Shimla, one of the popular tourist spots presents everyone with amazing holidaying opportunities throughout the year. Previously the summer capital of British India, Shimla is now the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Its refreshing setting and mesmerising scenic beauty has captivated everyone since long and thus used to be one of the favourite hill stations of Britishers.
Having its name derived from Goddess Shyamla, one of the many avatars of Goddess Kali, Shimla pampers its visitors with lush greenery, enchanting gardens, serene waterfalls, majestic mountains, historical buildings along with various adventurous sports.
Nature walks and trekking amidst best of natural settings is quite enjoyable in Shimla. Treks are at their best with colourful flowers and refreshing greenery during the season of summer. If you planning your Shimla tour during winters, along with snow clad Himalayas and snowfall, activities like skiing make it more interesting.
On your trip to Shimla, along with breathtaking scenic beauty and exotic nature, you will have various sightseeing places offering a glimpse of its colonial history. Some of the popular tourist spots in Shimla are the Mall which is shopping area but with a touch of history.
Restaurants, souvenir shops along with old historical buildings make the place an attractive one to visit. Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Prospect Hill, Sanjauli, Daranghati Sanctuary along with temples such as temple of Bihargaon, temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochan are few other worth visiting sites.
Mashobra, Kufri, Fagu, Naldehra, Tattapani, Narkanda, Hattu Peak, Hatkati and Rampur are few of places around the hill station of Shimla that can be visited if time permits.
The hill station offer its visitors with cultural and age old traditions as well. Its folk dances and songs are something worth experiencing. Kayang Dance, Bakayang dance, Bnayangchu dance, Jataru Kayang dance, Chohara dance, Shand and Shabu dances and Rasa dance are major dance forms of the place and are sure to engage you with their vibrancy and liveliness.
Although one can visit Shimla at any time of the year, visiting during festivals such as Summer festival, Ice Skating Carnival and Rhyali festival can add on to Shimla trip. For reaching Shilma, one can choose any of the three modes of transportation-roads, railways and airways.
The nearest airport is at Jubbarhati which is 23 km away from Shimla. The hill station is well connected via road. There are bus services operating from all the major towns and cities of Punjab and Haryana as well as from delhi and Chandigarh.