Shimla Travel Guide

Shimla hill station also called Queen of the hills is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It was also the summer capital of British in India as its climate resembled the climate of London. Shimla is famous for it picturesque views and buildings of British era offering a unique experience for the visitors. The cool environment and scenic Himalayan ranges along with the structures made during the British era make Shimla a unique hill station. Shimla derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, and is a perfect heaven for the ones in search of tranquillity.

Shimla can be best seen on foot. The different walking trails lined with tall pine and deodar trees offer a spectacular view around as you move forward in the serene and sober climate.

Location of Shimla

Shimla is at an altitude of 2159 m above sea level and is located towards the southern part of Himachal Pradesh and easily accessible from the northern plains with the nearest broad gauge station at Kalka just 90 kilometers south of Shimla. Shimla is spread over a 12 KM ridge.

The famous mall runs from the far west to the lower eastern side of Shimla on top of this ridge and the card road (main highway) encircles the Shimla town below this. On this is the Shimla bus stand, parking lots and Railway

The crescent of the Shimla Ridge stretches from the famous 2476 m high Jakhoo Hill having the Jahkoo Hanuman temple and Chhota Shimla in the east, to the Observatory (2,148 m) and Prospect hills (2,176 m) in the west where the Shimla museum is located

Shimla Weather

Being located on a higher altitude compared to northern plains the temperature range is not very high and the average maximum temperature hovers around 25°C during summers. Winters are colder and there is snowfall in Dec Jan and Feb months. See: Snowfall pictures of Sunrise Villa. The temperature sometimes goes beyond 0 degrees Celsius also. July and August months are the rainy season months with nature at its best with fog and clouds below you as if you are riding on the clouds. See: Shimla in Monsoon Season