India · City Guide
Shimla
Shimla is India's most celebrated hill station, the former summer capital of British India set among pine-forested Himalayan foothills at 2200 metres, combining extraordinary colonial architecture along the Mall Road and Ridge, the historic Kalka-Shimla toy train, the magnificent Viceregal Lodge and outstanding access to the wider Himachal Pradesh mountains. From the colonial-era Christ Church to the monkey-filled Jakhu Temple and the beautiful Mall promenade, Shimla offers a fascinating combination of British heritage and Himalayan scenery.
Elect's take
"Shimla has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in India — the architecture is unmistakably British, the cool mountain air is a relief from the plains and the toy train journey up from Kalka is one of the most charming railway experiences in the country."
The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, climbs through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges on its narrow gauge route through pine forests and terraced hillsides, providing one of the most charming train journeys in India. The Mall Road and the Ridge form the heart of colonial Shimla, a pedestrianised promenade of Tudor-style buildings, churches and shops with extraordinary mountain views. The Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy where the partition of India was discussed, is a magnificent Jacobean-style building with beautiful gardens. Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, sits at the highest point above the town and is home to a large population of macaques. Kufri, approximately 16 kilometres away, provides outstanding mountain views and winter activities.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Kalka-Shimla Railway
A UNESCO World Heritage narrow gauge railway through 102 tunnels and 800 bridges.
Mall Road & The Ridge
A beautiful colonial promenade of Tudor-style buildings with extraordinary mountain views.
Viceregal Lodge
The magnificent former residence of the British Viceroy where the partition of India was discussed.
Jakhu Temple
A hilltop Hanuman temple offering panoramic views and resident macaques.
Kufri
Outstanding mountain views and winter sports approximately 16 kilometres from the town.
Colonial Heritage
The former summer capital of British India with extraordinary Raj-era architecture.
