Travelomore
Shimla

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh

ColonialHill StationToy Train

The summer capital of British India

The colonial summer capital of British India, at about 2,200 m. Shimla has the pedestrian Mall Road and the Ridge, Christ Church and Jakhu Hill, and the Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage railway. It is easy to reach and good for a short break.

Ideal stay2 nightsTwo nights covers the Ridge, Mall Road and Jakhu. A third lets you add Kufri or the toy train.
Nearest airportChandigarh (IXC)3 hr 20 min to Shimla · Taxi to Shimla
Getting thereAbout 3 hours from Chandigarh by roadThe UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla toy train runs from Kalka and takes about 5 to 6 hours. Delhi is about 8 hours by road.
Time zoneGMT+5:30Same time as India

Getting around. Mall Road and the Ridge are pedestrian, so most of the town is on foot, with short hills. Taxis go to Kufri and Jakhu Temple, and a lift connects the Mall and the lower road.

Part ofHimachal PradeshManali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie

Things to do in Shimla

4 experiences from our activity catalogue

Jakhu TempleTempleJakhu TempleHilltop Hanuman temple on Shimla's highest point, with a 108-foot Hanuman statue, reached on foot, by road or by the Jakhu ropeway.1 hr 30 minFree (temple). Jakhu ropeway: ₹252 one way / ₹467 return per adult, ₹200 / ₹381 for children 3-12, free under 3, plus 5% GSTKufriScenicKufriOpen hill area 12 km from Shimla with viewpoints, a Himalayan wildlife park, horse rides to Mahasu Peak and separately priced adventure venues.3 hrMall Road, ShimlaShoppingMall Road, ShimlaPedestrian shopping street a level below The Ridge, lined with shops, showrooms and cafes, closed to vehicles except emergency traffic.2 hrFreeThe Ridge, ShimlaOld quarterThe Ridge, ShimlaOpen pedestrian plaza above The Mall, site of Christ Church, the state library and Shimla's main public events.1 hrFree

Packages that include Shimla

Ready-to-book itineraries with Shimla on the route

See all
Shimla Escape4 nightsShimla EscapeShimla · 4N4 Nights | 5 DaysFrom₹31,000 per personView package Shimla & Manali6 nightsShimla & ManaliShimla · 3NManali · 3N6 Nights | 7 DaysFrom₹49,000 per personView package Himachal Highlights7 nightsHimachal HighlightsShimla · 2NManali · 3NDharamshala · 2N7 Nights | 8 DaysFrom₹60,000 per personView package Himachal Explorer9 nightsHimachal ExplorerShimla · 2NManali · 3NDharamshala · 2NDalhousie · 2N9 Nights | 10 DaysFrom₹75,000 per personView package Grand Himachal10 nightsGrand HimachalShimla · 2NManali · 3NDharamshala · 2NDalhousie · 2NAmritsar · 1N10 Nights | 11 DaysFrom₹84,000 per personView package

Hand-picked hotels

Stays our experts book in Shimla

Weather and best time to visit

Tap a month to see the details

Best time to visit

March

High / Low14° / 2°CRainfall102 mm
Best timeGoodOff seasonOpen-Meteo historical weather (ERA5), 2015–2024 averages
SummerMarch–JuneBest Time

Best time for most hill stations. Manali and Dharamshala at their finest — warm days, cool nights, no snow on roads.

MonsoonJuly–September

Heavy rains in lower hills. Spiti Valley is rain-shadow and stays accessible. Landslides can close Manali–Leh Highway.

AutumnOctober–November

Clear skies, spectacular views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Apple harvest season. Cooler but comfortable.

WinterDecember–FebruarySnow

Solang Valley and Kufri get snow. Rohtang Pass and Spiti are cut off. Ideal for snowfall seekers in Shimla and Manali.

More cities in Himachal Pradesh

Often paired with Shimla on the same trip

All of Himachal Pradesh
ManaliManaliSnow peaks, pine valleys and the road to LahaulDharamshalaDharamshalaThe Dalai Lama’s home, below the Dhauladhar rangeDalhousieDalhousieA quiet colonial hill town, and the meadow of Khajjiar