NorthHimachal PradeshShimla

Shimla

ShimlaSituated in the north-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across 12 kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing etc. 
 
Area: 18 km²
Altitude: 2,213 metres.
Temperature (°C):
Summer: Max.27, Min.14.5
Winter: Max.16.5, Min.5.2
Clothings: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woollens.
Best Season: April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November.
Languages Spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English. 

How to get there

Air Air:
Vayudoot services connect Jubbor-Hatti (23 kms from Shimla) with Kullu, Chandigarh and Delhi. Delhi is in turn connected with Culcutta by Indian Airlines flights. Jagson Airlines has also flights from Delhi to Shimla. 
Rail Rail:
Shimla is connected by a narrow guage railway line with Kalka (90 kms) which in turn is connected with the major cities in India.
Road

Road:
Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh 117 kms, Kullu 220 kms, Manali 260 kms, Delhi 343 kms, Mandi 150 kms, Pathankot 380 kms, Ambala 151 kms, Chail 43 kms, Dehradun 240 kms

Bus Services Local Transport:
Taxis are available here as the main local transport.

Places of Interest

  • Jakhoo Hill (2 kms)
  • Glen (4 kms)
  • Summer Hill (5 kms)
  • Chadwick Falls (7 kms)
  • Zoo- 4 kms, Navbahar (4 kms)
  • Sanket Mochen (5 kms)
  • Tara Devi Temple (8 kms)
  • Institute of Advance Studies (4 kms)
  • Aviary at Old Raj Bhavan (1 km)
  • Tibetan Monastery (8 kms)
  • Dhengu Mata Temple (5 kms)

Excursions

  • Naldera (23 kms)
  • Tattapani (43 kms)
  • Wildflower Hall (13 kms
  • Mashobra (13 kms
  • Craignano (16 kms
  • Fruit Research Station (8 kms
  • Kufri (16 kms)
  • Indira Holiday Home (18 kms)
  • Chail (43 kms)
  • Barog (55 kms)
  • Kasauli (77 kms)
  • Kiarighat (23 kms)
  • Solan (48 kms)
  • Bon Monastery Uohghat (61 kms)
  • Fagu (22 kms)
  • Narkanda (64 kms)
  • Kotgarh (82 kms)

Sporting Activities

  • Golfing: Nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera, 23 km from Shimla.
  • Fishing: Trout fishing is available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru. Mahaseer fishing is available at Tattapani 43 km from Shimla. Licence fee Rs.10 per day per person. Licencing Authority :- Assistant Director-Fisheries, Khaline, Shimla (H.P.), Tel : 4732 & 6985.
  • Skiing: The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continues till Mid-March depending upon snow conditions. HPTDC organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkhanda (65 km) every year. The facilities for the participants include boarding, lodging and equipment. Cost for 7 days Rs. 1500/-, for 15 days Rs. 3000/-
  • Trekking: The Shimla-Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking opportunities viz.
    a) Shimla to Kulu via Jaloni Pass (66 kms).
    b) Shimla to Kulu via Bashleo Pass (56 kms).
    c) Sarahen to Sangla (106 kms).

Links to RegionsThe Region
Himachal Pradesh   |   Shimla  |   Dalhousie    |   Chamba
Dharamsala   |   Kulu-Valley   |   Manali   |   Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul