Shimla at an altitude of 2,205 metres is the summer capital of the British Raj and still adorns the crown of all hills. It is the capital city of the Himachal Pradesh and is famously known as the Queen of hills (nicknamed by Britishers).
Shimla’s rich heritage and natural beauty make it a popular holiday destination even today. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, it has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years.
The Mall, Ridge, Summer Hill, Christ Church, Scandal Point, Himalayan Bird Park, Jakhu Hill, Gaiety Theatre and many more attractions are here to see. Ice skating, Skiing, Mountain Biking and Paragliding are heavenly activities for adventure trippers. The awe-inspiring Victorian-style houses, bustling markets of the Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar and the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla are not to miss things while touring this hilly resort.
Shimla is a year-round holiday destination popular with families and couples. Here’s a seasonal break up so you can plan your trip accordingly:
Summer- March to June: This is a popular tourist season in Shimla as the weather is quite pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The temperature is comfortable and usually varies between 15°C and 30°C. If you are into adventure sports then this is the ideal time to try paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting.
Monsoon - July to September: This is not peak season in Shimla because of heavy rainfall and occasional landslides. But monsoon brings out the lush character of the hill station.
Winter - October to February: This is again a popular season for Shimla for people who are looking for snow, which typically falls between December and February. This is the time skiing and ice skating take off. The average temperature during this season is around 8°C and goes down to -2°C.
Shimla is one of the most easily accessible hill stations in India. People who are wondering how to reach Shimla and its rich verdure by road or even by the narrow-gauge railway, here are a few ways:
Shimla is easily accessible by road and makes for a great drive from nearby Delhi (340 kilometers) and Chandigarh (115 kilometers). Public buses run by Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private taxis ply frequently from nearby towns and cities.
The toy train from Kalka to Shimla is a charming way to get to the hill station. Kalka is connected by several trains from Delhi and Chandigarh. The Kalka Shatabdi Express from New Delhi Railway Station to Kalka Railway Station takes 4 hours 10 minutes and is the fastest train plying the route.
Jabarhatti, 22 kilometers from Shimla is where the nearest airport was located. However, due to altitude and load restrictions, commercial planes no longer operate to and from here. Chandigarh, at a distance of 115 kilometers, is the next nearest airport to Shimla.
Shimla is a popular holiday destination 365 days a year. Abounding in natural beauty, the town has retained its colonial charm. Easily accessible, Shimla sees visitors from far and near who are allured by Shimla’s distinct character.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Please Note: Any information picked from here must be attributed to skymetweather.com
