Shimla

Shimla Facts & City Profile

• City Name – Shimla/Simla (Older Version)
• Prevalent  Language – Hindi/Pahari (local dialect)/ Punjabi
• Climate –  Subtropical Highland
• Altitude – 2,205 meters (7,234 ft) above sea
• Clothing & Accessories – Pair of good walking shoes, warm clothes (as weather is unpredictable), heavy winter wear (if visiting between November – Mid March).
• STD Code –   0177
• Seven Hills – Shimla is surrounded by seven hills known by names of Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Inverarm, Bantony, Jakhoo, Elysium and Observatory Hill.
• World’s Tallest Hanuman (Monkey God) Statue Situated on Jakhoo Hill.
• Mall Road connected to cart road through a lift.

Visiting Shimla – How To Reach Shimla

Air Travel to Shimla – There nearest airport for Shimla is the Jubberhatti Airport, situated 22 km from Shimla. Daily commercial service is operational at the Jubberhatti Airport to and from Delhi, by Kingfisher. Owing to the runway space only a turboprop Dornier aircraft can land here.

Land Travel to Shimla– There is regular bus and taxi services via road. Shimla is connected by a national highway. Majorly long route government transportation buses are available but you can also travel through Volvo buses.

Train Travel to Shimla – UNESCO has granted Kalka-Shimla Railway the status of World Heritage Site. The meandering narrow gauges railway experience through the toy train will take you back to the British Raj. As the train passes tunnel after tunnel you’ll reach one step closer to your destination “Shimla”. There are four train services per day mainly    Kalka Shimla Passenger, Shivalik Deluxe Express, Kalka Shimla Mail and Himalayan Queen Express.

Hotels & Hospitality in Shimla – This list includes nearby hotels of Shimla categorized according to your budget.

• Luxury – The Oberoi Cecil and Radisson Hotel Shimla
• Mid Range – Hotel Landmark, Hotel Peterhoff, Hotel Combermere, Woodville Palace, Clarke’s Hotel, Hotel Ashiana Regency,
• Economical – Hotel Woodland, Hotel City View, Hotel Dreamland, Hotel White, Hotel Mayur, Dalziel, Hotel Gulmarg

Major Eateries in Shimla – Availability of gourmet food is something which makes a destination plus.    So here’s a list of major eateries in Shimla found mainly around the Mall Road.

1. Baljees – A great family restaurant
2. The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant – A multi cuisines restaurant, but a bit towards luxury class
3. Silver Oak – Specializes in Mughlai and Chinese
4. Ashiana & Goofa – Cozy eat out and great view of the ridge and local crowd
5. Loveena Restaurant
6. Qilaa
7. New Plaza Restaurant
8. The Devicos
9. Cafe Coffee Day – Great chain for snacks and a hot cup of coffee
10. Indian Coffee House – Enjoy South Indian Food with typical coffee to top the flavor.

Top Tourist Spots in Shimla

1. Religious & Spirituality – Sankat Mocha, Tara Devi temple, Jakhoo Temple, Nanina Devi, Christ Church, Dorje Drag Monastery
2. Day Out At – State Museum, Naldehra Golf Course, Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park (kufri ), Ice Skating Ring (Active in Winters only), The Retreat and Chail.
3. Camping & Trekking Jaunts – Glen, Potter Hills, Annadale, Mashobra,  Kufri
4. Shopping Spree – There are many brand outlets on mall offering great shopping options, Lower Bazaar (local jam packed market), Lakkar Bazar( antique and wood works)
5. Architectural Heritage – Christ Church, Vice Regal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study), Gorton Castle, The Railway Board Building (Now AG Office), Gaiety Theatre( recently remodeled), WoodVille Palace(converted into a Hotel)