Not so far from Delhi-NCR, Shimla is a tourist’s favorite hill station in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. Its distance from the capital city is just 340 km, via Delhi-Chandigarh highway (NH44) connected to Kalka expressway (NH5).
City got its name from Shyamala Mata, incarnation of doyenne of goddesses, Maa Kali. Kaali Bari temple, located near the Ridge, has been consecrated to Shyamala Mata, where people come to pray and worship the goddess.
Shimla was summer capital of British. It was made so due to its favorable climate unlike the hot northern plains of India in summers.
Due to erstwhile British domineer, Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture could be observed in the city. Viceregal Lodge, the Christ Church, Gorton castle and Auckland house are few from many buildings representing the influence of colonial era.
Confluence of climate, architectural heritage, cultural richness, enthralling sightseeing and availability of all modern amenities makes Shimla an attractive tourist’s destination, not just in summers, but all year around.
South Asia’s only natural ice-skating rink is in the city, which is managed by the Shimla ice skating club. The club organizes a carnival every year inviting people to take part in the fancy dress competition and in other fun-filled activities.
Apart from Kali Bari temple, Jhakoo temple and Sankat Mochan temple, consecrated to Lord Hanuman, are also revered immensely by people. Thus, these are popular among the tourists visiting the city. Both temples have many monkeys on their way, regarded as messengers of BajrangBali. People usually feed them bananas and other treats, which has spoiled them. And they sometimes act as menace, snatching stuffs from visitors at the temples.
In winters, temperature drops below zero, and city observes heavy snowfall. It covers the city in a veil of snow, proliferating the beauty, which lures many tourists to Shimla.
Moreover, Kufri, which is very near to Shimla attracts tourists in winters to indulge in skiing and other winter sports.
Similar, to Kufri, Chail, Mashobra and Naldera are equally enticing places to visit near Shimla.
Summer (March to June): 22 ͦC to 35 ͦC
Winters (November to February): 5 ͦC to 10 ͦC
Monsoon (July to September): 15 ͦC to 20 ͦC
By Air: Shimla airport is in Jubarbhatti is around 23 km away from Shimla town. Hired taxi can come there to pick you. You can also board the taxi from Delhi and Chandigarh Airport.
By Train: You can board a train to Kalka from Delhi. And from there another train to Shimla. Pick up will be provided from that railway station. Hired taxi can pick from Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala or Kalka railway stations too.
Anytime is the best time to visit Shimla.