About Shimla

Shimla or Simla is one of the most famous and well-known hill stations of India. The capital of Indian State of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla was the official summer capital of British India for well over a century. This eternally charming hill station which is named after Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Kali, attracts tourists from not only all nooks and corners of the country but from all over the world as well.

Located at an altitude of 7,238 ft., with a total area of 25 sq km, Shimla offers a majestic view of the Himalayas as well as the nature in all its pristine glory. This captivating hill station came into existence with the end of Gurkha Wars in 1815-16.

Its cool climate and vast natural beauty had long attracted visitors from other European countries who started settling here in droves. However, it was in year 1864 when Shimla was formally declared as the summer capital of British India by then Viceroy, John Lawrence.

The British Empire has long gone but its strong imprint can still be felt in the architecture and ambience of this stunningly beautiful hill station. Easy accessibility to it and hosts of tourist attraction and sight-seeing avenues has made it one of India’s most well-known and popular hill stations.

In fact, there is hard to find any other hill station in India that seamlessly combines history with vast expanse of natural wonders. Surrounded by pine, deodar and oak forests, Shimla with its snow-capped mountains, lush green forest and stunningly beautiful lakes is one dream tourist destination that will never cease to take your breath away. Shimla has something or other to offer to the visitors the year around.

Summers are cool and pleasant whereas winters can be extremely cold. In fact, gently falling snow and the chance for ice skating it offers is one of the major draws of Shimla in winter. Apart from its natural beauty, Shimla also offers a variety of shopping destinations, historical museums, resorts and a plethora of majestic architecture that serves as important legacy of British India.

Shimla Travel Guide

Shimla has a lot of important places to visit. Some of the important tourist destinations in Shimla include Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum, Jakhoo Temple, Mall Road, etc. You also must not forget to take a ride in Kalka-Simla toy train. Shimla also serves as excellent base for trekking, skiing and rafting in surrounding hills. The alluring hill station also serves as a host to a series of festivals, cultural events, activities, etc.

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