Shimla is a hill station and capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Located in northern part of India Shimla has served as a British capital for Summers. It is one of the most favourite and desired destinations by almost every citizen. Tucked between snowcapped mountains and green pastures all around makes it a perfect gateway from hush hush of a city life. Shimla is a mix of modern, historical and cold places. Take a calm walk on streets with architecture showcasing British rule in India. It was also a retreat destination Mahatma Gandhi, who frequented a Georgian mansion in Shimla’s suburbs from the mid-1930s to '40s. Shimla still holds its charm with quaint cafes, tourist friendly roads, exquisite architecture and scintillating surroundings. It has served as a honeymoon destination to a relaxing gateway. It leaves no stone unturned to give lifelong memories to cherish. 

HISTORY

Shimla was found by Britishers after winning Gurkha war of 1814-16. They landed on Shimla and built with their own resorts due to cold climatic conditions. It became extremely popular and Shimla served as summer capital for British rule from 1865 to 1937. After independence it served as a capital for Punjab state. Later when Himachal Pradesh was formed it was named it’s capital. 

ACTIVITIES TO DO 

•    GO TREKKING: If you are a sports enthusiasts then Shimla has plethora of activities to offer. Trek the mesmerizing hills amidst tranquil environment. There are several organized troops for trekking. 
•    ICE-SKATING: It is one of the most popular tourist activity. Containing natural ice-skating rink, this sport is widely practiced. 
•    CAMPING ON HILLS: Spend a night in tent amidst snowcapped mountains. Camping is also organised by several operators book prior to make it hassle free. 
•    FOREST CAMPING: Shimla also offers you stay in between pine trees and oak tree. A must do activity to get a closer look at peace and serenity. 
•    PARAGLIDING: If you want that adrenaline rush at all time high then Paragliding is calling. A must do activity to hold on to some lifetime experience. 
•    RIVER RAFTING: Enjoy water splashing up your face and going up and down on gushing water of Sutlej river. 

LOCAL DELICIOUS FOOD

•    MADRA: Madra is made of chickpea and comes from Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh. Available at every restaurant, try it with Indian bread. 
•    DHAM: It’s a Himachali thali which consists Dal, rice, Rajma, Curd and Jaggery. It’s lip smacking and a filler. 
•    SIDU: Sidu is a fermented bread made up of mashed peas and potato. It’s a breakfast dishbkf Shimla. 
•    THUPKA: Noodles soup is famous in hilly areas of Tibetan origin. It’s tangy and spicy.
•    BABRU: It is a himachali kachori. It is made like other kachoris but by mixing almost every dal. It’s sumptuous with turmeric chutney. 
•    CHA GHOSHT: It’s a typical himachali dish made of lamb. 
•    CHICKEN ANARDANA: Chiken gravy made up with anardana it’s tangy and spicy.

PLACES TO VISIT

1.    THE RIDGE: A famous heart of city, the ridge is full with tourists. It’s a wide open road alongside Mall road and connects to extremely popular Scandal point. What makes it such a popular destination is that it offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise against the blue sky to border this paradise of a destination. It has shops and cafes aligned on a straight road making it a shopping and food destination. 
2.    JAKHOO HILL AND TEMPLE: Providing scenic view of snow covered Shivalik ranges and nearby town Sanjouli, Jakhoo is the highest point of Shimla. It is a temple of brave heart Lord Hanuman, it has largest statue of deity. This is a devotional place and a landscape to behold. 
3.    MALL ROAD: Shimla is widely popular for mall road. This is the most happening place of queen of hills. Mall road has copious cafes, restaurant, shopping stores and kiosks. It is filled with tourists in peak season. Stroll on thi
4.    KALKA-SHIMLA RAILWAY: A recently added world heritage UNESCO site the Kalka-Shimla train ride is a highpoint of Shimla tourism and for a good reason. This is a train route from Kalka(Haryana) to Shimla(Himachal) providing magnificent view of majestic Shivalika hills. This train ride would give you breathtaking experience of dense forests and snow nestled mountains.
5.    KUFRI: Another popular tourist destination of Shimla, Kufri is about 49 min distance from Shimla. This is a place which provides panoramic view of scintillating mountains and idyllic surroundings. You can opt for a horse to climb up to the hill. 
6.    CHRIST CHURCH: Another prominent tourist spot in shimla this is the second oldest church of India. The neo-gothic style of , this church provided you a sneak peek into exceptional architecture of ancient times. The historic church is located on the Ridge and traces its origin back to 1857.  It has magnificent view in broad daylight and at night illuminated church brighten up. 
7.    GREEN VALLEY: A perfect name defining true meaning of Green valley. It is a lush green sprawling meadows standing right in front of Shivalik hills. To get away from hustle and bustle of city this is the most ideal places. 
8.    INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES: If you are a history buff and adore exquisite architecture then lead you way to Indian institute of advanced studies. It was built as a house of Lord Dufferin, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. Post independence it served as a summer house of prime minister and later turned into an institute for advanced studies. 
9.    KALI BARI TEMPLE: One of the most revered Hindu temple in shimla Kali Bari temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. Built in 1845, Shimla happens to derive it’s name from Shyamala Devi meaning Kali in the region. 
10.    SHIMLA STATE MUSEUM: A treasure for history buffs this place collect antiques from colonial days. It has a rich collection of miniature paintings, stone sculptures, coins, weapons, armors, dolls, jewelry, handicrafts, and numismatic articles discovered in the valley. 
11.    TARA DEVI TEMPLE: Tara Devi temple is perched on a hill called Tata parvat. It is devoted to Goddess Tara one of the nine sisters of goddess Durga. It has wooden idol believed to be bought from West Bengal. 
•    CHADWICK FALLS SHIMLA: Nestled within the Glen Forests, Chadwick Waterfall is one of the most delightful sights that nature has bestowed upon Shimla. The waterfall makes a dive from a height of 86 meters and cascades down. 

HOW TO REACH 

•    AIRPORT: The Jubbarhatti Airport that is a domestic airport used to connect Shimla with New Delhi. Though it has no operating flights at present. So nearby operating airport is Chandigarh airport. 
•    RAILWAY: Shimla junction is well connected to several railway statios. Trains from Chandigarh and New Delhi as well operate. 
•    ROADS: Buses operate frequently from Delhi and Chandigarh. Roads are well connected to Shimla and several tourists travel by their own vehicle. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to June and November to February
•    SUMMERS: Temperature hovers from 30°c to 15°c ( Pleasant climate) 
•    RAINS: Temperature hovers from 25°c to 10°c (Heavy rainfall) 
•    WINTERS: Temperature hovers from -2°c to 8°c (Rainfall)