Shimla

शिमला

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a charming hill station nestled at 2,200 meters elevation with colonial architecture, pine forests, and panoramic mountain views. It's the cultural and administrative heart of the state with excellent connectivity, diverse dining and shopping, and serves as a gateway to other Himalayan destinations.

Things to do

• Walk the Mall Road — Stroll through Shimla's iconic pedestrian boulevard lined with colonial buildings, shops, and cafes offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Visit Christ Church — Explore one of the oldest churches in northern India, built in 1857 with distinctive neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
• Hike to Jakhoo Temple — Trek through pine forests to this ancient hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman at 2,455 meters, rewarded with 360-degree views of the valley.
• Ride the toy train from Kalka — Experience the UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge railway journey through 102 tunnels and 864 curves, a quintessential Himalayan adventure spanning 96 kilometers.
• Explore Viceregal Lodge — Tour the grand colonial mansion that once served as the summer residence of British viceroys, featuring stunning architecture and heritage gardens.
• Picnic at Kufri — Visit this scenic hill station 25 kilometers from Shimla for adventure activities like horse riding, skiing in winter, and panoramic Himalayan views.

Food to try

• Chikhalwali — A traditional Himachali dish of chickpea flour dough steamed in leaf wraps and served with local mustard oil, representing authentic hill station comfort food.
• Madra — A creamy yogurt-based curry with chickpeas or kidney beans tempered with mustard seeds and ginger, quintessentially Himachali and served with rice or bread.
• Kulfi from local vendors — Seek out traditional hand-churned Indian ice cream in flavors like pistachio and cardamom from street vendors along Mall Road, perfect for cooling down at altitude.
• Chutneys and pickles — Sample locally-made green chutney with raw turmeric and fiery local pickles (achar) that accompany most Himachali meals and are sold in market stalls.
• Mittha (sweet bread) — Try this traditional Shimla dessert made with flour, ghee, and jaggery, often baked in wood-fired ovens and sold fresh from local bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect temple customs at Jakhoo — Remove shoes before entering, and be cautious of monkeys who may snatch loose items; feeding them is discouraged as it encourages aggressive behavior.
• Dress in layers year-round — At 2,200 meters elevation, mornings and evenings are cool even in summer, and unexpected weather changes are common in the Himalayas.
• Greet elders with respect — A gentle 'Namaste' with palms together is appreciated, and taking permission before photographing people in markets or temples shows cultural sensitivity.
• Plan for altitude adjustment — Some visitors experience mild altitude effects; drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals on arrival day, and pace yourself during the first 24 hours.