Queen of hill station - Shimla

Situated at the base of lower Himalayas, Shimla is like a living, breathing destination. The present capital of Himachal Pradesh and the former summer capital of the colonial India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence.

Every year, Shimla beckons lakhs of tourists to its fantastical world of colonial architecture and beautiful hills. No matter how long you stay, you just be assured you will be getting a memorable stay. But before you embark on your (next) trip to the hill station, here are some interesting facts about Shimla hardly known to many.

When traveling over land there are three main ways of doing so , a flight, a train ride, or driving yourself. Major ways to reach Shimla.

Toy Train Kalka-Shimla

Of the various attractions in Shimla, the most sought after and mesmerizing is the Kalka Shimla toy train. There are very few experiences in India that can come close to the beautiful toy train ride on Kalka-Shimla route. Him Darshan Express, Rail motor, Shivalik Deluxe, Kalka Shimla Express, Himalayan Queen.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here. Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Some of the most remarkable ones among those are the Institute of Advance Learning, Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church. You can spend an evening shopping from the Mall Road and enjoying some interesting cultural activities on the Ridge. Splendid views of the city can be enjoyed and captured in your camera from the Ridge after sunset. Shimla also has also some interesting places in store for wildlife lovers. Himalayan Bird Park is a delight for wildlife lovers, exhibiting some exotic and native unique bird species. Another great option for nature lovers and photographers in Shimla is Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Shimla looks beautiful during all the seasons and can be visited during any time of the year. However, if you are interested in indulging in activities like camping, trekking and rafting in Shimla, the best time to visit is between March to June when the climate is pleasant. Most tourists visit Shimla during summer to find refuge in the cold hills of Shimla. But, visiting Shimla during winters is altogether a different experience. It is an ideal destination to spend a cold, lazy vacation at. If you get lucky, you may get to witness snowfall here between December to February, which is an experience, the memories of which you will always want to keep intact.

Shimla is feasibly, the most visited winter destination in India. In winter months, especially December and January, the chances of snowfall are high. This is why in winter too, Shimla attracts tourists like always.

Whether you're looking for modern, cafe-style food or a more traditional, local fare, Shimla will definitely spoil you for choice. One can find a delightful mix of charming old eateries and hip, Instagram-worthy joints. There's something for every kind of traveller. Here are the best cafes in Shimla, especially when you're on a budget.