Shimla

There are two main official tourist information centres in Shimla, as well as a small office at the train station that isn't always open. The victory point office is less busy and helpful. It's also near where some government busses leave from.

• Tourist Information (Near Victory Tunnel), ☏ +91-177-2654589. 
• Tourist Information, Bye pass road, ☏ +91-177-2832498. 

All accommodation arrangements as well as any additional side trips, sightseeing, onward transportation, etc., can easily be arranged without the help of the touts. (Visit the office of the state-run Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (phone +91 177 265-2561 or 265-8302), located in the central place downtown called "The Scandal Point", before Christ Church on The Ridge (across from the City Hall), for any impartial information or guidance you may require: the staff there are well informed and reasonably professional. There are no alternatives to this office as the source of impartial, reliable information on all aspects of Shimla and on travel.

The location is that of a majestic Himalayan perch above the searing plains. From the 1820s, the British started to build summer cottages on the ridges, and by 1863 Shimla was designated the summer capital of the Raj, from April to October, until 1947 - Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Mountbatten had their last pre-Partition talks here, actually. The higher levels of the town reflect this British connection, comprising mostly buildings in the Victorian style, while the lower slopes are occupied with Indian bazaars and restaurants. Traffic is banned from the historic central area, known as the Mall, which means that the atmosphere is calm and the air pristine.

Cart Road runs south of the Mall and is connected to it via the lifts. The Ridge, north of the Mall, is a good place to view the seven majestic hills of Shimla. Further along the same road is Lakkar Bazaar, which is a good place to buy some handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Shimla's cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. At an altitude of approximately 2,200 m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests.

A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are too spectacular for words.

• 🌍 (New) ISBT (Shimla Inter State Bus Terminal), Tutikandi (Regular local buses connect the 5 km from the Old ISBT near the center to this terminal for ₹10). This is a large new building quite far outside of the city, but it has all major connections to Mandi, Manali, Chandigarh and Delhi. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 Old ISBT (West of the Lower Bazaar). This terminal is for most regional, local and city buses, which run regularly 7AM-9PM. It also connects to the New ISBT and the IGMC Bus Station for ₹10. It doesn't always make sense to head here to get a bus, but better aim for the road that goes to your destination. If you need to find out about specific connections, ask right away when you arrive in the city through this terminal. (updated Aug 2023)
• 🌍 IGMC Bus Station (Indira Gandhi Medical College). This unremarkable bus station is for close destinations (+/-50 km) south (like Chail and Giripur), and east (like Kufri). (updated Aug 2023)

Government and private buses are available from Chandigarh to Shimla within a gap of half an hour. Deluxe and semi-deluxe buses are also frequently available from different places.

The bus from Mandi leaves around 9AM, for about ₹300 (as of Aug 2023).

Buses, for example to Manali and Dharamsala, can be booked in advance or on the day of travel up to a few hours before departure from the government office next to the official tourist information centre at Scandal Point.

The nearest broad gauge station is at Kalka, a four-to-seven hour journey from Delhi. After that, take the mountain train from Kalka to Shimla. This railway track was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The view is stunning, with the line passing through an amazing 102 tunnels. The fastest way to get to Kalka is to catch the Shatabdi Express, which departs early morning from the New Delhi Railway Station, arriving at Kalka four hours later. A detailed list of trains between Delhi, Kalka and Shimla is available here.

You can also choose to get off at Chandigarh (en route to Kalka), and catch a taxi from there.

• 🌍 Kalka–Shimla Railway. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mountain Railways of India. 

While the Shivalik Deluxe Express can be reserved 120 days in advance like most Indian trains, most of the other mountain trains can only be reserved 30 days before journey date. Passengers on the Shivalik Deluxe Express are served meals on the train: breakfast on the way to Shimla and dinner on the way down.

• 🌍 Shimla railway station. (updated Jan 2021)

Shimla is nicely connected by road to different major cities.

• 🌍 Shimla Airport (SLV  ^IATA) (Jubbarhatti, 22 km away). Due to the difficulties of the mountainous terrain, poor condition of road surfaces and the increasing traffic congestion the journey by car can take hours. The airport has severe limitations imposed by its elevation, at 1,546 m above sea level, and by the shortness of its single runway (1,230 m) which ends in precipice at either end; it can accommodate only turboprop aircraft. 

After landing at the airport, take a pre-paid taxi to minimize hassle. Chandigarh is a good four-hour drive away, so stop for a bite on the Kalka-Shimla highway.

Jets can all land at the larger Chandigarh (IXC ^IATA) airport. Chandigarh Airport, 120 km from Shimla along far better roads and at an elevation of only 308 m above sea level, offers far better flight options. Major airlines including Air India and Air Deccan operate flights to Delhi, Jammu, and Mumbai. Most of the flights to Mumbai require a stopover in Delhi. Confirm the flights as bad weather often delays flights during the winter fog.

Most, especially downtown with the ridge, can be walked but due to the hills Shimla is on, it can sometimes be exhausting.

You can get a local bus from 7AM to 9PM for ₹10, and that too for any destination in the city.

In case you choose to travel by taxi, it is affordable and convenient for sightseeing.

Apart from this, there are some tourist buses run by HPTDC every day for getting around in Shimla, e.g. from the Rivoli Bus Stop. As Shimla is known for its picturesque location and serene environment, you can also consider traveling some distance on foot. Inquire with HPTDC.

Jakhoo Hill is Shimla's highest point and the site of Jakhu Temple. The summit offers spectacular views of the town and its surroundings; on a clear day it is possible to see the snow-capped Western Himalaya about 75 km to the north. However, trees and vegetation somewhat obscure the views, preventing them from being truly panoramic.

The climb up from the Christ Church is a physically demanding 2-kilometre (1.2 mi) walk that takes 30–60 minutes depending on your level of fitness. Taxis are available to take you up the hill or you can drive yourself - 4WD is recommended - however, parking is limited at the top. Another option is the Jakhu Ropeway, an aerial tram located slightly downhill and east of the church.

The hillside and Jakhu Temple are populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially) food. (Sticks for warding off the monkeys can be rented at the entrance to the temple for ₹5).

• 🌍 Jakhoo Temple (Jakhu Temple). Open every day. A temple and the world's largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. Free (donations welcome). 
• 🌍 Jakhu Ropeway. An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill. ₹250. 

• 🌍 Tara Devi Temple, NH.22, Kachi Ghati, Bagh (approximately 11 km from the bus stand of Shimla). Daily 7AM-6:30PM. Tara Devi is famous for its 250-year-old temple. Literally meaning "Star Goddess", Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the top of the hill. Ir is a perfect location for people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 1,850 m. The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it. (updated Aug 2021)

Shimla houses a few excellent museums. The State Museum is perhaps the most well known.

• 🌍 Photo Art Gallery (Image Art Gallery), Potter's Hill (near HP University), ☏ +91 94180-11172. The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry ₹5 (cameras free, flash prohibited). 
• 🌍 Sankat Mochan Temple, Shimla-Kalka Road, Bagh, Taradevi, ☏ +91 94508 85611. A popular Hanuman temple which can be reached by car or on foot. There is an excellent view of Shimla from the temple. (updated Jan 2019)

• 🌍 Himachal State Museum, Doordarshan Kendra, Museum Road Near, Chaura Maidan (atop the Inverarm Hill, in the general vicinity of the Oberoi Cecil hotel), ☏ +91 177 265 9943. Open Tu-Su, 10AM-5PM. Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari miniatures and 6–11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive. Entry ₹10 (Cameras free, flash prohibited). 

For alcoholic drinks, try the locally brewed wines such as apricot, plum and apple & ginger cider. In predominantly Tibetan areas, a rice wine known as Chang is popular.

• Lobby Lounge, Chaura Maidan. 24/7. The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place to enjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonial charm. Drinks ₹200-250. 
• "Rendezvous" located less than a minute walk from Christ Church on The Mall, across from "Alfa Restaurant". Somewhat hidden, this restaurant/bar plays Bollywood tunes, a nice cozy interior and strong drinks.

• Cafe Coffee Day, 5 The Mall (in The Devicos). 9AM–11PM. Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur, Solan District. Cappuccino ₹120. 
• Indian Coffee House, The Mall. 9AM–11PM. Not as trendy as others it retains the charm of bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossip make it a favourite with locals. 
• Fire Station Cafe, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is a Victorian era building. Has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British era was converted into a ‘Book shop-cum-souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment. 

• Amar Palace (Take the road directly up the hill to the left of/behind christ church and it's about 300 m up the road from there. Call if you get lost and they'll come to find you.), ☏ +91 177 2804055, +91 9418696458. 24 Hour hot water, and some rooms with a good view back out along the ridge. ₹800. 
• Hotel Mayur (2,211 metres above sea level), The Ridge (just behind Christ Church, and overlooking its roof), ☏ +91 177 265-2393, fax: +91 177 2652398, l_sood@hotmail.com. Check-out: 12:00. A centrally located hotel on The Ridge. Rooms have clean attached bathrooms, colour television; somewhat run down. The room service is fairly decent. ₹1,000-1,700. 
• Hotel White, Lakkar Bazaar (500 m NE of The Ridge), ☏ +91 177 265-5276, fax: +91 177 265-5276, hotelwhite@yahoo.co.in. This hotel surprisingly offers clean and spacious rooms at budget-friendly rates. Opt for their suite which also offers a balcony and great views of the valley. ₹1,800. 
• Shimla Youth Hostel, ☏ +91 9418025462. Located in Lakkar Bazar, the hostel offers budget accommodation, and a discount to Youth hostel members. 
• YMCA (2,225 m above sea level), Behind Ritz Cinema, The Ridge (1 mile walk from Shimla train and bus station), ☏ +91 177 2650021. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A centrally located, charming Victorian style building. Offers both en-suite rooms and rooms with common bathrooms. A limited choice complementary breakfast is provided at no extra cost. En-suite rooms have clean attached bathrooms. To avoid disappointment during peak season, pre-book a room over phone. En suite room costs ₹700 for a single person and ₹1,000 for two persons. A room with common bathroom costs ₹370 for a single person and ₹500 for two persons. Problems with noise and vermin infestation reported. ₹370 and above. 

Other cheaper areas of the city are through Victory tunnel and on Circular Rd and Kaithu to Kali Bari Rd. In high season, rooms can be ₹1,000–1,500 a night.

• Clarke's Hotel (2,150 m above sea level), The Mall (100 metres as the crow flies across a small valley from the Himachal Pradesh High Court complex; 15 minutes' walk eastwards from Scandal Point), ☏ +91 177 265-1010, +91 177 265-1011, +91 177 265-1012, +91 177 265-1013, +91 177 265-1014, +91 177 265-1015, fax: +91 177 281-1321, reservations.clarkes@clarkesshimla.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Centrally located on The Mall; immaculately maintained heritage building, with guestrooms full of period charm and 'atmosphere' with views from windows over the southern valley of Shimla. The food does not begin to match the quality of the accommodation so if you stay, eat and drink out. From ₹6,500–9,000. (updated Jul 2018)
• Honeymoon Inn (Shimla Hotel), The Mall. This 20 room boutique hotel offers some attractive views. 
• Hotel Ashiana Regency (2,110 m above sea level), Chōṭā Shimla (or 'Little Shimla') (near 'The Secretariat' — the seat of Himachal Pradesh Government; 45 minutes' walk westwards from Scandal Point), ☏ +91 177 262-1572, +91 177 262-2472, +91 177 262-2658, fax: +91 177 262-4872, +91 177 262-0037. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A decent place if you don't mind 45 minutes' walk along the wooded (and mostly pedestrian) Mall to town centre. Facilities include a public terrace with good views over the southern valley of Shimla, a bar, and a spa with a sauna and jacuzzi. The hotel restaurant is a moderate favourite with the locals. The immediate vicinity, in a densely built-up area called 'Chōṭā Shimla', lacks interest and recreational potential. ₹2,500–7,700. 
• Hotel Combermere (2,150 m above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,185 m at the top-floor level), The Mall (10 minutes' walk eastwards from Scandal Point; near The Lift, opposite the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex), ☏ +91 177 225-1246-47-48, fax: +91 177 225-2251, +91 177 265-7906, hcs@sancharnet.in. Check-in: noon, check-out: Late checkouts on request. Although some of the suites are rather unreasonably priced, this remains a good option, mainly because of its convenient location. Facilities include a bar, good wi-fi in guestrooms (chargeable), a terrace garden, a gym and a spa. This is one of the only two hotels on The Mall equipped with its own private lift to the lower level of Circular Road (Cart Road), the other facility so equipped being the Landmark Hotel. Good food, professionally prepared, especially Italian (recommended). From ₹4,500–9,900; 2 Nights Package with meals ₹7,699. 
• Hotel Landmark (2,100 m above sea level at Circular Road level, 2,115 m at the top-floor level), The Mall (15 minutes' walk westwards from Scandal Point; near Gorton Castle, a historic property used nowadays for the offices of the Accountant-General of Himachal Pradesh and not open to the general public), ☏ +91 177 281-4700, +91 177 281-4701, +91 177 281-4703, fax: +91 177 281-4702, landmark.sml@gmail.com. Check-in: noon; early check-in available at extra charge, check-out: noon; late check-out available at extra charge. A good choice for those wishing to stay west of Scandal Point; decent views from some rooms over the northern valley of Shimla, including the helipad at Annadale, at an elevation of 1,865 m, directly across. New property with clean, modern facilities, marble bathrooms. Both the upper level of The Mall and the lower level of Circular Road (Cart Road) accessible by private in-house lift. Rooftop terrace, accessible directly from The Mall and open to the general public, hence not suitable for lounging. Food nondescript but passable. From ₹3,950–5,400. 
• Hotel Peterhoff (2,117 m above sea level), Chaura Maidan (45 minutes' walk westwards from Scandal Point), ☏ +91 177 221-3335, fax: +91 177 221-3801. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Nice, clean rooms with air-con, heaters, mini-bars and the usual mid-range amenities. Indifferent, uncaring staff, a common feature with government establishments. Owned and operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, a state government entity. Not to be confused with the historic wooden property of the same name (Peterhoff) which was once the residence of the British Viceroy of India and which stood in the same spot until 1981, when it burned down: the present structure is not its recreation and, despite the retention of the name, is devoid of all period accents or character. Its large, soulless expanses cast in poured concrete are nowadays a frequent venue for conventions and group meetings. The food is terrible. Convenient location for those wishing to visit the Viceregal Lodge and the Himachal Pradesh Museum, but otherwise considerably out of the way with regard to town centre. Unforgettable views from the front lawn, ending abruptly in a precipice. ₹2,000-7,000. 
• 🌍 Woodville Palace (2,190 m above sea level), Raj Bhavan Rd (20 to 25 minutes' walk eastwards from Scandal Point), ☏ +91 177 262-3919, +91 177 262-4038, fax: +91 177 262-3098, woodville@woodvillepalacehotel.com. Check-in: noon. This converted palace was built in 1938 by the Maharaja of Jubbal, a descendant of the original owner still lives on the premises, and is addressed by the staff as "maharaja". It has its own private woodlands, which provide an excellent place for a leisurely evening stroll. Immaculately maintained public spaces, full of 'atmosphere'; attentive service; food on the homely side rather than haute cuisine. ₹4,000. 

For travellers requiring luxury accommodation during their stay in Shimla, the advantages offered by The Oberoi Cecil, a luxury hotel of the Oberoi chain, as regards both the location and the in-house amenities, are unbeatable by any establishment in town. Their lesser-grade affiliate, The Oberoi Clarke's, another hotel of the Oberoi chain with a great ambiance and rich history, has the advantage of a more central location on The Mall, but its facilities in general and its cuisine in particular are not a match for The Cecil. A close runner-up to The Cecil in the luxury lineup is The Radisson Hotel Shimla, but its location in a low-lying locality known as Goodwood Estate, on Lower Bharari Road (which is in a state of shocking disrepair and dangerous to walk on), which is difficult of access and too out of the way for virtually all sightseeing to be done in Shimla, makes this otherwise swanky new hotel impossible to recommend except for those wishing to spend all their time within the confines of their hotel proper or who do not mind relying on the hotel's fleet of private cars to get to town and back (a relatively expensive proposition on a daily basis). Those preferring genteel seclusion would be much better served by Woodville Palace Hotel (see "Mid-range", above), accessible on foot from the centre of the town but located in a pleasant quiet woody cove requiring a 20 minutes' walk along The Mall to town, or the 14 km distant Wildflower Hall (see "Accommodation options outside of Shimla", below), a spectacular resort of the expensive Oberoi chain with its own mountain in a forested area outside of town, near the village of Charabra (accessible from Shimla by car only, available, at cost, at the hotel).

• 🌍 Chapslee Hotel, Elysium Hill, Longwood Rd, Near, Lakkar Bazar (between Lakkar Bazaar and Auckland House high school, just above much-trafficked Circular Road), ☏ +91 177 280-2542, fax: +91 177 265-8663. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Formerly the residence of the ruler of Kapurthala, still owns by the family. An attractive place even if the location isn't the greatest for access to town: to get to The Ridge requires making a steep ascent along dusty Lakkar Bazaar. Reminiscent of the days of the British Raj, with croquet lawns and mature gardens. Rooms have no keys and doors are left unlocked at all times. As part of this historic property has now been converted into a primary school the ruckus raised by children on their way to classes early in the morning can be disturbing. ₹9,500-12,500, Winter Surcharge up to ₹1,000. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 The Oberoi Cecil (2,098 m above sea level), Chaura Maidan (takes a pleasant and easy 20-minute walk from town centre to get there), ☏ +91 177 280-4848, fax: +91 177 281-1024, reservations@oberoi-cecil.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. An elegant hotel in the grand heritage style, immaculately maintained, with log fires and a heated swimming-pool. Best food in town. ₹10,000-23,000, Breakfast ₹1,500. (updated Jun 2017)
• 🌍 Radisson Hotel Shimla (2,100 m above sea level), Goodwood Estate (on the lower slopes of Longwood Hill, the mountain directly across the northern valley of Shimla, opposite the mountain with The Ridge which is the centre of town), ☏ +91 177 2659012, fax: +91 177 2806902. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. One of the best hotels in Shimla, with most of the five-star facilities, located on the outskirts of town, though with great views of The Ridge and the surroundings 800 m across the Shimla valley. You can see the places you want to be in from your window even if you cannot easily get to them. Pleasant public spaces; good value buffet dinners. from ₹7,000. (updated Jun 2017)

• East Bourne Resort, Near Bishop Cotton School, Khallini, ☏ +91 177 2623669-71, fax: +91 177 262-3890, sales@consortiumhotels.org. Check-out: noon. A pine forest resort, Multi cuisine restaurant, 2 open air garden restaurants, lounge, coffee shop, library over looking a rose garden, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, discotheque & car parking. ₹6,000. 
• Flaghouse Resort, Junga, ☏ +91 177-6539022-23, info@flaghouse.co.in. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A luxury resort in the Shimla Hills. Away from the hustle and bustle of the civilized world, the resort offers peace and tranquility. All rooms and cottages in the resort have private balconies having a panoramic view of the valley and the mountains. Tastefully decorated rooms with satellite LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, telephones and mini bar. The resort is disabled friendly and provides accommodation for drivers and aayas. The resort is pet friendly and has separate accommodation for pets. 3 days/2 nights package inclusive of breakfast and one major meal starts at ₹3,800 per person for standard double rooms.. 
• Hotel Golf Links, Naldehra. A delightful hotel in Naldehra, the site of the historical golf course. Overlooking the valley, it offers scenic vistas. ₹1,500+. 
• Koti Resort (Shimla Hotel), Mashobra (Just off the Shimla-Naldehra Road), ☏ +91 9218501601, info@kotiresorts.com. Please contact for latest deals. 
• Park Woods Hill Resort Shoghi, Village Paughat (near Shoghi), ☏ +91 9953818074, thecaravan@airtelmail.in. Forested hill resort with quaint bamboo nad pinewood cottages, valley and mountain views, adventure activities, barbeques, bonfires, open areas. ₹3,700-5,350. 
• Wildflower Hall (2,560 m above sea level), near the village of Charabra (14 km west of Shimla on National Highway 22, NH22), ☏ +91 177 264-8585, fax: +91 177 264-8686, reservations.twfl@obroihotels.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A stately brand new stone building built among cedar and pine forests. ₹15,000-39,500. 

• Sunrise Villa Homestay, Shoghi (12 km before Shimla), ☏ +91 177 2860075. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. A Department of Tourism, HP Government approved home stay unit. Located in very picturesque Shoghi, a suburb of Shimla, in a peaceful, calm environment, naturally blessed with breathtaking views of the distant Chail and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges. ₹900. 

Avoid touts at all cost, whether locals or outsiders (many are in fact Kashmiri chisellers disguised as locals, and calling themselves euphemistically "guides", who have been working the Shimla beat for years and decades); they scour the railway and bus stations for incautious or vulnerable looking victims among the new arrivals, and foreigners carrying luggage are their prime targets in the streets as well. The experience of being "led" by an unscrupulous but ingratiating manipulator with his own interest in mind rather than yours can be the ruin of one's visit to Shimla. The touts can be extremely importunate and persevering in pursuit of their illegal trade while at the same time feigning "friendship" intended to ensnare the gullible. If you allow them to lead you to your hotel you will be manipulated in manifold ways:

• Your daily room rate will surreptitiously be inflated to cover the commission they will receive from the hotel for their unnecessary services (resulting in an increase in hotel price of as much as 200%).
• The touts will, unbeknownst to you, steer you away from hotels which do not give commission but which may be better for you.
• You will subsequently be pestered by your tout, who will now "own" you during your stay, to buy additional "services" from him.
• Give being additional misinformation.