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Shimla

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About Shimla

Witness the charming beauty of India’s hill stations as you explore the places to visit in Shimla with Thrillophilia. Our packages are designed by expert professionals, ensuring that all your preferences and needs are met. They are also inclusive of accommodations, meals, transfers, and activities so you can have a stress-free vacation here.

Shimla is an abode of natural beauty and colonial heritage, along with unique cultural traditions and cultural activities. The highlight of the town is its iconic Mall Road, where the life of Shimla is centred. The road is lined with shops and cafes and gives easy access to popular landmarks like Christ Church, the Ridge, and Scandal Point.

The best things to do in Shimla include exploring old temples like Kali Bari and colonial-era structures like Visceral Lodge and Rothney Castle. If you want to go beyond sightseeing experiences, Shimla and its surroundings have numerous adventures like trekking, birdwatching, and skiing in store. The adventure starts right when you take the Kalka Shimla Toy Train to reach the hilly wonderland. You can shop for handicrafts, relish local delicacies and admire the views as you visit Shimla with your loved ones.

So, book your Shimla tour with Thrillophilia and enjoy guided tours, heritage walks, adventure activities, and much more with zero last-minute worries.

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Attractions

Kalka–Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traverses through the picturesque landscapes of the Himalayas, offering an enchanting journey filled with nostalgia and scenic beauty. Connecting the town of Kalka in Haryana to the charming hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, this historic railway route is hailed as an engineering marvel and a testament to human ingenuity.

As the train chugs along the winding tracks, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of lush green valleys, mist-clad mountains, and quaint villages nestled amidst the hills. The journey is punctuated by numerous tunnels, viaducts, and bridges, each adding to the charm and allure of the ride.

Nagger Castle

Naggar Castle, located in the scenic Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a magnificent historical site that offers a glimpse into the region's past. Built around the 15th century, this castle used to be the home of Kullu's rulers and is now a charming heritage hotel.

As you explore Naggar Castle, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. Its sturdy stone walls and beautifully carved wooden balconies tell stories of grandeur and elegance. Inside, you can wander through its corridors, admire ancient paintings, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

But Naggar Castle isn't just about history—it's also a place of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, it's the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

In addition to its historical charm, Naggar Castle hosts cultural events and showcases local art and traditions. You can experience Himachali culture through food, music, and dance, making your visit even more memorable.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Naggar Castle has something special to offer. It's a place where the past comes alive, and where you can create lasting memories in the heart of Himachal Pradesh's stunning landscapes.

Arjun Gufa

Arjun Gufa, located near the beautiful town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, is a special cave full of history and charm. This cave is famous because, according to ancient stories, the legendary warrior Arjuna once meditated here to gain powerful weapons from the gods.

As you journey towards Arjun Gufa, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery—lush green forests, flowing streams, and towering mountains—that make the trip a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Once you arrive at the cave, you'll be greeted by its fascinating entrance decorated with colorful flags and offerings. Inside, you'll find intriguing rock formations and natural chambers that add to the cave's mystical atmosphere.

Arjun Gufa isn't just a place for spiritual reflection; it's also perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. You can explore the surrounding trails, take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and even try your hand at trekking or photography.

Whether you're interested in its history, its natural beauty, or just want a peaceful spot to unwind, Arjun Gufa has something for everyone. Visiting this special cave is sure to leave you feeling inspired and connected to the rich traditions of the area.

Gauri Shankar Temple

Discover the peaceful charm of the Gauri Shankar Temple in Himachal Pradesh's Naggar, Kullu district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this sacred site radiates a tranquil aura that captivates the soul of every visitor. Its intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Himachal tour packages.

Stepping into the temple complex, visitors are greeted by the soothing chants of prayers and the fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of divine grace and tranquility. The temple's architecture, with its traditional Himachali design and intricate detailing, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, the Gauri Shankar Temple offers not just a spiritual retreat but also a visual feast for nature lovers. For travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, a visit to this sacred site is an essential part of any Himachal tour package, promising a memorable and enriching experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

Pindari Glacier Trek

The Pindari Glacier trek is a relatively easy trekking trail. The Pindari glacier is situated between the Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi peaks and is a major destination for tourists and high altitude trekking in India. The pristine white glacier measures 3.2 km in length and 1.5 km in width and has gigantic mountains in its background.

The Pindari glacier trek is a must-do activity for all those who wish to experience nature very closely without compromising on peace and tranquility. The journey to the Pindari glacier begins at Nainital and goes on to Lahorekhet. Usually, night camps are set up and the evening is spent in these camps. On your way to the Pindari glacier, you will also come across Dhakuri, which is a place of great scenic splendour.

On moving ahead from Dhakuri, you come to the Khati village, which is the largest village in the region. Situated on the banks of the River Pinder, the village serves as a perfect spot for a night halt. From Khati you will need to trek another 11 kms to reach Dwali. Dwali has beautiful surroundings to offer and you can relish the beauty of the place as you trek on ahead to Phurkia, situated about 6 kms away.

Pindari glacier is situated at a distance of about 17 kms from Dwali. The vista opens into a beautiful view as you reach the Pindari glacier. Your efforts are paid off with the panoramic view of the surroundings that the Pindari Glacier offers you.

Best Season: March - October
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Max. Elevation: 3627 m

The Kuari Pass Trek

It was Lord Curzon’s initiative which led to the discovery of the trekking trail to Kuari Pass. The Kuari peak stands at an altitude of 4,264 metres and can be reached through a trekking trail that starts from Joshimath. The region has some of the grandest mountains of the Himalayan range namely, the Kamet (7756 m), the Chaukhamba (7128 m), the Trishul (7120 m), the Nanda Devi (7817 m) and the Nanda Devi East (7434 m).

The Kuari Pass trek gives you the wonderful opportunity to enjoy breath-taking views of these mountains. This trekking trail is comparatively quite easy as compared to other trails for high altitude trekking in India.

The trek begins at Joshimath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The Chamoli district is of great religious importance for Hindus in the country due to the Panch Prayag which is formed by the confluences of the Rivers Nandakini, Pinder, Kaliganga, Dhauli Ganga and Birehiganga.


The trail will take you through quaint little Himalayan villages which offer magnificent views of the Himalayas and a sneak peek into the life of the locals. During these walks, you can get to know more about the culture and traditions of the people here. The path is lined with trees in a beautiful hue of yellow and orange under a clear blue sky with cotton candy clouds forming interesting shapes.

The snow-capped mountain peaks stay by your side all along amazing you with their majestic and intimidating sizes. You will also pass through oak and deodar forests during this trek, which is pure delight to the senses. These jungles are rich in flora and fauna and you can spot fiery red flowers on rhododendrons.

You also get to walk through Himalayan meadows called Bugyals which offer the best view of the Himalayan beauty. The best of the Bugyals is the Gorson Bugyal. You will visit Auli, which is best known for its winter skiing slopes. Your trekking trail will take you to the Vinayak Pass and the Tali peak, from where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below. On reaching the highest point of the trek i.e. the Kuari peak which stands at an elevation of 13, 990 feet, you are rewarded with a mesmerising view of the majestic peaks of the Himalayas.

Best Season: December - January
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Max. Elevation: 4,264 m

Shimla FAQ's

What are the must-visit places in Shimla?

The best places to visit in Shimla are Mall Road, the Ridge, Scandal Point, and Christ Church. To admire Shimla’s natural beauty, head to Green Valley, Naldehra, Summer Hills, Narkanda, and Chadwick Falls. Learn about the hill station’s history at the Visceral Lodge, Rothney Castle, and Himachal State Museum. You can also visit cultural attractions like Jakhoo Temple, Kali Bari, and Tara Devi Temple here.

Also Explore & Book: Shimla 4 Night 5 Days Package

What are the best places to visit in Shimla for couples?

Shimla’s tourist places like Mall Road, the Ridge, Scandal Point, and Christ Church are some of the best places for couples. For a spiritual tour, you can choose to visit the iconic Jakhoo Temple and Kali Bari here. If you are looking for something beyond the main town, Kufri, Narkanda, Naldehra, Tattapani, and Summer Hills are popular attractions for couples to explore.

What all things can be done in Shimla?

When you are vacationing in the most beautiful destination in the world you would definitely want to know what all things could be done. For those of you who are looking for some here are some of the things to do in Shimla.

 

Toy Train Ride: The toy train ride from Kalka – Shimla is something which you should not miss here. The old railway line along the mountains paints a tranquil picture of the place. The best part comes when you get to see the toy-train moves like a snake on the curved tracks right from your window.

 

Ice skating: This is another thing which you should do while in Shimla. Head out for an ice skating in the open air ice skating rink in Shimla. The ice on the rink is formed by a special technique that the British taught the Garhwali highlanders. The best time to visit this rink is between 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and the cost will be around Rs 100- Rs 200.

 

Rafting: For those of you who are looking for some adventure with fun they can head out for a rafting experience in Tattapani. This place is located 50 km from Shimla and is popular for its natural hot water springs, lush green valleys. You will have the best of times here. The approximate cost for rafting is Rs 1500 per person.

 

Visit the Chadwick Waterfall:Chadwick Waterfall cascade deep down a gorge at a height of approximately 86 m. Enclosed by thick green trees of Pine and Deodar this waterfall is known for offering some great picturesque views. Spend some time exploring the beauty of the region and relax for sometime here.

 

Visit the famous Kuthar Fort: While in Shimal don’t miss your chance to visit the famous Kuthar Fort. With an exotic background with pools and beautiful garden this fort attracts a lot of tourist. The fort spans over an area of about 52.8 square kilometers

Also Checkout: Dalhousie Honeymoon Package

Which are some famous treks in and around Shimla?

Some of the famous treks in and around Shimla are:

The only trek you can participate in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is the Jakhoo Temple Trek. This moderate trek takes you to the highest point of Shimla, which also has the world’s largest statue of Lord Hanuman. Top easy treks around Shimla include Karol Tibba, Tara Devi, Naldehra, Chharabra, Dhanu Devta Temples, and Chadwick Falls. You can also opt for moderate-level treks like Shali Tibba, Kamna Devi Temple, and Hatu Peak.

Must Checkout: Dharamshala Tour Packages

When is the best time to visit Shimla?

Shimla is a year-round destination, which means the best time to visit Shimla can be in any month and season. If you want to admire the lush greenery and vibrant cultural traditions of Shimla in pleasant weather, March to June is a great time. For participating in exciting snow sports like skiing and ice skating and playing in snow, visit from October to March. Additionally, if you want to enjoy visiting Shimla on a low budget, July to September is the perfect period for travelling.

How to reach Shimla?

1. By Air – The nearest year-round functioning airports from Shimla are Delhi and Chandigarh, which are connected to most Indian cities. Once you land in either of these cities, take a train, bus, or cab to reach Shimla.

2. By Train – The closest major railway station from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is at Kalka, which is 90 kilometres away. Some popular trains connecting Kalka to other cities include Kalka Mail and Kalka Shatabdi Express. You can take a bus or cab from here to reach Shimla. The most popular option is the Kalka Shimla Toy Train, which takes around 6 hours to reach the destination.

3. By Road – You can get HRTC or private buses and cabs from Delhi and Chandigarh. You can reach Shimla from Delhi via NH44 in around 8-9 hours and from Chandigarh via NH5 in around four hours. 

Where to stay in Shimla?

The best place to stay in Shimla is around the Mall Road in the main town. This ensures you stay at a central location from where all major attractions, restaurants, and shopping centres in and around Shimla are accessible. Popular hotels include the Grand Hotel, which is the oldest hotel here, Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, Kamna Hill Resort, and GS Cottage. 

Which are the best restaurants in Shimla?

The most popular restaurants in Shimla are Oberoi Cecil’s The Restaurant, Eighteen71 Cookhouse and Bar, and Baljees Restaurant, and Open Garden Terrace Restaurant. Some must-visit cafes and eateries include Himachali Rasoi, Goofa Ashiana, Café Simla Times, Wake and Bake Café, and Café Sol. Among the best things to do in Shimla is to taste local dishes like Madra, Chicken Anardana, Dhaam, and Himachali Thali here.

What is famous in Shimla for shopping?

Lakkar Bazaar, Mall Road, and Tibetan Market are popular hubs of shopping for tourists. Shopping for woollen items, wooden objects, Tibetan jewellery, Himachali hats, Himalayan spices and fruit preserves, is among the top things to do in Shimla. You can also get warm blankets, mountain pickles, and unique books here as well.

When does it snow in Shimla?

Snowfall in Shimla can be seen in the months of December to February. Sometimes, the snowfall season lasts up to mid-March. This period is a great time to enjoy snow-based activities like ice skating, skiing, and hiking. The best places to enjoy Shimla’s snow are the main town, Kufri, Narkanda, and Mashobra.

Is there an airport in Shimla?

Yes, Jubbarhatti Airport, which is also known as Shimla Airport, provides air connectivity with the rest of the country. The airport is located around 22 kilometres away from the main town and is operational only in summer. Alliance Air connects Jubbarhatti Airport with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport by a one-hour regular flight.

Is Shimla safe to visit now?

Yes, places to visit in Shimla are safe to visit for travellers. Locals of Shimla are incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel welcome here. Crime rates are also negligible, so you will be safe if you follow proper precautions. Shimla is also safe for solo female travellers as well as families with kids, so you can visit here worry-free at any time.

How to book a toy train from Kalka to Shimla?

You can book the Kalka Shimla railway tickets from the official IRCTC website, which is the main portal for Indian Railways. Tickets are available one month in advance, and it is highly recommended that you book them early as they sell out quickly. Although tickets are also sold at Kalka Railway Station, they are generally not available unless it’s the off-season.

Shimla Reviews

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Arghajoti Dey
Reviewed: 11 Oct 2023
5.0/5
It is indeed an extraordinary tour,while thrillophilia made sure we get everything safe and sound. Starting from the new car and awesome chauffeur as Girraj Saini from click to travels to the hotel at Manali it was splendid. Not only that with follow up with the facilities Abhishek Rajawat from thr... Read More
Arghajoti Dey
Arghajoti Dey
Arghajoti Dey
Arghajoti Dey
Arghajoti Dey
Arghajoti Dey
(15+)View All
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GOUTAM MOHANTY
Reviewed: 30 Dec 2022
5.0/5
First of all, a big thanks to Thrillophilia and its entire team for making this lovely trip a memorable one. The entire trip was beyond expectation. A special mention of thanks to Mr. Dinesh ku Panda and Mr. Rupesh Maurya of Team Thrillophilia. We would love to book our next trip with you.
GOUTAM MOHANTY
GOUTAM MOHANTY
GOUTAM MOHANTY
GOUTAM MOHANTY
GOUTAM MOHANTY
GOUTAM MOHANTY
(9+)View All
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Susim Dutta
Reviewed: 16 May 2023
4.0/5
Whole experience was very good. We enjoyed a lot and got more than what we expected. Rahul Bisht was very helpful throughout the whole process. We came back with good memories ☺️☺️
Susim  Dutta
Susim  Dutta
Susim  Dutta
Susim  Dutta
Susim  Dutta
Susim  Dutta
(8+)View All
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Chandrika
Reviewed: 20 Mar 2023
5.0/5
Entire trip went well. Thankyou Thrillophilia for planning everything well. Would suggest to others 100%.
Chandrika .
Chandrika .
Chandrika .
Chandrika .
Chandrika .
Chandrika .
(5+)View All
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Puneet Puneet
Reviewed: 17 Dec 2023
5.0/5
Very well planned trip. The thrillophilia poc took care of every minute detail to ensure our convenience and safety. Abhishek ji and Shashank ji are a gem for thrillophilia. Enjoyed a lot. Will definition book more itineraries with thrillophilia.
Puneet Puneet
Puneet Puneet
Puneet Puneet
Puneet Puneet
Puneet Puneet
Puneet Puneet
(3+)View All
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Poojitha Vasanth
Reviewed: 05 Nov 2023
4.0/5
We liked the entire trip. Driver should have much knowledge on the places, he was not guide but just a good driver. Except that everything was good. 
Poojitha Vasanth
Poojitha Vasanth
Poojitha Vasanth
Poojitha Vasanth
Poojitha Vasanth
Poojitha Vasanth
(4+)View All

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