Built at 2,205 metres in the Himalayas, this former British Raj summer capital draws 1M+ yearly visitors. The historic Kalka-Shimla Railway still runs through its slopes.
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, sits at 2,200 meters in the Himalayan foothills. You'll find yourself walking along Mall Road, a car-free street where locals gather at bakeries and cafes. The white spires of Christ Church rise above the city center, while a 108-foot red statue of Hanuman watches over Shimla from Jakhu Temple. The city's streets wind past British colonial buildings, including the Scottish-style Viceregal Lodge where leaders once planned India's independence.
Walking The Mall Road
Mall Road runs 7 kilometers through central Shimla. You can stroll past Victorian lamp posts and stop at Tudor buildings housing local cafes and shops. The road leads to Scandal Point, named after an 1892 incident when the Maharaja of Patiala allegedly eloped with a British lady.
Religious Sites
Climb to Jakhu Temple at 2,455 meters, Shimla's highest point. The path to this Hanuman temple includes 365 steps - watch for the resident monkeys who will try to grab any food or shiny objects. At Kali Bari temple (built 1845), you can join morning prayers or observe evening ceremonies. For mountain views, take an hour's drive to Tara Devi temple, set on an isolated hill 11 kilometers from the city.
Colonial Architecture
The 1888 Viceregal Lodge dominates Observatory Hill with grey stone walls and Scottish baronial towers. Take a guided tour to see the partition room where British and Indian leaders discussed independence. At Gaiety Theatre on Mall Road, you can still sit in original Victorian seats from 1887. Christ Church's neo-gothic design includes five stained glass windows depicting Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, and Patience.
Getting Around and Transportation
The Kalka-Shimla railway (completed 1903) winds through 103 tunnels and across 800 bridges - book tickets at least one day ahead. Buses run every two hours from Chandigarh (4 hours) and Delhi (8 hours) to Shimla's bus terminal. Within Shimla, walk in the central area or take taxis in outer zones. Bring comfortable shoes - the steep streets require good stamina.
Food and Markets
Try Himachali specialties like dham (a multi-course meal with red kidney beans, rice, and yogurt-based curries) and siddu (wheat bread stuffed with poppy seeds). Head to Lower Bazaar for street food stalls selling samosas and jalebi sweets. Browse wooden crafts and winter clothing at Lakkar Bazaar, or find local wool shawls and handicrafts along Mall Road's shops.
