A City on top of a Mountain
The summer capital of the British and now a popular holiday destination, the town is famous for The Mall and a number of colonial buildings.
The hill station became popular to get away from the heat and to convalesce and when government officials and their families started to arrive the town was known for society balls and parties.
Today building has gone mad with many structures hanging onto the side of the mountains and many losing their grip, landslides are a big problem. Much of the town is a blot on the landscape and traffic is terrible. Getting away from the town the scenery is outstanding.
How to get there and Transportation
By Air - although Shimla has an airport it is best to fly into Chandigarh which has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu.
Private taxis can be arranged but for safety book this through your hotel or ages
By Bus - highly dangerous, lots go over the edges.
By Train - Kalka-Shimla Railway is a scenic and slow way to travel to and from Shimla
Getting around
Taxi - available
Hotel transport is advised.
Best time to Visit
March to June - tourist season
July to September - heavy rainfall and land slides
October to February - winter so popular if you are looking for snow.
Where to stay
Oberoi Cecil - in town
Wildflower Hall - Luxury hotel set in beautifully gardens out of town
Read More about Wildflower Hall
What to See
The Mall, the Ridge and Christ Church - colonial street
Rashtrapati Niwas - tour of a colonial building
Kari Bari Temple - built 1845
Where to report animal cruelty in Shimla
Restaurants
The Restaurant - fine dining - Oberoi Cecil
Shimla Book Club - snacks - Ridge, Takka Bench
Dimsum - chinese cuisine - Middle Bazar
Wake and Bake Cafe - english breakfast, pizzas, sandwiches - The Mall
Cafe Simla Time - pizza, burgers, sandwiches, wraps - The Mall near the lift
Shopping
Nothing to shout about, just walk The Mall and Middle Bazar for any tourist trinkets.
Himcraft - hand crafts on Mall Road
Very good shop at Wildflower Hall
Conclusion
A very enjoyable stay at a lovely hotel but a long journey to get there and not an awful lot to see so glad it is ticked off the list but I would not return
Shimla Tourist Board
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