Shimla Tour Package

About this tour

Shimla, a picturesque city in Himachal Pradesh, India, is the state’s summer capital. Located at about 7,100 feet in the Himalayan foothills, it lies northeast of Chandigarh. Popular for honeymooners and holidaymakers, Shimla offers a cosy and beautiful setting with distinct seasons. Winter brings snowfall from December to mid-February, while summer, with temperatures reaching 30°C, spans from April to June. Monsoons occur from July to September, bringing around 300mm of rainfall. Shimla caters to snow enthusiasts, summer seekers, and monsoon lovers alike.

Major tourist attractions in Shimla

Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Gardens: The Viceregal Lodge, now known as the IIAS (Indian Institute of Advanced Studies), is a historical and architectural gem with beautiful colonial features and lush green lawns. This over 100-year-old heritage structure, formerly the summer capital of India, is renowned for its Indo-British architecture and extensive library. Visitors can choose between a ₹30 ticket for access to the park or a ₹100 ticket, which includes a guided interior tour showcasing old photographs and the building’s intricate wooden design. The guided tours are conducted every 30 minutes and are limited to around 20 people per batch. Photography inside is prohibited, but visitors can take photos outside. The site also features a small café, a bookshop, and a plant nursery selling plants starting at ₹50 each. 

The Ridge: The Ridge in Shimla is a central, expansive open space offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains and lush greenery. It blends natural beauty with historical charm, featuring colonial-era architecture like the Christ Church and Gaiety Theater. The Ridge is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Shimla Summer Festival and New Year celebrations. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, explore local markets, and savour regional cuisine from nearby cafes and restaurants. Its lively atmosphere, coupled with the serene backdrop of the Himalayas, makes The Ridge a quintessential experience in Shimla.
Mall Road: Mall Road in Shimla is a bustling commercial hub and a key attraction in the hill station. Lined with various shops, restaurants, banks, and tourist offices, it offers a vibrant mix of local woollen, handcrafted items, wooden furniture, and antiques. The pedestrian-friendly street, with no vehicles allowed except for emergencies, is ideal for strolls, dining at diverse cafes, and enjoying the scenic views. Nearby attractions include the Ridge, Scandal Point, and the Kali Bari Temple. Mall Road’s lively atmosphere, combined with its shopping and dining options, makes it a central spot for visitors to experience Shimla’s charm.

Jakhu Temple Hill: Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is an important pilgrimage destination with rich connections to the Ramayana. According to legend, Hanuman rested at Jakhoo Hill while searching for the Sanjivani herb to revive Lakshmana, leading to the temple’s revered status. The temple is renowned for its stunning 33-meter (108 feet) statue of Hanuman. Visitors can reach the temple by a scenic cable car ride or a steep, picturesque trek from the base of the hill near Christ Church. The lush, green paths and serene environment make Jakhoo Temple a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Kufri: Kufri, a picturesque hill station 20 km from Shimla, is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Established by the British in 1819, it’s a popular spot for summer retreats and winter sports, including skiing and tobogganing. Kufri features an annual winter sports festival, Kufri Fun World amusement park, and stunning views from its high altitude of 2,720 meters. It’s a year-round destination, incredibly trendy during snowfall from November to March.
Chadwick Falls: Chadwick Falls, located near Shimla at an altitude of 1586 meters, is a serene and picturesque destination ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The falls cascade from a height of about 1500 meters, offering a soothing retreat from city life. The site is accessible via a short, scenic trek through a verdant forest, making it a pleasant outing, though the path can be slippery during the monsoon. Chadwick Falls, named initially “Chidku Jhaar” by locals due to the belief that only sparrows could reach its top, was renamed by the British as “Chadwick.” The falls are a popular spot for relaxation, picnics, and photography, with facilities managed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. Although the waterfall’s flow diminishes in winter, it remains a charming, easily accessible attraction for visitors seeking a peaceful, natural escape.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study: The IIAS (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) in Shimla, established in 1964, is housed in the historic Viceregal Lodge, built initially for Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India from 1884–1888. Designed by Henry Irwin in an Indo-Gothic style, the building is notable for the advanced features of its time, such as early electricity and sophisticated firefighting mechanisms. It was a significant site during the Indian independence movement, hosting the Simla Conference in 1945 and pivotal discussions on the partition of India in 1947. Today, IIAS is a renowned research institute surrounded by lush pine forests, offering a picturesque environment. Visitors can explore the building’s Victorian architecture, including its grand staircase, library, and historical artefacts. Situated 3 kilometres from Mall Road, the institute charges a modest entry fee and is a favoured destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. It is also recognised as a prominent filming location for Bollywood.

Christ Church: Christ Church in Shimla, built in 1857, is an iconic example of neo-Gothic architecture and the second oldest church in North India. The church is renowned for its tall spires, stained glass windows depicting Christian virtues, and large pipe organ, the largest in the Indian subcontinent. Its tranquil ambience and historical importance establish it as a critical landmark and a serene escape from Shimla’s lively surroundings. Visitors can explore its beautiful design and rich colonial heritage and enjoy the tranquillity it offers. The church, easily accessible and illuminated at night, remains a significant tourist attraction and a symbol of Shimla’s cultural and religious history.

St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral: St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Shimla is a beautiful and historically significant Gothic-style cathedral in the city’s heart. It was built in the 19th century and features stunning spires, intricate stained-glass windows, and carved stone walls. Despite its rich history, including being a former cathedral and its connection to Lahore, the church currently shows signs of structural wear. The serene setting, enhanced by lush greenery and scenic views, provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The church offers daily Mass, with timings varying between summer and winter, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Nearby, the vibrant Mall Road provides shopping and dining options, making it a great place to visit with family and friends.

Annadale Ground: Annadale, also spelt Annandale, is a locality in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, that attracts tourists with its spectacular natural beauty. This flat valley bottom includes a helipad, a golf course, and an Army Heritage Museum. The region was first documented in 1834, and its name draws inspiration from the Annandale Valley in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Impressed by the site’s scenic charm, British officers protected it from intrusive structures. Annadale was a centre for Anglo-Indian recreational activities, including cricket, polo, and cultural festivals. Visitors can explore the well-maintained cacti house, enjoy the golf course, and learn about the area’s military history at the museum. HRTC share cabs are available from Mall Road, near the BSNL office, for budget travellers.

Lakkar Bazaar: Lakkar Bazar, or Lakkar Bazaar, is a vibrant marketplace adjacent to The Ridge in Shimla, India, renowned for its wooden crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can explore beautifully crafted wooden items like walking sticks, key chains, candle stands, Himachali handicrafts, woollen garments, and Kullu shawls. The market also provides a cultural experience with traditional Himachali food. The name “Lakkar” reflects its historical origins from local Sikh carpenters who settled in Shimla and continued crafting wooden products. Lakkar Bazar is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm.

Tara Devi Temple: Tara Devi Temple, located 15 km west of Shimla near Shoghi on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway, is a prominent religious site dedicated to Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The temple, rebuilt at a cost of over INR 6 crore due to weathered wood, features Pahari-style architecture with intricate wooden carvings and the use of gold and silver. Established over 2.5 centuries ago with an idol brought from Bengal, the temple holds significant historical and spiritual value. It attracts tourists and devotees alike with its peaceful ambience, scenic beauty, and community events such as Langar on Sundays and Tuesdays.

Kufri Fun World: Kufri, situated in the picturesque Shimla hills, is a premier tourist destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse adventure activities. The area offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush greenery, and crisp mountain air, making it a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Highlights include magical horse rides through scenic trails, which provide a unique way to experience the tranquillity of the surroundings. Kufri Fun World enhances the experience with attractions such as Yak riding, ziplining, and other adventure activities. The region’s clean air, beautiful landscapes, and options for camping, trekking, paragliding, and more ensure an unforgettable visit. Accessible via taxi from Shimla, Kufri is ideal for exploring year-round, with its charm evident in both rainy and winter seasons.

Kali Bari Temple: Kali Bari Temple, located on Bantony Hill in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is a historic and serene religious site dedicated to Goddess Kali, also revered as Shyamala. Initially constructed in 1823 by Bengali Brahmin Ram Charan Brahmachari near Jakhoo Hill, the British later relocated the temple to its current hilltop location, offering panoramic views of Shimla and the surrounding Himalayan range. Inspired by the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, the temple’s design features distinctive Hindu-style architecture and a blue wooden idol of the goddess. Visitors can experience spiritual solace, enjoy the breathtaking vistas, and partake in seasonal events like Navratri and Durga Pujo. The temple is accessible by foot, and while it can be crowded during peak times, it remains a significant and picturesque destination for devotees and tourists.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex: The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla, initially designed by Henry Irwin and inaugurated in 1887, stands as a historic and cultural landmark from the British Raj era. Once a vibrant centre for theatrical performances and notable personalities like Prithviraj Kapoor and KL Saigal, the complex has been recently restored and now hosts various cultural events, including theatre, magic shows, and exhibitions. Located on The Ridge, it features Gothic-style architecture and offers a glimpse into the British colonial past. The complex, which includes an art gallery, museum, and multi-purpose hall, is a key attraction for visitors interested in Shimla’s cultural heritage. Entry fees are modest, with different rates for Indian and foreign nationals and additional charges for photography.

How to reach Shimla? 

By Road: Shimla is connected to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The closest major city is Chandigarh, which takes up to 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach. Shimla can be reached easily by road from Chandigarh. One could book a cab or bus from Chandigarh; tourists mostly prefer buses as the drivers are very experienced, and the seating is comfortable.

By Train: Take a train to Chandigarh Railway Station. From Chandigarh, you can travel to Shimla by road, either by bus or taxi. The journey is approximately 120 kilometres and typically takes 3 to 4 hours by road.

By Air: The closest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti (Shimla Airport), which is 25 km away from the central city and connected to towns like Kullu and Delhi. However, it is not functional throughout the year, so it’s better to take a flight to Chandigarh airport and then reach Shimla by road.

What is the best time to visit Shimla?

Summer (March to June): The peak tourist season is characterised by pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 29°C.

Monsoon (July to September): Shimla experiences moderate to heavy rainfall during this period. While the lush greenery is appealing, the monsoon season can lead to landslides and roadblocks, making travel challenging. If you prefer fewer crowds, it’s a quieter time to visit.

Autumn (October to November): This is another excellent time to visit, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures and occasional snowfall turn Shimla into a wonderland. If you enjoy snow activities like skiing, this is the right time to visit.