Shimla Travel Guide: Queen of the Hills - Capital Cities of Indian States [Himachal Pradesh]

Shimla is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India and that's why we also receive lot of queries through form on our blog. Most of the folks commonly ask - Shimla Weather, Shimla Hotels, How to reach Shimla from Delhi/Chandigarh, main places to visit in Shimla, Shimla mall road etc. In past, we have shared some of these details on our blog, but here is an attempt to write a comprehensive post which helps you with details about various ways to reach Shimla from Delhi, Chandigarh or Kalka.

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most beloved hill stations. Known as the “Queen of the Hills”, this charming town in the foothills of the Himalayas was once the summer capital of British India. Today, it’s a vibrant destination that combines colonial heritage, scenic landscapes, adventure, shopping, and food — all wrapped in cool mountain air.

For travelers looking to explore Shimla and the areas around it, here’s a complete travel guide covering the best places to see, local life, food, art, culture, and practical tips — with personal stories and explorations from Travellingcamera linked along the way.

Main Places to See in Shimla

Before starting our journey from Shimla, we had a quick round on the Mall road during which he met some of his old friends. He was well equipped and brought a helmet for me as well :). The next items on the agenda was to explore Kinnaur, cross Kaza & hit Keylong, Trilokinath come back to Delhi via Rohtang Pass, Manali, Kullu, Manikaran, Kasol, Mandi & back to Chandigarh. We bought some basic stuff & started our journey.








1. The Ridge and Mall Road

At the heart of Shimla lies The Ridge, a wide open space with views of snow-capped peaks and iconic landmarks like Christ Church. Just below it runs Mall Road, the busiest shopping and leisure hub of the city. From cafés to woolens, bookstores to handicrafts — Mall Road is the perfect place to spend evenings.
I have visited Shimla twice in the last 2 years and do not think that I will ever be saying 'No' if given an opportunity to visit Shimla again. Here, let me take you to a quick tour to all statues in the amazing city of Shimla. 1. First and most amazing statue in Shimla is Hanuman ji's statue at Jhakhoo temple. This is considered as world's tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 1.5 crores, which surpasses the current tallest statue of 'Christ the Redeemer', which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Check this for more amazing pics from Jakhoo Temple, Shimla2. Laxmi bai's horse riding statue at Rani Jhansi Park, Shimla. This is 15 feet high, 3 tonnes weighing horse riding statue of Queen of Jhansi, Laxmi Bai. The statue sculptured by Faqir Charan Parida of Haridwar and cost of the Statue is Rs. 26 lakh.3. Mahatma Gandhi at Ridge, Shimla. The Ridge houses a large water reservoir which acts as the main supply of Shimla town.4. Indira Gandhi's statue at Ridge, Shimla.5. Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, Founder of Himachal. Dr. Parmar was the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.6. Lal Bahadur Shastri.

2. Jakhu Temple

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Jakhu Temple sits atop Jakhu Hill — the highest point in Shimla. The giant Hanuman statue visible across the town makes it unmissable. The temple is also home to hundreds of playful monkeys.

3. Christ Church on Ridge

Built in 1857, this neo-Gothic church is one of the oldest in North India. Its stained glass windows and majestic presence on The Ridge make it a must-visit.

During one of my recent visits to Shimla, schedule was really busy and I also wanted to visit Viceregal Lodge. Usually I go to Viceregal Lodge via HPU route or walk down from Mall Road. This time the route changed and first time I climbed from Boileuganj...Here is first view we get after climbing a hill from boileuganj.I have stayed in Shimla for 3 years approximately but never went through this route, although it's quite easy and quick one to reach Viceregal Lodge. Buses for Boileuganj are very easily available from bus stand and Himachal Pradesh University. And then it's a 15 minutes climb which is not very steep.It starts from the chowk where roads from Tutoo, Summerhill, Bus-Stand and University meet. And lagoors will be there to welcome you. It's not very special because they can be found anywhere in Shimla to welcome you :)During the climb, HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corp.) Hotel 'Peter Hoff' can be seen just below the TV tower of Shimla. Peter Hoff is one of the good hotels in Shimla and it's situated next to Viceregal Lodge. Exactly it's in the middle of Chaura Maidaan and Viceregal Lodge. Via bus, it's accessible from 103. 103 is a bus stop near tunnel-no 103 and very popular stop in Shimla.New Bus Stand of Shimla is also visible during the climb. This is first time I saw this bus stand and it was amazing. I wanted to compare it with IGI airport but stopped myself :) ... But for sure, it's best among all the bus stands we have in North India at least. it's situated near Dhali. Old bus stand has been converted into Local bus stand and there are regular shuttles between new and old bus-stands. While coming back to Delhi, I did some mobilegiri at Shimla Bus stand and will share soon...Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy also comes on the way from Boileuganj to Viceregal Lodge.It's a wonderful walk from Boileuganj to Viceregal Lodge as whole stretch is full of trees and nice flowers around. At times it feels like you are crossing through some garden. There are some governments residences as well, which makes this hill more lively.Apart from some institutes and houses, there are some buildings which seemed to be locked for last many years. But somehow, colors lie about these buildings. The building above shown was closed from all the directions and there seemed to be a long silence around the place.After a quick climb, we reached Viceregal Lodge. It was so quick that I forgot to mention that one of my cousin was accompanying me and we also discussed some changes happening in his institute in HPU (UIIT). Overall this was a fastest route to Viceregal Lode but probably I will still prefer the longer route which comes through Vidhan-Sabha, Cecil etc.

4. Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study)

This grand building was once the residence of the British Viceroy and now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The architecture and landscaped gardens make it one of Shimla’s most photogenic spots.
👉 Detailed photo story here: Viceregal Lodge & its colonial charm.

5. Kufri

Just 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is popular for skiing in winter and as a summer escape for horse rides and panoramic views.

6. Mashobra and Naldehra

These quieter getaways near Shimla are perfect for apple orchards, pine forests, and golfing at Naldehra.
👉 A Travellingcamera favorite: A weekend in Mashobra and Naldehra.

Chail is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh where this highest Cricket ground is located in India. Chail is 44 kilometres from Shimla town and 45 kilometres from Solan. Chail is known for its natural beauty and dense forests, full of variety of vegetation surrounded by high deodar trees. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture. Chail is also frequented by hikers as it offers wonderful views of the lower Himalayas, as you can see in above photograph. Chail has good trekking points from Junga, Kufri and Ashwani Khad at Solan. Many Eco camps can be found in this part of Himachal Pradesh. There are many camping sites for campers and hikers, so camping in Chail is most sought after activity for enthusiasts. Apart from highest Cricket Ground and highest Hockey stadium, now Himachal also have highest Cricket stadium which is located in Dharmshala.

7. Chail

Known for the world’s highest cricket ground, Chail is a serene hill station near Shimla with a palace-turned-hotel and lovely trails.


8. Gaiety Theatre on Mall Road

Local Culture: Sarahan is home to several indigenous communities, and the local culture is a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Visit the local villages and interact with the locals to get a glimpse into their way of life. Sarahan is known for its rich cultural heritage, and several festivals and events take place in the town throughout the year. Some of the popular cultural events and festivals in Sarahan are:

Art, Craft & Shopping in Shimla


  • Lakkar Bazaar: Famous for wooden crafts, walking sticks, toys, and decorative items.
    👉 See Travellingcamera’s walk through Lakkar Bazaar.

  • Himachali Shawls & Woolens: Shops around Mall Road and Tibetan Market sell warm woolens, caps, and shawls.

  • Local Handicrafts: Metalware, jewelry, and Himachali caps make for unique souvenirs.

During recent trip to Shimla, I was travelling on bikes most of the time. Our bikes even hit the restricted regions like Mall Road, Ridge and Lakkar bazar... Let's have a quick Photo Journey of Shimla !!!New look of Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. This Theatre is situated on Mall Road and now open for all. There is small ticket amount one needs to pay to explore it inside. Various plays, exhibitions and other cultural events take place at Gaiety Theatre. Some part of Gaiety is also visible from Ridge.Afternoon view of Ridge, Shimla !!! Some Himachal Tourism activity was going and Aneesh was allowed to take his bike to Ridge with proper care. Ridge, Mall Road and Lakkar Bazar regions are restricted areas where vehicles are not allowed.Birds roaming around Ridge/Mall Road during Saturday Evening :) ... Saturday evenings are very popular for folks in Shimla and Mall road is too much crowded during Saturday evenings. Bird watching could be one of the reasons..A view of Shimla from High Court building. This photograph is clicked from Mall Road only, but near High Court of Himachal Pradesh !!!I am completely in love with Shimla Architecture and my camera couldn't resist clicking all those building on Shimla streets & roads. This photograph was clicked while we were climbing up towards Mall Road from HHH hotel.More beautiful buildings from Shimla, but increasing vehicles are becoming one of the main challenges when parking is biggest issue in the city. But it's amazing to these folks driving so fast on narrow roads with lots of curves here and thereHere comes Mr. Aneesh Awasthi. Here he is trying typical short cuts in Shimla, but mostly they are for walking people not for bikers. Since it's difficult for Aneesh to walk, so he thought of riding down these stairs.During noon there is nothing on Mall road so came down towards Shimla Market and thought of going towards Naldera Golf ground... Although plans changed later. I hope you noticed the density of houses on these hills. There is no difference between these hill stations and metros like Delhi now.Here is a view of Mall road after sunset. Folks have started coming to Mall Road and soon it will be fully loaded, or in fact overloaded.Here is another view of Ridge in Shimla. Ridge and Mall road are well connected with each other and have many decent restuarants around the place. Ridge is basically a huge tank of water which is main supply for various parts of Shimla. There is also an underground makrket called Indira Market and Press Club of Shimla is also situated in this market.Wonderful view of Christ Church on Ridge, Shimla. Bright blue sky make this photograph more intersting... This was a qick photo journey with no plans and thought of sharing here... Hope to be there in Shimla for Christmas and wish to click some the same places with snow !!!

Culture and Festivals in Shimla

Shimla blends colonial heritage with Himachali traditions.

  • Summer Festival: Every June, Shimla hosts a cultural extravaganza with music, dance, and exhibitions on The Ridge.
    👉 Experience it here: Shimla Summer Festival 2018.

  • Ice Skating Carnival: Shimla boasts Asia’s only natural ice-skating rink, and winter carnivals here are a treat.

  • Local Music & Dance: Himachali folk songs and dances like Nati are often showcased during festivals and weddings.

During the night, you can see millions of stars in the sky. I can go there any number of times. There is also a HPPWD guest house in Kullu-Sarahan which you can book.

Nightlife in Shimla

Shimla may not be as buzzing as Delhi, but evenings here are charming.

  • Cafés & Lounges: Cosy cafés on Mall Road and near The Ridge serve great coffee and pastries.

  • Bars: Oberoi Cecil and Hotel Willow Banks have elegant bars for relaxed evenings.

  • Cultural Evenings: Local theatres and town halls sometimes host plays, music shows, or folk events.


Local Life in Shimla

Shimla’s charm also lies in its everyday life:

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a quaint hill station known for its charming colonial architecture, lush greenery, and panoramic views. Among its many attractions, the Upper Bakrota Round, also known as Bakrota Loop, stands out as a serene walking trail that offers visitors a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

  • Morning Walks: Locals and visitors enjoy walking on the car-free stretch of Mall Road and The Ridge.

While we were going back from Spiti Valley to Shimla, we met these 2 kids on road-side who were selling cherries with their father. While their father was busy attending other customers, we thought of interacting with them. My friends & I bought 2 boxes each for our homes and a handful cherry boxes for our next journey till Shimla. If you are in this region & find these road-side kiosks selling fruits, make sure you stop and buy few. These are usually fresh, juicy and cost effective.

  • Markets: From buying vegetables at Lower Bazaar to books at Mall Road’s old shops, Shimla’s bazaars are full of stories.

  • Toy Train Journeys: The Kalka-Shimla railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train ride through tunnels and pine forests is unforgettable.
    👉 Travellingcamera story: Toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

On our recent visit to Rishikesh, we indulged in a traditional Garhwali Thali, a culinary delight that offered a taste of the region’s rich culture and simplicity. The thali, a harmonious combination of earthy flavors and wholesome ingredients, showcased the essence of Garhwali cuisine.

Food in Shimla

Food is an essential part of the Shimla experience:

Location and Ambiance Alps Resort, where Stella Cafe is situated, is one of Dalhousie's well-known accommodations, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views of the Himalayan mountains. The café’s location in the serene Bakrota Hills adds to its charm, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the main town. The outdoor seating at Stella Cafe allows guests to soak in the fresh mountain air while enjoying panoramic views of the rolling hills.

  • Café Culture: Wake & Bake, Café Sol, and Indian Coffee House are must-visits.
    👉 Personal experience at Indian Coffee House Shimla.

Looking at the popularity of our blog-posts on Spiti and the kind of questions come to us, we thought of sharing about this awesome place to have a meal when you are entering into Kinnaur region if you plan to take the route via Shimla & Kinnaur. We got best road-side food at this place during our week long journey to Spiti Valley. Supposedly a gentleman started a small setup to serve food to folks traveling to Kinnaur & Spiti, when there were not a lot of options to take a break and have lunch. It was primarily for lunch. Roadways buses and a handful cars/bikes used to stop here for food. He always used pretty good quality of rice in comparison to rice served in other dhabas on this whole stretch and people started calling it Basmati Dhaba. Just to clarify, Basmati is considered as high quality rice although the rice which is served in this dhaba is not technical basmati but still the quality if pretty good.
Different parts of Himachal has different cuisines and it varies according to the weather & other factors like agricultural status, communities, population density etc. During normal days dal-chawal, roti-sabzi, curd & other mild products are used in meals. But special preparations are done during festivals or special occasions. The whole setup of having specialize cooks making selected food items is called Dham. Dham of Mandi is different than what you get in Kangra. This Photo Journey shares more about Himachali Dham and various aspects associated with it. As a traveller you should find out opportunities to experience Himachali Dham. This post will also share some tips for that :).

  • Local Himachali Cuisine: Try siddu (steamed bread), madra (chickpea curry), and dham (a traditional festive meal).

The Sports Authority of India Centre in Shilaroo is located at an altitude of 8000 feet in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The ground is surrounded by picturesque Narkanda and Hatu peaks, has excellent indoor facilities for handball, volleyball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, fencing and wrestling apart from gymnasium and hostel facilities. Most of the other facilities were on other side of the main stadium. Hills in the background are famous Hatu peaks.

Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Best Time to Visit:

    • Summer (March–June): Pleasant weather, good for sightseeing.

    • Winter (December–February): Snowfall, ice skating, and winter carnival.

  • Getting There:

    • By Train: The toy train from Kalka.

    • By Road: Well connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali.

  • Getting Around: Walking is best for the central areas. Taxis are available for nearby excursions.

  • Stay Options: Heritage hotels like Oberoi Cecil, mid-range stays near Mall Road, and budget guesthouses in Sanjauli and Bharari.

Natural Beauty: Sarahan is blessed with stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and meandering streams dotting the landscape. Take a leisurely stroll around the town and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

Why Visit Shimla?

Shimla isn’t just about cool weather or colonial charm — it’s about experiences that combine history, culture, food, and natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling on the Ridge, exploring apple orchards in Mashobra, skiing in Kufri, or simply sipping tea on a balcony overlooking the hills, Shimla offers a mix of nostalgia and discovery.

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