Shimla

Shimla spreads along a series of forested ridges at around 2,200 metres, and for more than a century it has been the first hill station many Indian families ever visit. The British made it their summer capital, and you still see that history everywhere: the yellow Christ Church on the Ridge, the mock-Tudor buildings along Mall Road, and the grand stone Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill.

What makes Shimla easy for first-timers is that the centre is compact and largely free of traffic. Mall Road and the Ridge are pedestrian zones, so evenings are spent strolling, snacking and watching the lights come on across the valley. Lower down, the crowded lanes of Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar are good for woollens and wooden souvenirs.

Beyond the town, the hills open up quickly. Kufri offers pony rides, snow play in winter and wide Himalayan views; Mashobra and Naldehra are quieter, with apple orchards and deodar forests; and Chail, a little further away, has a former royal palace and a cricket ground set high on a hilltop. Many travellers arrive or leave on the narrow-gauge Kalka–Shimla railway, a UNESCO World Heritage line that winds through more than a hundred tunnels.

Shimla works well as a three-night stay on its own, or as the first stop on a longer circuit. A popular plan is to combine it with Manali on a Shimla–Manali tour, or with Kinnaur and Spiti for those heading further into the mountains. If you are unsure which hill station suits your family better, our guide Shimla vs Manali compares the two honestly.

Expect crowds and slow traffic on long weekends and in May–June, when schools in the plains are closed. Booking hotels and cabs early makes a real difference, and we are happy to suggest stays that match your budget and the pace you prefer.

Summer (March–June): The most popular season. Days are pleasant, usually somewhere between mild and warm, and nights stay cool. May and June bring the biggest crowds, so book early.

Monsoon (July–September): The hills turn deep green, but heavy rain can cause landslides on the approach roads and views are often hidden by cloud. Hotels are quieter. Travel is possible with flexible plans.

Autumn (October–November): Clear skies, crisp air and some of the best mountain views of the year. A lovely time for couples and families who want calm sightseeing.

Winter (December–February): Cold, with snowfall most likely between late December and February, although it is never guaranteed. Kufri and Narkanda are usually the best bets for snow. Roads can close briefly after heavy snowfall, and you will need proper warm clothing.

By air: Shimla has a small airport at Jubbarhatti, around 22 km from town, with limited flights. Most travellers fly into Chandigarh, around 115 km away, which has good connections from Pune and Mumbai, and then drive up in roughly 3.5–4 hours. We arrange Chandigarh to Shimla taxis and airport pick-ups.

By train: Kalka is the broad-gauge railhead. From there, the toy train climbs to Shimla in about 5–6 hours, or a cab takes roughly 3 hours. Travellers from Maharashtra often take a train to Delhi and then an overnight or morning train to Kalka or Chandigarh. See our Kalka station transfer.

By road: Shimla is around 350 km from Delhi, roughly 8–9 hours by car, with overnight Volvo buses also available. A Delhi to Shimla taxi is the most comfortable option for families.