Shimla was the summer capital of British India — and it is easy to see why. At 2,200 metres in the Himalayan foothills, the British built a replica of England in the mountains: Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre, Tudor-style buildings, and a pedestrian promenade called Mall Road that could have been lifted from a Cotswolds town and dropped into a pine forest.
Shimla Weather & Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar–May | 10–22°C | Blooming rhododendrons, clear views | First-time visitors |
| Summer | May–Jun | 20–28°C | Escape from plains heat, peak season | Families, peak season |
| Monsoon | Jul–Aug | 18–22°C | Heavy rain, landslide risk on roads | Avoid if possible |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 10–20°C | Apple harvest, crystal clear skies | Best overall — apples, views |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | -2–10°C | Snow, skiing at Kufri | Snow tourism, skiing |
The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
This UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway is not just transport — it is an experience. Built in 1903, the train winds through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, climbing from Kalka at 656 metres to Shimla at 2,206 metres in 96 kilometres. The 5-hour journey through pine forests and Himalayan foothills is genuinely spectacular.
- ›Shivalik Deluxe Express: The premium class with reserved seating and glass windows. Book at least a week ahead on IRCTC.
- ›Himalayan Queen: Regular service, unreserved. Cheaper but potentially crowded.
- ›Cost: ₹195 (general) to ₹395 (first class). Book on IRCTC website.
- ›Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the train travelling Kalka → Shimla for the best views.
Top Things to Do in Shimla
- 1Mall Road walk — The pedestrian promenade at 2,200 metres. Best at sunset with Himalayan views.
- 2Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) — The Elizabethan-style palace where the Viceroy summered. Guided tours available.
- 3Jakhu Temple — 2km hike from Mall Road to a 108-foot Lord Hanuman statue with panoramic views. Mind the monkeys.
- 4Kufri — 13km from Shimla, skiing in winter (Dec–Feb), Himalayan Nature Park year-round.
- 5Christ Church — 1857 Neo-Gothic church on the Ridge, one of India's finest colonial-era churches.
- 6Apple orchards — Shimla district produces 25% of India's apples. Visit September–October for the harvest.
Getting to Shimla
- ›By train: Delhi → Kalka (6 hours on Shatabdi Express), then Toy Train Kalka → Shimla (5 hours). Best way.
- ›By bus: Delhi → Shimla direct (10–12 hours, overnight HRTC Volvo ₹700–1,100). Faster than train.
- ›By air: Jubbarhatti Airport (22km from Shimla), limited flights from Delhi. Weather-dependent, often cancelled.
