), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shimla (Hindi: शिमला), previously spelt Simla, is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday retreat during the summer months and is well known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and the Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The waterfall is at its most beautiful just after the monsoon. But for much of the year it can be quite dry, and not as impressive.
Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church in North India. The stain-glass windows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.
An amusement offering adventure activities like Burma bridge crossing, Flying Fox, rock climbing, boating, various rides, indoor golf & video games. Also has a restaurant, coffee shop & shopping.
Shops open M-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and shops, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepherd's Pie.
The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.
The Ridge is the center of Shimla's cultural and social life - an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains.
A unique, well preserved mixed Himalayan forest with predominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry ₹50 per person and ₹200 per car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory it's best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary. Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India ph. +91 9736438061. The forest is home to the barking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoir in the centre of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in 1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla's only gravity feed water supply scheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department.
An imposing British-raj mansion built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides, while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. The teak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing. Entry ₹20 per adult. Both still and video cameras are allowed for a fee of ₹10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner and explains the historical importance of the building - worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is a small book shop and a cafe in the premises. Open every day although only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public.
The statue depicts Lala Lajpat Rai, one of India's freedom fighters, addressing an audience and standing on a marble podium. It was originally erected in Lahore in 1929 but was moved to its current location in Shimla in 1948 after the partition of India.
Jakhu Temple
A temple and the world's largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains.
An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill.
Tara Devi is famous for its 250-year-old temple. Literally meaning "Star Goddess", Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the top of the hill. It is a perfect location for people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 1,850 m. The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it.
Image Art Gallery
The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air.
A popular Hanuman temple which can be reached by car or on foot. There is an excellent view of Shimla from the temple.
Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari miniatures and 6–11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive.
At a distance of 25 km from center of Shimla, Junga village offers paragliding for adventure enthusiasts.
Whatever little can be had of Himachali cuisine can be found at these twin-restaurants run by Himachal Tourism, the one located above the other. The food is neither cheap nor the best in town, but it is safe and they otherwise do their best. A good spot for people-watching, the location within a circular elevated glass building has attracted comment in guidebooks: it lies in fact on the site of a historical structure, known as the Band Stand, which was a gift to the city made in 1907 by the ruler of one of the innumerable princely states of the pre-independence India (Jabalpur in what is today the state of Madhya Pradesh). Sit-in or takeaway.
Serves good Indian food of every description complemented by some Chinese and Continental dishes; one of the very few restaurants in town with food appealing both to Indian and to Western palates. Good decor with what appears to be original art rather than reproductions. This is one of the most expensive places to eat in town apart from 5-star hotels, but seems worth it as far as Indian dishes are concerned owing to the lack of real competition. Its twin Bar, located upstairs is popular with locals. Adverse comment regarding food poisoning on the Lonely Planet website.
Serves cheap Punjabi fare.
Possibly the cheapest food in Shimla, especially during peak season. They serve good south Indian food as well as surprisingly good western breakfasts, including a ₹40 French toast.
Below rain shelter, restaurant with view. Indian, Chinese & Continental food.
Continental and Indian food.
Plaza
A good selection of European and Asian dishes. Chandeliers and wood-paneling add to the old-world elegance, a perfect setting for a quiet dinner, unless you have the misfortune to be seated next to an extended Punjabi family with unruly children. Disappointing breakfasts.
Sher E Punjab
Home-style food at reasonable prices. The mixed vegetable dish with butter chappathi is recommended.
Serves Mughlai and Chinese. The food is not great, but passable. Nice decor and a comfortable atmosphere.
A favourite among frequent visitors and the locals. The interiors have been built keeping in mind the cold weather outside. There’s an instant feel of warmth and coziness. The food has a homely flavour. Good mezze platter and banoffee pie.
The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place to enjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonial charm.
Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur, Solan District.
Not as trendy as others it retains the charm of bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossip make it a favourite with locals.
IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is a Victorian era building. Has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British era was converted into a ‘Book shop-cum-souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment.
3 star hotel in shimla
24 Hour hot water, and some rooms with a good view back out along the ridge.
2,211 metres above sea level
A centrally located hotel on The Ridge. Rooms have clean attached bathrooms, colour television; somewhat run down. The room service is fairly decent.
This hotel surprisingly offers clean and spacious rooms at budget-friendly rates. Opt for their suite which also offers a balcony and great views of the valley.
Located in Lakkar Bazar, the hostel offers budget accommodation, and a discount to Youth hostel members.
2,225 m above sea level
A centrally located, charming Victorian style building. Offers both en-suite rooms and rooms with common bathrooms. A limited choice complementary breakfast is provided at no extra cost. En-suite rooms have clean attached bathrooms. To avoid disappointment during peak season, pre-book a room over phone. En suite room costs ₹700 for a single person and ₹1,000 for two persons. A room with common bathroom costs ₹370 for a single person and ₹500 for two persons. Problems with noise and vermin infestation reported.
2,150 m above sea level
Centrally located on The Mall; immaculately maintained heritage building, with guestrooms full of period charm and 'atmosphere' with views from windows over the southern valley of Shimla. The food does not begin to match the quality of the accommodation so if you stay, eat and drink out.
Shimla Hotel
This 20 room boutique hotel offers some attractive views.
2,110 m above sea level
A decent place if you don't mind 45 minutes' walk along the wooded (and mostly pedestrian) Mall to town centre. Facilities include a public terrace with good views over the southern valley of Shimla, a bar, and a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi. The hotel restaurant is a moderate favourite with the locals. The immediate vicinity, in a densely built-up area called 'Chōṭā Shimla', lacks interest and recreational potential.
2,150 m above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,185 m at the top-floor level
Although some of the suites are rather unreasonably priced, this remains a good option, mainly because of its convenient location. Facilities include a bar, good wi-fi in guestrooms (chargeable), a terrace garden, a gym and a spa. This is one of the only two hotels on The Mall equipped with its own private lift to the lower level of Circular Road (Cart Road), the other facility so equipped being the Landmark Hotel. Good food, professionally prepared, especially Italian (recommended).
2,100 m above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,115 m at the top-floor level
A good choice for those wishing to stay west of Scandal Point; decent views from some rooms over the northern valley of Shimla, including the helipad at Annadale, at an elevation of 1,865 m, directly across. New property with clean, modern facilities, marble bathrooms. Both the upper level of The Mall and the lower level of Circular Road (Cart Road) accessible by private in-house lift. Rooftop terrace, accessible directly from The Mall and open to the general public, hence not suitable for lounging. Food nondescript but passable.
2,117 m above sea level
Nice, clean rooms with air-con, heaters, mini-bars and the usual mid-range amenities. Indifferent, uncaring staff, a common feature with government establishments. Owned and operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, a state government entity. Not to be confused with the historic wooden property of the same name (Peterhoff) which was once the residence of the British Viceroy of India and which stood in the same spot until 1981, when it burned down: the present structure is not its recreation and, despite the retention of the name, is devoid of all period accents or character. Its large, soulless expanses cast in poured concrete are nowadays a frequent venue for conventions and group meetings. The food is terrible. Convenient location for those wishing to visit the Viceregal Lodge and the Himachal Pradesh Museum, but otherwise considerably out of the way with regard to town centre. Unforgettable views from the front lawn, ending abruptly in a precipice.
2,190 m above sea level
This converted palace was built in 1938 by the Maharaja of Jubbal, a descendant of the original owner still lives on the premises, and is addressed by the staff as "maharaja". It has its own private woodlands, which provide an excellent place for a leisurely evening stroll. Immaculately maintained public spaces, full of 'atmosphere'; attentive service; food on the homely side rather than haute cuisine.
Formerly the residence of the ruler of Kapurthala, still owns by the family. An attractive place even if the location isn't the greatest for access to town: to get to The Ridge requires making a steep ascent along dusty Lakkar Bazaar. Reminiscent of the days of the British Raj, with croquet lawns and mature gardens. Rooms have no keys and doors are left unlocked at all times. As part of this historic property has now been converted into a primary school the ruckus raised by children on their way to classes early in the morning can be disturbing.
2,098 m above sea level
An elegant hotel in the grand heritage style, immaculately maintained, with log fires and a heated swimming-pool. Best food in town.
2,100 m above sea level
One of the best hotels in Shimla, with most of the five-star facilities, located on the outskirts of town, though with great views of The Ridge and the surroundings 800 m across the Shimla valley. You can see the places you want to be in from your window even if you cannot easily get to them. Pleasant public spaces; good value buffet dinners.
A pine forest resort, Multi cuisine restaurant, 2 open air garden restaurants, lounge, coffee shop, library overlooking a rose garden, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, discotheque and car parking.
A delightful hotel in Naldehra, the site of the historical golf course. Overlooking the valley, it offers scenic vistas.
Shimla Hotel
Forested hill resort with quaint bamboo and pinewood cottages, valley and mountain views, adventure activities, barbeques, bonfires, open areas.
2,560 m above sea level
A stately brand new stone building built among cedar and pine forests.
A Department of Tourism, HP Government approved home stay unit. Located in very picturesque Shoghi, a suburb of Shimla, in a peaceful, calm environment, naturally blessed with breathtaking views of the distant Chail and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges.
An excellent place to purchase locally made handicrafts at fixed prices. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
Himachal Fruit Product products such as jams, squashes and wines. The main shop is on the Delhi-Shimla Highway, you can find stalls everywhere on the highway and in the city.
By train
The nearest broad gauge station is at Kalka, a four-to-seven hour journey from Delhi. After that, take the mountain train from Kalka to Shimla.
By road
Shimla is nicely connected by road to different major cities.
By plane
After landing at the airport, take a pre-paid taxi to minimize hassle. Chandigarh is a good four-hour drive away, so stop for a bite on the Kalka-Shimla highway.
On foot
Most, especially downtown with the ridge, can be walked but due to the hills Shimla is on, it can sometimes be exhausting.
By bus
You can get a local bus from 7AM to 9PM for ₹10, and that too for any destination in the city.
By taxi
In case you choose to travel by taxi, it is affordable and convenient for sightseeing.
By tour
g. from the Rivoli Bus Stop. As Shimla is known for its picturesque location and serene environment, you can also consider traveling some distance on foot. Inquire with HPTDC.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Chandigarh · International · IXC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Shimla and India.
InspirationThe premier first-time India travel guide covering Delhi monuments, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur royal forts, sacred Varanasi, and Kerala backwaters.
6 min read
Travel tipsRealistic 10-day India travel budget breakdown covering hotels, trains, private drivers, food, and monument tickets across budget and mid-range tiers.
6 min read
Travel tipsEssential guide to visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, including sunrise entry advice, seasonal weather considerations, ticket queues, and photography spots.
6 min read
Travel tipsWhat a comfortable day really costs in Vietnam, northern Thailand, Nepal, Colombia and India, with private rooms, good food and local transport.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.