Shimla Hill Station – Explore The Summer Capital Of India

Posted on Monday, November 18th, 2024 by shipra Leave a Comment

Surrounded by snow-clad mountains & a pleasant climate, Shimla Hill Station is a popular spot for tourists seeking a break from the heat & a chance to enjoy cool weather & landscapes. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of India’s top destinations, offering visitors a refreshing and scenic experience.

The area is known for its beautiful valleys, green forests, and amazing views. Shimla also has unique Neo-Gothic & Tudorbethan-style buildings, along with numerous temples & churches nearby. The steep, forest-covered mountainsides offer amazing views, while the valleys below are filled with vibrant greenery, serene lakes, & snow-covered mountain ranges. Referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’ in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is an ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the summer heat & enjoy nature’s beauty.

History of Shimla Hill Station

Shimla, once called Simla, gets its name from the goddess ‘Shayamala Devi,’ a form of Goddess Kali. This hill station is not only blessed with natural beauty but also rich in history. It served as the summer capital during British rule in 1864. After India gained independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and later, in 1966, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its pretty Himalayan views, Shimla has played a significant role in boosting tourism in India.

Best Time To Visit Shimla Hill Station

The ideal time to visit Shimla depends on the kind of weather you prefer. Winters can be foggy, while the monsoon season brings cooler weather. To make the most of your trip, it’s a good idea to choose Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages based on the activities you’d like to enjoy during your stay.

Shimla Hill Station Weather And Climate

Season	Min/Max Temperature	Travel Season
Spring-Summer, Warm	16°C to 28°C	April to June
Monsoon, Heavy rainfall	13°C to 20°C	July to October
Winter and Snowfall	-7°C to 4°C	November to January

1. Winter Season: Winter in Shimla starts in November & lasts until March. It brings cold weather, but many people enjoy it because of the fun winter activities like ice skating and skiing. During winter, Shimla attracts tourists who come to enjoy the snowfall and try sledding on the hills.
2. Monsoon Season: From July to September, Shimla experiences heavy rains and high humidity. The rain makes it difficult to go outside most of the time, but if you do get the chance, it’s a unique experience! The hills are green and sparkling with rain, & the trees look like they’re covered in glass because of the water droplets.
3. Summer Season: Summer is a wonderful time to visit Shimla, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. From April to June, the weather is pleasant, & many festivals are celebrated, making it an ideal season to explore the hill station.

How To Reach Shimla Hill Station?

Shimla, the summer capital of India, is located in the Himalayan mountains & can be reached by air, train, or road. The best option for you depends on where you’re coming from & how much time you have.

1. By Train: The nearest railway station is only 1 km from Shimla & is connected to Kalka by a narrow-gauge railway track.
2. By Road: If you’re traveling from another city, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Chandigarh via the Shimla roundabout and NH 5. The road trip to Shimla is a unique experience, offering stunning views of the mountains, with pine trees lining both sides of the road.
3. By Air: The closest airport to Shimla is in Chandigarh. There are regular flights from Delhi to Chandigarh, as well as flights to & from other major cities, both domestic and international.

Airport: Chandigarh International Airport 

Address: New Civil Air Terminal Chandigarh International Airport, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140306

Distance Between Shimla Hill Station and Major Cities

City	Distance	Time via Road	Time via Flight (from Chandigarh)
Mumbai	1,753.4 km	32 hr	2h 25m
New Delhi	363.5 km	8 hr 16 min	02 h 40 m
Bangalore	2,508.8 km	44 hr	03 h 10 m
Hyderabad	1,917.5 km	35 hr	02 h 35 m
Ahmedabad	1,264.8 km	23 hr 44 min	01 h 50 m
Chennai	2,541.0 km	46 hr	03 h 05 m
Kolkata	1,880.2 km	34 hr	2h 25m
Pune	1,801.3 km	34 hr	2h 20m
Jaipur	611.1 km	11 hr 54 min	1h 35m
Lucknow	898.1 km	14 hr 58 min	1h 25m
Indore	1,209.9 km	23 hr 1 min	01 h 50 m
Visakhapatnam	2,102.7 km	42 hr	7h 10m 1 Stop
Mangalore	2,630.4 km	49 hr	8h 40m 1 Stop
Udaipur	1,000.4 km	18 hr 37 min	4h 10m 1 stop

Seven Hills In Shimla

Shimla, a well-known hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is famous for its dense forests, green valleys, & amazing natural beauty. As the summer capital of India, it is surrounded by pine forests & deodar trees, showcasing the true splendor of nature.

Jakhu Hill

Jakhu Hill is the highest hill in Shimla, standing at 8,048 feet above sea level, & is located about 1.5 km from Shimla Hill Station. The hill is covered with Alpine trees & is home to many playful monkeys. It is also well-known for the Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which features a large statue of him. The view from Jakhoo Hill is incredible, offering pretty panoramic views of the Himalayas that stretch for miles.

Bantony Hill

Bantony Hill, located just 400 meters from Shimla Hill Station, is known for its natural beauty & historical significance. The hill gets its name from Lord Bantony, who built a castle here as his summer residence. Today, Bantony Hill is one of the most popular tourist spots in Shimla, drawing more and more visitors each year.

Inverarm Hill

Inverarm Hill, located about 5.6 km from Shimla Hill Station, is a scenic spot in Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by green forests & home to a small local community. The Himachal State Museum sits atop the hill in its main building, making it a popular cultural attraction. At an elevation of 2,445 feet, Inverarm Hill offers pristine natural beauty and pretty panoramic views for visitors to enjoy.

Observatory hill

Observatory Hill, situated about 3.2 km from Shimla Hill Station at an elevation of 7,050 feet, is a popular spot featuring the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The impressive structure on this hill offers a remarkable sight, drawing numerous tourists each year who come to admire its architecture & scenic surroundings.

Prospect hill

Prospect Hill, located in western Shimla at an altitude of 2,200 meters, is home to the revered Kamna Devi Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi, this peaceful hilltop temple lies about 4.3 km from Shimla Hill Station & offers visitors both spiritual significance and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Summer hill

Summer Hill, located 5.6 km west of Shimla Hill Station at an altitude of 6,500 feet, is known for its scenic charm. The campus of Himachal Pradesh University sits atop the hill, offering a peaceful spot on the Kalka-Shimla railroad with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Summer Hill is also historically significant as Mahatma Gandhi once stayed here in the beautiful Georgian house of Princess Amrit Kaur.

Elysium Hill

Elysium Hill is the seventh hill of Shimla which is situated at a distance of 1.2 km from Shimla Hill Station in the North West. This hill is situated at an altitude of 7400 feet above sea level where Auckland House is located. This attractive site is for the promotion of Lakkar Bazar. In addition, one of the major suburbs of Shimla, Kaithu’s half of the Bukele area lies in the southern part of this hill.

Other Nearby Hill Station 

Kufri Hills

Kufri Hill Station, located just 15 km from Shimla, is one of India’s most picturesque hill stations. It’s an ideal getaway from the summer heat, offering greenery & a range of activities that appeal to all kinds of visitors.

Kiarighat Hills

For those seeking peace, Kiarighat Hill Station, located 22 km from Shimla, is an ideal destination. Known for its pretty natural beauty & refreshing mountain air, it attracts many visitors each year looking to relax in a peaceful setting.

Chail Hills 

Chail Hill Station, a charming getaway located 55 km from Shimla, is a favorite among tourists for its natural beauty and calmness. Known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, & cultural diversity, Chail invites visitors to experience its unique charm & peaceful atmosphere.

Fagu Hills 

This quaint hill station, only 20 km from Shimla, provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax. With its serene atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday, away from the busy pace of city life.

Shoja Hills

Nestled in the Banjar Valley, 60 km from Shimla, this beautiful hill station is famous for its intricately carved wooden temples & pretty natural surroundings. Many travelers visit to admire the picturesque Jibhi Waterfalls, located just 1 km away, adding to the charm of this peaceful destination.

Activities To Do In Shimla Hill Station

1. Start your day in Shimla by visiting the Ridge early in the morning, around 5 am, when it’s quiet & peaceful. You can enjoy a refreshing trek or simply relax & meditate while taking in the views of nearby hills like Jakhu Hill & temples such as Tara Devi Temple.
2. For a fun adventure, consider camping under the stars with your friends or family at one of Shimla’s popular campsites.
3. Another great spot to visit is Mall Road, which is lined with shops selling everything from stylish clothes and accessories to traditional goods. It’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy some shopping!

Where To Eat In Shimla Hill Station?

1. Ashiana
2. Cafe Sol
3. Cecil Restaurant
4. Wake & Bake
5. Indian Coffee House
6. Café Simla Times
7. Himachali Rasoi
8. EBR Cafe
9. Guptajee S
10. Cafe Under Tree

Places to Visit In Shimla Hill Station

1. Chadwick Waterfall
2. The Mall Road
3. Himalayan Bird Park
4. Jakhoo Temple
5. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
6. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
7. Tara Devi Temple
8. Kali Bari
9. Dorje Drak Monastery
10. Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling Buddhist Monastery
11. St. Michael’s Cathedral and Christ Church
12. The Glen
13. Annandale
14. Lakkad Bazaar
15. Scandal Point
16. The Ridge
17. Kalka to Shimla Narrow Gauge Railway Station
18. Kufri 
19. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort

Hotels to Stay in Shimla Hill Station

1. Hotel Avalanche
2. Shimla Nature Ville
3. Royal Home Stay
4. Glen View Heritage Homestay
5. Shimla Havens Resort
6. Larisa Shimla
7. Hotel Willow Banks
8. The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
9. Snow Valley Resorts
10. Radisson Jass Shimla

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Shimla Hill Station called the ‘Queen of Hills’?

A: Shimla is known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ because it is located on top of seven hills in the North-Western Himalayas. This beautiful hill station, also known as the summer capital of India, features lush green valleys, oak, rhododendron, and pine forests, along with many scenic spots.

Q: How many days are needed to visit Shimla Hill Station?

A: A 5-6 day trip is perfect to explore Shimla’s natural beauty. You can also enjoy activities like snow sports, river rafting, paragliding, and camping during your stay.

Q: Is Shimla a good place for a honeymoon?

A: Yes, Shimla is a great honeymoon destination. The pleasant weather, luxury hotels, and stunning views make it a top choice for couples.

Q: When is the best time to go paragliding in Shimla?

A: Paragliding in Shimla is best during March to June when the weather is clear and pleasant.

Q: What is the coldest month in Shimla?

A: January is the coldest month in Shimla, with temperatures dropping as low as -1.7 °C (28.9 °F) and a high of 11.2 °C (52.2 °F).

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