Shimla Hill Station – Explore The Summer Capital Of India

Posted on Friday, September 15th, 2023 by Heena Ganotra Leave a Comment

Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains and a temperate climate, Shimla Hill Station attracts tourists to enjoy its cool weather and lush greenery. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, it is one of the many fascinating tourist destinations in India that offer a thrilling experience to its visitors. 

From the beautiful valley around to the wonderful forest with scenic views, this place offers a beautiful sight to the eyes. It is also famous for Neo-Gothic and Tudorbethan architecture as well as many temples and churches located nearby.

Shimla has steep mountainsides with forested slopes falling away below and mountain views above. Its sprawling valleys are filled with picturesque sights – lush green forest, cool blue lakes, and serene snowy mountain ranges! Popularly known as ‘Queen of Hill’ in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla hill station is a popular hill station in India to get away from heat waves!

History of Shimla Hill Station

The hill station was known as Simla before, derived from the goddess ‘Shayamala Devi’, another form of Goddess Kali. Shimla hill station not only has nature’s blessings but also history’s fame for being the former summer capital during British rule in 1864. After independence, this beautiful hill station in India became the capital of Punjab and was later declared the capital of Himachal Pradesh in 1966. Apart from being famous for its Himalayan landscape, Shimla is also the most important reason for the increase in tourism in India.

Best Time To Visit Shimla Hill Station

The best time to visit Shimla depends on when you want to experience the best weather conditions. The climate here can be foggy in the winter months and cool during the monsoon season. Thus, you must book Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages based on the activities you want to indulge in during the trip. 

Shimla Hill Station Weather And Climate

Season	Min/Max Temperature	Travel Season
Spring-Summer, Warm	16°C to 28°C	April to June
Monsoon, Heavy rainfall	13°C to 20°C	July to October
Winter and Snowfall	-7°C to 4°C	November to January

• Winter Season: The winter season begins in November and lasts until March. Along with winter, cold chill is also there but people enjoy it as they get to do winter activities like ice skating, skiing, etc. In winter, Shimla becomes a hub for tourists who come here to experience snowfall or sledge on the hillsides.
• Monsoon Season: July to September is a season of rain and dense humidity. It’s almost impossible to go outside because of rain everywhere, but if you get the chance, it’s such an amazing experience! The hillsides are green and shiny from the rain, and the trees look like they’re made out of the glass with all that water on them.
• Summer Season: The summer season is a beautiful time of year and perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The summer season is the best time to visit this beautiful hill station. The summer months are from April to June, and during these months many festivals take place in Shimla.

How To Reach Shimla Hill Station?

The summer capital of India is located in the Himalayan mountains and can be reached by air, rail, or road. How you go about it will depend on where you’re starting from and how much time you have at your disposal.

• By Train: The nearest railway station is just 1 km away from the hill station and is connected to Kalka by a narrow-gauge rail track. 
• By Road: If you are travelling from another part of the country, you can take a bus or a cab/taxi from Chandigarh via Shimla round and NH 5. Visiting Shimla Hill Station by road is a completely different experience from the usual. You will find yourself lost in awe as you gaze at the picturesque mountains sprinkled with pine trees on either side of the road.
• By Air: Chandigarh airport is the nearest airport if you want to reach Shimla hill station by air. As there are regular flights from Delhi to Chandigarh as well as many domestic or international flights operate to all other major cities.
• Airport: Chandigarh International Airport 
• Address: New Civil Air Terminal Chandigarh International Airport, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140306

Distance Between Shimla Hill Station and Major Cities

City	Distance	Time via Road	Time via Flight (from Chandigarh)
Mumbai	1,753.4 km	32 hr	2h 25m
New Delhi	363.5 km	8 hr 16 min	02 h 40 m
Bangalore	2,508.8 km	44 hr	03 h 10 m
Hyderabad	1,917.5 km	35 hr	02 h 35 m
Ahmedabad	1,264.8 km	23 hr 44 min	01 h 50 m
Chennai	2,541.0 km	46 hr	03 h 05 m
Kolkata	1,880.2 km	34 hr	2h 25m
Pune	1,801.3 km	34 hr	2h 20m
Jaipur	611.1 km	11 hr 54 min	1h 35m
Lucknow	898.1 km	14 hr 58 min	1h 25m
Indore	1,209.9 km	23 hr 1 min	01 h 50 m
Visakhapatnam	2,102.7 km	42 hr	7h 10m 1 Stop
Mangalore	2,630.4 km	49 hr	8h 40m 1 Stop
Udaipur	1,000.4 km	18 hr 37 min	4h 10m 1 stop

Seven Hills In Shimla

Shimla is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh with dense forests that offer lush green valleys and scenic beauty to its visitors. The summer capital of India has many hill stations lapping in nature and is surrounded by pine forests and deodar trees represent the true beauty of nature.

Jakhu Hill

Jakhu Hill is the first and highest hill station in Himachal Pradesh at 8048 feet above sea level with a distance of 1.5 km from Shimla Hill Station. The mountain has a lot of Alpine trees and monkeys, which are very mischievous. The hill is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman known as Jakhoo Temple and its statue on its premises. The view from Jakhoo Hill is truly breathtaking with the Himalayas for miles around you.

Bantony Hill

Bantony Hill is a place of natural beauty and historical importance at a distance of only 400.0 meters from Shimla Hill Station. The name Bantony Point was given after Lord Bantony who built this castle as his summer residence. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting an ever-increasing number of tourists.

Inverarm Hill

Inverarm Hill is situated at a distance of 5.6 km from Shimla Hill Station. Inverarm is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is surrounded by green forest and has been home to many people around. The Himachal State Museum is located in the main building on top of this hill. This hill station with a height of 2445 feet has pristine nature and offers panoramic views to the tourists.

Observatory Hill

The observatory hill is located at a distance of 3.2 km from Shimla hill station which is 7050 feet above sea level. Above this is a research institute located at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. The immaculate structure located here represents a wonderful sight for the number of tourists visiting this place.

Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill is located in western Shimla at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. There is a temple of Kamna Devi on top of the hill which is an important place for Hinduism. It is an extraordinary place dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi situated at a distance of 4.3 km from Shimla Hill Station.

Summer Hill

Summer Hill is situated at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level at a distance of 5.6 km from Shimla Hill Station in the west. On top of this is the campus of Himachal Pradesh University and it is a pleasant location on the Kalka-Shimla railroad which offers stunning views of the Snowy Mountains. Summer Hill is the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed in the exquisite Georgian House of Princess Amrit Kaur.

Elysium Hill

Elysium Hill is the seventh hill of Shimla which is situated at a distance of 1.2 km from Shimla Hill Station in the North West. This hill is situated at an altitude of 7400 feet above sea level where Auckland House is located. This attractive site is for the promotion of Lakkar Bazar. In addition, one of the major suburbs of Shimla, Kaithu’s half of the Bukele area lies in the southern part of this hill.

Other Nearby Hill Stations 

Kufri Hills

Kufri Hill Station is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India within a distance of 15 km from Shimla. The perfect place to escape from the hot summer months, this green oasis has something for everyone.

Kiarighat Hills

If you are looking for some peace then Kiarighat Hill Station situated 22 km away from Shimla will be the best place for you. This amazing location is famous for its natural beauty and fresh mountain air, it’s no wonder that so many people come here every year.

Chail Hills 

It is a small hill station at a distance of 55 km from Shimla which offers natural beauty and serenity and is the most preferred destination among tourists. Chail Hill Station offers you to explore the beauty of Chail with its nature, rich history, and cultural diversity.

Fagu Hills 

It is a quaint hill station located just 20 km away from Shimla and offers a serene atmosphere to its visitors. This can be the best place for you for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Shoja Hills

Situated in the Banjar Valley, 60 km from Shimla hill station, this magnificent place is particularly known for its wood-carved temples and the beauty of the surroundings. Many travellers come here to see the beauty of Jibhi Waterfalls located at a distance of 1 km from this hill station.

Activities To Do In Shimla Hill Station

• Visit the Shimla Ridge. The best way to start your day at India’s most popular hill station would be to visit the ridge at 5 am when there is no one else around. 
• You can go trekking or simply spend time meditating at this serene location which overlooks other hills like Jakhu Hill and other temples nearby like Tara Devi temple, etc.
• Camp under the stars with your friends or family at one of Shimla’s many campsites.
• Chill Out at the Mall Road. The mall road is filled with fancy stores that sell imported and traditional goods such as designer clothes, accessories, and shoes!

Where To Eat In Shimla Hill Station?

1. Ashiana
2. Cafe Sol
3. Cecil Restaurant
4. Wake & Bake
5. Indian Coffee House
6. Café Simla Times
7. Himachali Rasoi
8. EBR Cafe
9. Guptajee S
10. Cafe Under Tree

Places to Visit In Shimla Hill Station

1. Chadwick Waterfall
2. The Mall Road
3. Himalayan Bird Park
4. Jakhoo Temple
5. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
6. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
7. Tara Devi Temple
8. Kali Bari
9. Dorje Drak Monastery
10. Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choeling Buddhist Monastery
11. St. Michael’s Cathedral and Christ Church
12. The Glen
13. Annandale
14. Lakkad Bazaar
15. Scandal Point
16. The Ridge
17. Kalka to Shimla Narrow Gauge Railway Station
18. Kufri 
19. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort

Hotels to Stay in Shimla Hill Station

1. Hotel Avalanche
2. Shimla Nature Ville
3. Royal Home Stay
4. Glen View Heritage Homestay
5. Shimla Havens Resort
6. Larisa Shimla
7. Hotel Willow Banks
8. The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
9. Snow Valley Resorts
10. Radisson Jass Shimla

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Shimla Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh known as the ‘Queen of Hills’?

Answer: Shimla hill town is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ as the hill station is on the top of seven hills spread in the North-Western Himalayas. Shimla hill station, also popular as the summer capital of India, has lush green valleys and green forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine as well as a place of many scenic spots.

Q: How many days of trip is enough for Shimla Hill Station?

Answer: A maximum of six days’ journey is enough to enjoy the natural beauty of Shimla Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh. Apart from this, you can enjoy snowy mountains and river rafting, paragliding, camping, etc. during your vacation.

Q: Is Shimla Hill Station the best location for a honeymoon?

Answer: Yes, Shimla Hill Station in Himachal Pradesh offers lovely and pleasant weather for honeymooners. The luxury hotels and their splendid climate make it one of the best places for couples in India.

Q: In which month of the year is paragliding possible at Shimla Hill Station?

Answer: Shimla hill station has a clear sky and pleasant climate in the months of March to June which is the best time to visit the place for paragliding.

Q: Which month is considered the coldest month of Shimla Hill Station?

Answer: January is considered the coldest month in Shimla Hill Station with an average high temperature of 11.2 °C (052.2 °F) and an average low temperature of -1.7 °C (28.9 °F).

Do you want to explore the beauty of India’s most beautiful destination or enjoy the cool climate of the Himalayas? Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is considered to be one of the best hill stations in India and offers a very beautiful view of the long forest which can be the best place to spend your vacation. Book your flights to Shimla for the most comfortable trip to Shimla. 

At Shipra Travels, we provide you with the most valuable holiday packages in India and promise to provide the best services. Contact us now at +91 800 023 5865 to know about our offers and discounts on your next trip to Shimla.