Shimla, also known as the Queen of Hill Stations, became the summer capital of the British Raj during the latter half of the nineteenth century, when soldiers of the British army, merchants, and civil servants relocated here to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Shimla, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, is also the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. The name of this hill station comes from “Goddess Shyamla,” an avatar of Goddess Kali.
What is the best time to visit Shimla?
Shimla is best visited between May and June, and December and January, when romance and beauty get blended into every inch of the soil. Clear blue skies in the summer, powdery snow in the winter days, and the spicy and earthy scent of pines, firs, cedars, and oak trees. Shimla is once again a popular destination for visitors looking for snow, which generally falls between December and February. Skiing and ice skating take off at this time. During this season, the average temperature is around 8°C and can drop to -2°C. This is the reason why there are many hotel rooms available in Shimla.
Top Tourist Attractions in Shimla
The Queen of Hill Stations, Shimla brings in lots of attractions for the travellers visiting from worldwide. Some of the famous places to visit in Shimla are as follows:
- Summer Hills
- Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
- Annandale
- Jakhoo hill
- The Scandal Point, Ridge
- Naldhera and Shaily Peak
- Chadwick falls
- Mall Road
- Johnnie’s Wax Museum
- Christ Church
- Himalayan Bird Park
- Tara Devi Temple
- Kufri
- Chail
Things That Should Top Your Travel List When you are in Shimla
Here’s a list of the most popular things to do in Shimla to save you from the never-ending confusion of limiting your list
- Go for a short trip to Tara Devi Temple.
- Discover Colonial architecture.
- Go for extensive shopping at Lakkar Bazaar
- Take a Yak Ride
- Experience Ice Skating at Circular Road
- Arrange a tour of the Viceregal Lodge with a professional guide
- Enjoy a toy train ride through the Green Hills
- Go to the Ridge for Hiking and Exploring
- Enjoy night at a hotel at mall road Shimla
- Capture the immense beauty of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the country visit Shimla. Countless hotels in Shimla ranging from 5 to 3 star hotels in Shimla have been built in recent decades to accommodate the growing number of tourists. One of them is the MM Hotels, a high-quality hotel and resort portfolio with a lively décor that includes paintings, classy furnishings, and landscaped outdoor areas. With its luxurious service and warm hospitality that the staff offers, MM Hotels is ranked among the best hotels.
Keep in mind that Shimla is a famous weekend getaway for visitors in North India, so if you are planning to visit during one of these weekends, make sure you make all of your reservations ahead of time. Train reservations open three months in advance, and if you’re driving, make sure to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic. Keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan in place in case of delays or cancellations.
