Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Introduction
Situated in the North-west Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was once famous as the Summer Capital of "The Raj". Though evocative of a bygone ere, it is today a thriving Capital of a State, famous for its snowcapped peaks, apples, and pine forest, flowers and gentle smiling people.
Visitors come to Shimla to walk down its famous Mall Road and also to experience Shimla in its many hues from spring flowers to autumn leaves, from the soothing green & gentle breeze of summer to its Winter snows. It is truly a "Destination for all seasons."
A special delight is to travel by one of the few remaining mountains Railways in the world - the toy train to Shimla - as it winds through 103 tunnels during its 90-km. journey up the mountains.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
General Information
Area
18 Sq. kms.
Altitude
2,213 meters
Temperature
Max.
Min.
Summer
27.0 C
4.5 C
Winter
16.5 C
5.2 C
Rainfall
166 cms
Best Season
April to Mid-July
Mild Sept to Mid-Nov
Clothing
Summer
Light Woolens
Winter
Heavy Woolens
STD Code
0177
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
How To Get There
Air
The nearest airport is at Jubbarhati, 23 km from Shimla, and is linked to Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Rail
Shimla is connected with a broad gauge railway line up to Kalka and after that by narrow gauge line. Kalka to Shimla is 90 km. The journey takes about 6 hours, the train winds its way through 103 tunnels and some picturesque scenery.
The Rail Car takes about 4 hours. Kalka has direct rail connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Road
Shimla is connected by road with Kalka, Chandigarh, Ambala, Delhi, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Jammu and other towns of Punjab and Haryana.
Road Distances
Some of the important distances are:
Kalka
90 km
Chandigarh
117 km
Delhi
370 km
Ludhiana
220 km
Dehradun
240 km
Kullu
240 km
Manali
280 km
Kalpa
260 km
Narkanda
64 km
Mandi
156 km
Dharamsala
280 km
Nahan
140 km
Taxi services are available on a seat- basis between Shimla, and Kalka. There is deluxe bus service between Shimla and Delhi. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation also runs deluxe buses between Shimla and Delhi.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Tourist Facilities
Private taxis, mini buses and Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses are available for local sightseeing in and around Shimla. Private taxies can be hired for local sightseeing.
GUIDE SERVICE
HPTDC sends its guides on its coaches on sightseeing tours.
TRAVEL / EXCURSION AGENTS
Snowflake Travels
The Mall. Tel 253435, 214018
Trishool Tours 'N' Travels
The Mall. Tel 205139
Grooy Adventures & Tours Mashobra. Tel 280215
Ambassador Travels
The Mall. Tel 258014
White Height Himalayan Travels
Fin Gask Estate. Tel 256242, 214033
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
DELUXE
The Cecil
The Mall
Tel 204848 Fax 211024
Website: www.fhrai.com
Shilon Resort - Fortune Resort
Kufri-Chail Road, Shilon Bagh
Tel 483343-44,483357-61
Fax 483362
E-mail: shilon@satyam.net.in
Website:www.fhrai.com
http://www.shilonresorts.com
MEDIUM
Hotel Asia The Dawn
Taradevi
Tel 231162-65 Fax 231007
E-mail: asiadawn@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
www.asiadawn.com
The Oberoi Clarkes
The Mall
Tel 251010-15 Fax 211321
E-mail: clarkes@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
Himland Hotel East
Circular Road
Tel 222901- 04 Fax 224241
E-mail: himland@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
www.himlandeast.com
Honeymoon Inn
The Mall
Tel 224868, 224967 Fax 225880
E-mail: honeyinn@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
Toshali Royal View Resort
Via Kanda Ghat-Chail Road
Shilon Bagh
Tel 483384 Fax 483301
E-mail: toshali@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
HERITAGE
Woodville Palace Resorts (P) Ltd.
Raj Bhawan Road
Tel 223919, 224038 Fax 223098
Website: www.fhrai.com
Springfields
Chhota Shimla
Tel 221297- 98 Fax 221297,98
E-mail: springfields@vsnl.com
Website: www.fhrai.com
www.ushashriramhotels.com
BUDGET
Marina Hotel
The Mall
Tel 206148, 257848
Website: vww.fhrai.com
Brightland Hotel
Cosynook Estate
Adjacent The Mall
Tel 252659, 213659Fax 202659
Website: www.fhrai.com
Dalziel Hotel
The Mall
Tel 252394, 206725, 252691
E-mail: dalziel@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
East Bourne Resorts
Near Bishop Cotton School
Khallani
Tel 224975, 233669-71
Fax 223890
E-mail: ebourne@vsnl.net.com
Website: www.fhrai.com
http://www.eastbourneindia.com
Gulmarg Hotel
Near Army Training Command
Tel 253168, 255454, 257766
(EPABX)
Fax 252380
E-mail: gulmarg@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel Amber
Opp. UCO Bank,
Ram Bazar
Tel 254774, 254994Fax 258746
E-mail: hotelamber@vsnl.com
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel BaIjees Regency
Circular Road
Tel 214054, 214059 Fax 252202
E-mail: baljees@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
http://www.fhraindia.com
Hotel Combermere
The Mail
Tel 204220, 205080, 252243
Fax 252251
E-mail: hes@nde.vsnl.net.in
hotcomb@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.fhrai.com
http://www.hotelcombermere.com
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Hotel Crystal Palace
Circular Road, Near Tourism Lift
Tel 257588- 89 Fax 202634
E-mail: hcp@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
www.hotelcrystalpalace.com
Hotel Gables
Shimla Hills, Mashobra
Tel 480171-74
E-mail:shimla@clubmahindra.com
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel Harsha
Opp. Oberoi Cecil,
The Mall
Tel 258441, 258447-48
Fax 212868
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel Himland West
Circular Road
Tel 224312, 224596 Fax 224436
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel Surya
Circular Road
Tel 201979, 258192, 252656
Fax 201979, 258192
E-mail: suryahtl@nde.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.fhrai.com
Hotel Sangeet
The Mall
Tel 202506- 07 Fax 255823
Website: www.fhrai.com
Moon International Hotel
Near Secretariat,
Chhota Shimla
Tel 220286- 87
Website: www.fhrai.com
The Moon Palace Hotel
Fingask Estate,
Tourist Complex
Tel 202267- 68 Fax 201427
Website: www.fhrai.com
HPTDC HOTEL
Hotel Holiday Home
Tel 212890- 94 Fax 201705
OTHER ACCOMMODATION
YMCA
Tel 252375
YWCA
The Mall
Tel 203081
For further details, contact nearest Govt. of India Tourist or State Tourist Office.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
What To See
Jakhoo Hill -
2 km Shimla's highest peak offers panoramic views of the town, hills and mountain ranges. A Hanuman Temple is located here.
Glen -
4 km. A popular picnic spot. A stream flows through dense forest.
Summer Hill - 5 km. A picturesque suburb with shady walks.
Chadwick Falls - 7 km. Waterfalls, 70 metres from Summer Hill (best in monsoon).
Prospect Hill - 5 km. A famous picnic spot commanding extensive views of hills and valleys. The sunset and moon-rise can be seen at the same time from here on a full moon evening. Atop the hill is the shrine of Kamna Devi.
Institute of Advanced Studies - 4 km. The Institute is housed in the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge, which was constructed in 1884- 88 during the tenure of Lord Dufferin. A commanding building on Summer Hill, of Himalayan grey stone in the English Renaissance (Elizabethan) style, with gardens spread over a large area around the lodge.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Zoo (Tutikandi) -
4 km. A small zoo with Himalayan birds and animals.
Navbahar - 4 km. Horticulture complex.
Sankat Mochan - 5 km. Hanuman Temple.
Taradevi Temple - 8 km. Taradevi Temple on top of a hill with a Shiva Temple on the northern side. Commands panoramic views of hills and valleys.
Tibetan Monastery - 5 km. On top of a hill at Sanjauli, it contains large statues of Lord Buddha and other deities.
Dhengu Mata Temple - 5 km. Adjacent to the Tibetan monastery at Sanjauli, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Aviary at old Raj Bhawan - I km. The Aviary has a large collection of Himalayan as well as exotic birds.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Museum & Art Gallery
Himachal State Museum
The Himachal State Museum near Chaura Maidan has twelve galleries in which an endeavour has been made to project hill-art and the cultural wealth of the state showing their link with the national artistic scene.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
At A Distance
Naldehra. - 23 km. Under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well groomed nine-hole Golf course; undulating hills and giant deodars, make it a unique spot for picnics. Regular bus and taxi service. HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade and Golf Club.
Tattapani - 43 km. Situated on the bank of river Sutlej it is well known of its hot springs. Regular bus and taxi service.
Wildflower Hall - 13 km. Nestling among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel Wildflower Hall of the HPTDC affords a magnificent view of the mighty Himalayas and perennial snows. Charming in summer and fascinating in autumn, when winter casts its mantle of snow Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.
Mashobra - 13 km. Offers ideal walks amidst oak and pine trees.
Craignano - 16 km. An ideal picnic spot.
Fruit Research Station - 18 km. The biggest fruit research station in northern India.
Kufri - 16 km. Well known for its ski slopes. Commands good views. It also has a Potato Research Station.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Indira Holiday Home -18 km. Deodar forests at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Mini zoo, and yak and pony riding.
Chail - 43 km. (via Kufri) and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, at a height of 2,250 metres, combines the charm and beauty of a remote and peaceful mountain resort with the splendor and elegance of a princely reserve. Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail are alive with many species of birds and deer.
Barog - 55 km. A verdant place of considerable scenic charm and beauty affording extensive views of high mountains stretching range after range and valleys swooping down the Haryana and Punjab plains.
Kasauli - 61 km. from Chandigarh, 77 km. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is charming and quiet; an ideal place for those in search of peace and relaxation.
Kiari Bungalow - 23 km. A delightful spot on the Shimla-Kalka road. Affords vistas of mountain scenery.
Solan - 48 km. A popular place, named after Shoolini Devi is a Mushroom City of India. The Dr. Y S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, one of its kind in Asia, is situated here.
Bon Monastery, Oachhghat - 13 km. from Solan on Rajgarh Road. Famous for a Tibetan-G-Yung Drung Bon Monastery with a large statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Fagu -
22 km. At a height of 2,510 metres, Fagu affords extensive views of the two opposite valleys. Its silent, serene splendor beckons the traveler to relax, secured in the secluded warmth of nature.
Theog - 23 km. It is a joinder place of Rampur, Kimar and Rohru Chopal Valleys.
Narkanda -
64 km. A quaint sleepy hamlet. From here, one gets breath-taking views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Hattu peak, at an altitude of 3,300 metres, is a good place for outings and commands a unique view of the eternal snowline, and in winter there are exciting ski slopes.
Kotgarh - 82 km. Kotgarh is known as the land of apples and apricots.
Rampur - 140 km. On the banks of the river Sutlej, Rampur is one of the biggest commercial towns of Himachal Pradesh.
A Buddhist temple with a very big prayer wheel and a Hindu temple are visited by thousands of people every year. Lavi, the famous international fair, is one of the biggest trade fairs in the hills, is held normally in the second week of November.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Sarahan - 174 km. This little but beautiful village on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road is the last town in Shimla district. The historical Bhimakah temple, a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also a base for trekking to Sangla. and other areas. HPTDC's Tourist Lodge commands a panoramic view of rolling fields and rising hills, including Srikhand Mahadev.
Hatkoti -
104 km. Famous for its ancient temple of Durga and Shiva. Beautiful valley with numerous picnic spots and the Pabar river flowing nearby, which is famous for trout fish.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Conducted Tours
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has a fleet of air-conditioned and luxury coaches and cars, ambassador cars and jeeps in its Transport Wing for individual and group excursions, conducted and package tours. A number of Shimla based sightseeing tours are arranged from the Tourist Information Office, The Mall, Shimla.
SIGHTSEEING TOUR NO. 1
Shimla-Wildflower Hall-Kufri-Indira Holiday Home-Fagu- Mashobra - Craignano- Fruit Research Station-Naldehra-Shimla.
Daily. Timings: 1000 to 1700 hrs.
SIGHTSEEING TOUR NO. 2
Shimla-Fagu-Theog-Matiana. Narkanda-Shimla. On Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Timings: 1000 to 1700 hrs.
SIGHTSEEING TOUR NO. 3
Shimla-Chail-Kufri- Indira Holiday Home-Kiari Bungalow- Shimla. On Monday and Saturday. Timings: 1000 to 1700 hrs. In addition, both Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private tour operators also run transport services to all these places.
Note: Itinerary and timings subject to change.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Where To Eat
RESTAURANTS
Ashiana Goofa Restaurant
The Ridge
Fascination Restaurant
The Mall
BaIjee's Restaurant
The Mall
Alfa Restaurant
The Mall
Himani Restaurant
The Mall
Nalini Restaurant
The Mall
Embassy Restaurant
The Mall
Solitair Restaurant
The Mall
India Coffee House
The Mall
Most hotels serve Indian and Continental cuisine and a few Chinese meals as well.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Entertainment
CINEMAS
Ritz,
The Ridge
Rivoli Theatre,
Near Skating Rink;
Shahi,
Near Cart Road
SKATING RINKS
Ice - Skating Rink,
Below Rivoli,
Roller Skating Rink,
Regal Bldg.
THEATRES
Gaiety Theatre,
The Mall
Kali Bari Hall,
Near Grand Hotel
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Where And What To Buy
Wooden articles, toys etc. can be bought from:
The Mall, Lower Bazar, Lakkad Bazar
Himachal Emporium
The Mall
(Kullu & Kinnauri shawls, caps, Tibetan carpets and other handicraft articles).
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Festivals
Sipi Fair at Mashobra in May
Summer Festival in May/June
Dussehra at Jakhoo in October
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Places Of Worship
Hindu
Kali Bari Temple, Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Temple at Jakhoo; and Sankat Mochan, Taradevi Temple, Shiva Temple near BaIjee's; Dhengu Mata Mandir, Sanjauli; Kamna Devi Temple, Baileuganj.
Muslim
Jama Masjid and Kashmiri Masjid.
Christian
Cathedral Church, Catholic Church, Baptist Church and Christ Church.
Buddhist
Monastery at Sanjauli
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Skiing
The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continue till mid-March depending upon snow conditions. HPTDC organizes ski-courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkanda, every year. The facilities for the participants include boarding, lodging and equipment.
Fishing
Trout fishing is available at Rohru, 110 km from Shimla, at Seem, 9 km from Rohru in river Pabar, and in river Baspa in the Sangla Valley. Mahseer fishing is available at Tattapani, 46 km from Shimla.
Golfing
Nine-hole Golf course at Naldehra, 23 km from Shimla, is one of the oldest Golf courses in India.
Trekking
The Shimla-Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking opportunities. Narkanda to Banjar (Kullu) over the Jalori and Bashleo Passes and Sarahan to Sangla are some of the popular treks, both for the domestic and foreign tourists. Shimla to Kullu via Jalori Pass (3,300 m).
Shimla to Kullu via Bashleo Pass (3,250 m). Sarahan to Sanqla.
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Banks/Money Changers
State Bank of Patiala, The Mall
Punjab National Bank, The Mall
Punjab & Sind Bank, The Mall
Indian Bank, The Mall
Indian Overseas Bank, The Mall
Jammu & Kashmir Bank, The Mall
Grindlays Bank Limited, The Mall
H. R State co-op. Bank, The Mall
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Hospitals/Nursing Homes
Kamla Nehru Hospital
Deen Dayal Upadhayay (Ripon) Hospital
Indira Gandhi Medical College
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Travel Reservations
Air
Indian Airlines
South East Asia Travels
Tourist Information Office
The Mall
Freeindia > Tourism > Shimla - Kullu - Dharmasala > Shimla
Tourist Information Centres
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Tourist Information Office
The Mall
Tel 252561, 258302
Fax 252557
Tourist Information Office
Department of Tourism
Govt. of Himachal Pradesh
Victory Tunnel
Cart Road
Tel 254589
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