With abundant natural bounty and picture perfect scenarios Shimal stands at the centre of all famous hill stations in India. It was discovered and nurtured by the British who were so much in love with it that they declared Shimla as their summer capital during 1864–1939. Today it is the capital city of Haimachal Pradesh. Situated at the height of 2,205 Shimal is a hill-station amidst shadowy grove of oak, pine, birch and deodar.

Kalka is the nearest rail-station. From there Toy-trains run for Shimla. It’s a truly exciting journey of 5 hours passing through 103 tunnels. The service of Shibalik Express is the best. The timing of this luxurious train is in sync with the timing of Kalka Mail. Traveling by car takes three to three and half hours time.

Shimla can be visited anytime in the year.

Hotel Mahamaya Regency
Tel: (0177) 2802676
Rent: Double-bedroom costs Rs. 700–1,200/- per day.

Shimla Kalibari
Tel: 0981627053, (0177) 2652964
Rent: Four-bedroom costs Rs. 110/- per day.

Peterhoff
Tel: (0177) 2812236
Rent: Double-bedroom costs Rs. 1,500–4,000/- per day.

Hotel Amber
Rambazar (Opposite UCO Bank)
Tel: (0177) 2654774, 2654994
Rent: Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 550–1,000/-; suite Rs. 1,100–1,400/-. During the off season from July to September 20% discount is offered on room-rents.

Hotel Dalgel
Tel: (0177) 2806725, 2652692
Rent: Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 500–900/-; suite is Rs. 900/-; deluxe double-bedroom costs Rs. 1,080–1,380/-.
30% discount is offered in off season.

Hotel Pine View
Myth Estate
Tel: (0177) 2658604, 2657045, 2652901
Rent: Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 650–1,300/-; double-bedroom deluxe costs Rs. 1,550/-; suite is Rs. 1,650-2,400/-.
20–30% discount is offered in off season.

Hotel Victory
Circular Road
Tel: (0177) 2652600, 2653200, 2656600
Rent: Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 1,000–2,500/-.
20–30% discount is offered in off season.

Moon Palace
Mall
Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 600–950/-
30% discount is offered in off season.

Hotel Harsh
Mall
Double-bedroom non-AC costs Rs. 1,200–1,550/-; suite Rs. 3,000/-.
In the period 5 July–30 September and 1–20 December 40% discount is offered.

Shimla City

Arranged and decorated following British architecture and gothic style Shimla takes us back to the old days of British Raj. The city mall has three layers each connected to the other with a lift. Traffic is prohibited in the upper mall. Leaving the vehicles at the bus-stand near Cart Road upper mall is reached on a lift. Walking through the hustle bustle of the illuminated shops full of fanciful luxurious items, aristocratic restaurants and British sculptures elegantly placed by the side of the road, is a unique experience.

Other places to visit in the city are Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, Shimla Kalibari, Choura Maidan, State Museum, Institute of advance Studies, Glen and Anandel Racecourse.

Other Nearby Destinations

Chadweek Waterfalls
Sankatmochan Temple
Chail
Kufri
Taptapani
Naldera
Pabbar valley
Rohru
Hatkoti

Beware of brokers at Shimla station or bus stand.

There is only one waiting room for AC, First Class, Slipper Class passengers in Kalka station with separate arrangement for men and women.

Arranging a car on per day basis tourists can make a small trip to Saharan, and Sangla and Kalpa of Kinnar from Shimla. For booking of cars contact

Himachal Pradesh Helpline Tourism
(On Shimla Mall)
10, The Mall (Opposite ICICI Bank)
Shimla
Tel: (0) 9218526770

Rent: Tata Sumo costs Rs. 1,700–1,800/- per day and small cars cost Rs. 1,300–1,400/- per day.