Shimla Trip
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Enchanting Shimla: A picturesque retreat in the Indian Himalayas
Shimla, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. This charming city boasts an array of attractions, including serene temples, lush forests, picturesque golf courses, and majestic mountains. The city's university adds a vibrant and intellectual touch, while ice skating and roller skating offer exciting leisure activities. Shimla's breathtaking scenery, adorned with vibrant flowers, is perfect for leisurely strolls. For those seeking adventure, horseback riding is a popular choice. With its rich amenities and the best localities, Shimla promises a memorable trip for all.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in Shimla
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods that are perfect for a memorable holiday. Whether you are looking for serene temples, lush forests, picturesque golf courses, majestic mountains, renowned universities, thrilling ice skating and roller skating rinks, breathtaking scenery, colorful flowers, or adventurous horseback riding, Shimla has it all. Each area in Shimla has its unique geographic features and landmarks that will add to your holiday experience. Soak in the spirituality at the temples, explore the dense forests, challenge yourself with a round of golf, indulge in the beauty of the mountains, soak up the vibrant university atmosphere, enjoy thrilling winter sports, marvel at the scenic landscapes, or embark on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure. Shimla promises to offer you an array of local experiences that will make your holiday truly special.
- Knollswood: This area in Shimla is known for its serene temples, lush forests, beautiful golf courses, and stunning mountain views. It is also home to a renowned university and offers exciting activities like ice skating, roller skating, and horseback riding. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Knollswood while enjoying the scenic landscapes and colorful flowers.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Shimla
Shimla is a charming hill station that offers a variety of experiences and attractions for a cheap holiday:
- Mall Road: This bustling street is the heart of Shimla, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery and vibrant atmosphere.
- Jakhu Temple: Located on Jakhu Hill, this ancient temple offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Explore the temple and spot monkeys along the way.
- Christ Church: One of the oldest churches in North India, Christ Church is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the tree houses in Shimla. These accommodations offer a peaceful retreat amidst nature, allowing you to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Discover the flavours of Shimla
When it comes to local cuisine and unique dishes, Shimla offers a delightful dining experience. From traditional Himachali dishes to international flavours, you can find it all in this charming hill station. Whether you visit a local eatery or a high-end restaurant, the highlights of Shimla's cuisine include dishes like Chha Gosht (lamb cooked in yogurt and spices), Siddu (steamed bread stuffed with poppy seeds), Madra (chickpeas cooked in yogurt gravy), and Tudkiya Bhat (a flavourful rice dish with lentils and spices).
For those looking for a bar experience in Shimla, there are several options to choose from. Some popular bars in the city include Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, The Brew Estate, and Hide Out Cafe & Lounge. These establishments offer a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, along with a lively ambiance.
When it comes to top restaurants in Shimla, Cafe Sol is a must-visit. This European restaurant offers a range of delicious dishes including wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches. The Seventh Heaven is another popular choice, serving Asian cuisine with a focus on Chinese and Thai flavours. If you're in the mood for some authentic Punjabi food, Sher-e-Punjab is the place to be. With its rich flavours and hearty portions, it's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Best time to go to Shimla
Shimla boasts a year-around average temperature of 23.6°C, peaking at 32.0°C in June, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 13.1°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 71.5mm annually, with August seeing the heaviest showers and April being the driest month.
Month | Temperature (Celcius) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 13.1 | 42.9 |
| February | 15.6 | 19.0 |
| March | 20.3 | 18.0 |
| April | 26.6 | 0.0 |
| May | 30.8 | 11.9 |
| June | 32.0 | 52.8 |
| July | 30.4 | 228.1 |
| August | 29.4 | 286.0 |
| September | 27.8 | 134.1 |
| October | 24.0 | 43.9 |
| November | 18.9 | 9.9 |
| December | 14.8 | 10.9 |
Top reasons to visit Shimla
- Breathtaking landscapes: Shimla, located in Himachal Pradesh, offers stunning natural beauty with majestic mountains, lush forests, and vibrant flowers.
- Charming city: Shimla is a charming hill station with a bustling heart, Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Ancient temples: Explore the ancient Jakhu Temple located on Jakhu Hill, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Historic church: Visit the oldest church in North India, Christ Church, known for its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.
- Unique accommodations: Consider staying in one of Shimla's tree houses for a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
The Shimla info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Himachal Pradesh, India |
| Altitude | 2,205 meters (7,234 feet) |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June and September to November |
| Weather | Cool summers and cold winters, with snowfall in winter |
| Popular Attractions | The Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, Kufri, Chail, Shimla Heritage Museum |
| Activities | Trekking, skiing, ice skating, shopping, exploring colonial architecture |
| Famous Festivals | Summer Festival, Ice Skating Carnival, Christmas and New Year celebrations |
| Local Cuisine | Tudkiya Bhath, Chha Gosht, Madra, Bhey, Sidu, Babru |
| Transportation | By road, train, or air (Shimla Airport) |
Shimla Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2024
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2024
💰 How to find great deals on package in Shimla
- Combine your flights, hotels, and car rentals on the Expedia website to get great package deals for your trip to Shimla.
- Make sure to sign up for the Rewards program offered by Expedia to collect points and save money on future bookings.
- Use the helpful search filters on Expedia to find the perfect accommodation within your budget and preferences.
- Consider traveling during the off-peak season in Shimla, which is typically from July to September, for the best deals.
- Take advantage of the price limits filter on Expedia to find a holiday package that suits your budget.
- Whether you're looking for a family, romantic, or adventurous getaway, use the travel experience filter on Expedia to find the best holiday experience for you.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Shimla
Mall Road
During your visit to Shimla, you can enjoy retail therapy at Mall Road. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.
Christ Church
At this British-built place of worship, an Elizabethan façade with Indian flair conceals one of the oldest Christian churches in India.
Jakhu Temple
You can find out about the history of Shimla with a trip to Jakhu Temple. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.