Introduction:

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and it is also known as the 'summer capital' of India. It's well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Placed in the tower ranges of the Himalaya Mountain. Towards the north lie the snow covered high-ranges and the Shimla valley crisscrosses with whispering streams and swaying fields. Shimla holds a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment. The Malls packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town and scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks.

Destination Facts:
 

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 2202.00 Meters
Area: 25km sq.
Temperature: Summer 32°C & Winter10°C
Languages spoken: Pahari, Punjabi, & Hindi

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Shimla has its own airport that offers connections for Delhi and Kullu. The Jubbarhatti airport is 23-km from Shimla and major domestic airlines cater their services from here to Shimla. One can catch direct flights from Delhi. Chandigarh also well connected with Delhi by many domestic flights, and is the gateway to Shimla.
Main Railway Station: Reaching Shimla by rail is also very convenient as Kalka is the nearest major railhead which is connected with Shimla on the narrow gauge. The city boasts of three railway stations with Shimla, being the main station with other two located at Summer Hill and Totu (Jutogh) respectively
Main Bus Station or Road: Access to Shimla by road is made possible by the well-maintained and efficient network of roadways and National Highway 22 that links the town with Chandigarh. The transport system within the town is also good and bus or private vehicles can be used to travel from one part of the town to another.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Shimla:

Kalka: 90 km, Chandigarh: 119 km, Ambala: 152 km, Patiala: 172 km, Amritsar: 342 km, Delhi: 380 km, Jammu: 482 km, Agra: 568 km, Jaipur: 629 km, Srinagar: 787 km

Eating Around:

Himachali food is very similar to the rest of North India. The food served over here is lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread. Some of the specialties and the main food of Himachal include paneer, chouck, bhagjery, jhoul, patrode, siddu/batooru, beduan, chutney, khatti dal

Places of Tourist interest:

Christ Church:
Situated on The Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility.

                                 Christ Church-Shimla

Jakhu Hill:
2 km from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak a offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Lord Hanuman.

Shimla State Museum:
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to protect hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.

Summer Hill:
Situated at a distance of 5 km from The Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill, Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

Tara Devi:
11 km from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi hill has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Sankat Mochan:
A very famous Lord Hanuman temple is located here.

Anand Vilas:
Midway between Shimla and Junga. "Sarva Dharma Mandir", Temple of all Faiths, is a spiritual group dedicated to Mother Nature.

Kufri:
16 km from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft, Kufri is the local winter sports centre, and it also has a small zoo.

Chharabra:
13 km from Shimla on route to Kufri.

Chail:
Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence, known for its cricket pitch, the highest in the world.

Arki:
Arki (46 km) is the site of an 18th century fort built when Arki was the capital of the erstwhile hill state of Baghal

Tattapani:
Location of sulphur springs which are found near the Tatapani mandir(holy temple)

Getting around the destination:

By bus or private vehicles. Buses ply frequently to city centre. Heavy local transport can be seen between Shimla and its major suburbs which include Sanjauli, Kasumpti, Summer Hill, Totu, and New Shimla. Tourist taxis are also an option for out of town trips Private vehicles are prohibited. The auto rickshaws are common
 

Shopping Areas & Entertainment

There are Malls and market as such in Shimla, but one can find a few colorful stalls to buy knick-knacks.
Best things to shop from Shimla are wooden articles, Blankets, Shawls, and Carpets etc.

Best Time To Visit:

Winter (October to February) are ideal for enjoying snowfall, skiing and ice skating. Average temperature during winter is 8°C and can dip as low as -2°C. This is a good time for honeymooning.
Summer (March to June) are the suitable time to enjoy the scenic beauty. Temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C and is ideal for indulging in paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting. There will be no snowfall, but snow can be enjoyed on very high altitudes.

Festivals:

Ice Skating Carnival: - Takes place in winter i.e, October to February Best time to enjoy the festival, Rhyali Festival:- Celebrated in Rainy Season i.e, June to September. Summer Festival:- Celebrated in Month of May, Sipi Fair:- Takes place Month of May in Sihpur as an honor to Sip Devta.