About Shimla

Shimla, encased in Rhododendron, Himalayan Oak, and fir trees is crowned with the title ‘Queen of hills’. Shimla has been in importance since the very beginning, from being the summer capital of the British era to being the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has always captivated numerous tourists from all over India and the world. The city has received its name from Shyamala Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali for whom a temple is dedicated on the Hilltop of Bantony as Kali Bari Temple. Shimla is one of the favorite hill stations in Indian hearts and is also listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites along with a few other hill stations of India. Also, the Shimla-Kalka Railway which still runs on the almost century-old engine built during British rule is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. Shimla was brought into importance only after the start of British rule. Shimla is home to the oldest post office in North India known as Conny Cottage which was constructed in the year 1882. Shimla also abodes the oldest and only Natural Ice skating Rink in Aisa. In 1806 Shimla was invaded by Bhimsen That Nepal. After the Anglo- Nepalese war between 1814-16, the British East India Company took over the territory under control as per the Sugauli Treaty. Due to once being the Britisher’s vacation hub, Shimla has many structures influenced by British culture, one of those is the Second Oldest Church of North- India. Leaders of the freedom movement Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, and many others frequently visited Shimla during the struggling days of Independence. Shimla has an important role in Indian History as the India- Pakistan peace treaty, Shimla agreement was signed by Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at that date in Viceregal Lodge which is now, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. During its heyday, it attracted many princes, diplomats, merchants, and political leaders of countries like Tibet, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, and other countries. Shimla is also an Agricultural trade center and has industries like manufacturing, Brewing, and handloom weaving.

How to reach Shimla

Shimla By Air

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV)  at a distance of approximately 28 km but only functions occasionally with limited flights from Delhi, Kullu, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. The major nearest airport to Shimla is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) which is well connected with all major cities of India with frequent flights. Chandigarh International Airport is located 216 km away from  Shimla. Flights of Indigo, Vistara, Air India, and GoFirst land at Chandigarh International Airport. For further journey cabs, taxis and buses are available from the airport till Shimla.

Shimla By Rail

The nearest railway station to Shimla is of Broad Gauge railway station, Kalka Railway Station at a distance of 89km. Still, Chandigarh Railway station is majorly active than Kalka railway station. The journey further can be commenced by cab, taxi, and buses but enjoying a toy train ride to Shimla is not an everyday delight to miss. Riding a Railcar in Shimla is a must-do activity that gives out of the world experience. 

Trains from Delhi to Kalka and Chandigarh 

• Unchahar Express
• Himalayan Queen Express
• New Delhi Kalka Shatabdi Express
• Pashchim SF Express
• Sachkhand SF Express
• Delhi Hoshiyarpur Express

Trains from Mumbai to Chandigarh are

• Pashchim SF Express
• Bandra Terminus -Chandigarh 
• Kerala Sampark Kranti
• Goa Sampark Kranti

Toy trains for Shimla Railway station (SML) from Kalka Railway station (KLK) are

•  Kalka - Shimla Himalayan Queen
•  Kalka - Shimla  Shivalik Deluxe Express
•  Kalka - Shimla Holiday Special
•  Kalka - Shimla Passenger
•  Kalka - Shimla NG Express

Shimla by Road

The route to Shimla is very well constructed and well linked to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other northern parts of India. Chandigarh-Shimla Highway is the nearest route to Shimla and a well-accessed road from Chandigarh requiring only a 3 and a half-hour ride covering 120km. Deluxe and many more other buses are available frequently from all northern parts of India. Delhi to Shimla  by roac343 km via NH44. The highways accessible to Shimla are NH05, NH44, and SH18. 

Distance:

Delhi to Shimla is approx 343 km
Chandigarh to Shimla is approx 113 km 
Manali to Shimla is approx  240 km

Popular Places to explore in Himachal Pradesh

Kufri 14.5 km / 1 hr:
Chail: 45 km /2 hr
Kasauli:  73 km / 2 hr 35 min
Jibhi: 161 km / 5 hr 30 min
Kullu: 200 km / 6 hr 30 min
Palampur: 201 km / 6 hr 1o min
Kasol: 220 km / 7 hr
Dharamshala: 225 km / 6 hr 40 min
Mcleodganj: 234 km / 7 hr
Manali: 240 km / 7 hr 24 min
Chamba: 309 km  / 8 hr 35 min
Dalhousie: 316 km / 9 hr 15 min
Khajjiar:326 km / 9 hr 35 min
Spiti: 416 km / 11 h