Planning a Shimla trip in 2026? Read our complete guide on places to visit, food, weather, travel tips, hotels, shopping, and best time to go.
Shimla Travling Gaiude: Complete Information for First-Time Visitors
Friends, in today’s, article I am going to give you complete information related to Shimla. Shimla is one of India’s most popular hill stations, and compared to other hill stations, it attracts the highest number of tourists every year. In this Shimla travling gaiude, you will learn when is the best time to visit Shimla, the best ways to reach Shimla, where to stay, how much budget is required, and which are the top places to visit in Shimla.
I promise this guide will be very informative for you, so make sure to read it till the end.
How to Reach Shimla
There are multiple ways to reach Shimla depending on your location, budget, and travel preference.
1. Reaching Shimla by Bus
The most common and budget-friendly way is by bus. If you are traveling from Chandigarh, you can easily get himachal roadways online booking The ticket price is around ₹250.
If you are coming from Delhi, you will find direct semi-sleeper Volvo buses to Shimla. The ticket price usually starts from ₹600 and can go up to ₹1,000 depending on the bus rating and season. Similarly, Volvo buses from Chandigarh to Shimla are available in the range of ₹300 to ₹600.
The Chandigarh Shimla distance is approximately 120 kilometers, and it takes around 3 to 5 hours to reach Shimla by road.
2. Traveling to Shimla by Your Own Vehicle
If you are traveling by your own vehicle, you can enjoy a beautiful drive on the Kalka–Shimla Highway. The road journey is scenic and enjoyable, especially during pleasant weather. This option is perfect for travelers who love road trips and want flexibility during their journey.
3. Shimla Toy Train Experience
Trust me, the most enjoyable way to reach Shimla is by the simla toy train The toy train starts from Kalka and goes all the way to Shimla, offering breathtaking views along the route.
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Second seating ticket price starts at around ₹65
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First-class tickets range from ₹350 to ₹800, depending on the train
There are a total of six toy trains running daily at different timings. From Delhi, you can easily find trains to Kalka, making this route very convenient. I have also made a separate video on the toy train journey where I explained everything in detail.
4. Reaching Shimla by Flight
Shimla does have an airport, but direct flights are very limited. If you are traveling from cities like Mumbai or other distant locations, the best option is to take a flight to Chandigarh and then travel to Shimla by road. This is the most practical choice for air travelers.
Where to Stay in Shimla
Once you reach Shimla, the next important question is accommodation. If you are arriving by bus or train, staying near Mall Road in Shimla is a good option. You will find plenty of hotels with easy access to major attractions.
Hotel prices usually start from around ₹800 per night and can go higher based on:
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Peak season or weekends
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Room view (mountain-view rooms are more expensive)
I strongly recommend booking hotels online before reaching Shimla. Always check ratings and photos before confirming your stay.
If you are traveling with your own vehicle, instead of staying near Mall Road, you can consider hotels on the Shimla–Kufri Highway. These hotels are less crowded and do not have parking issues, unlike hotels in the city center.
Shimla Sightseeing and Snow Experience
Shimla is famous for its pleasant weather, colonial charm, and winter snowfall. During winters, many tourists visit Shimla specifically to experience Shimla snow, which adds a magical touch to the hill station. Popular Shimla sightseeing spots are well connected and easily accessible from Mall Road.
In the next part of this Shimla travling gaiude, you will explore the best places to visit in shimla, local attractions, and budget planning tips for a perfect trip.
Top Places to Visit in Shimla – Day 1 Itinerary
Now let’s talk about the top places to visit in Shimla that you should definitely include in your trip. Before that, one important tip—if you are planning a Shimla tour itinerary, a maximum stay of 3 to 4 days is more than enough. In these 3–4 days, you can easily cover most of the popular Shimla sightseeing spots. Of course, if you are coming for work from mountains, you can even stay for a month.
Day 1: Kufri and The Ridge
Let’s start with Day One. If you reach Shimla in the morning, first check in to your hotel, take some rest, and then head towards Kufri, which is around 15 kilometers from Shimla. You can easily get a taxi from Shimla, and the taxi charges usually range between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000, covering all major places in Kufri.
Kufri is especially famous for Shimla snow and snow-related activities. If you are visiting during winters, Kufri is something you should not miss at all. Here, you can enjoy activities like:
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Skiing
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Horse riding
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Yak riding
Apart from adventure, Kufri also offers beautiful greenery and scenic views. One must-visit spot here is Green Valley. You can spot many people standing along the main highway enjoying the valley view, or you can simply ask a local to guide you. The valley looks untouched and offers dense forest views, making it perfect for nature lovers.
In Kufri, you can also visit the Zoo and an Amusement Park, which are good options if you are traveling with family or kids.
Evening Walk at The Ridge, Shimla
After exploring Kufri, return to Shimla and head back to your hotel. If you reach on time in the evening, you can go for a relaxing walk at The Ridge, one of the most popular Shimla sightseeing places.
The Ridge is a beautiful open space where no vehicles are allowed. You can enjoy a peaceful walk with stunning mountain views around you. As evening turns into night, the place becomes even more beautiful due to the lighting, making it perfect for photography and leisure walks.
After spending some quality time at The Ridge, you can return to your hotel and take rest, preparing for the next day of your Shimla travling guide journey.
Day 2: Jakhoo Temple, Mall Road & Local Markets
Now let’s talk about Day Two of your Shimla travling guide. Start your day with a nice breakfast at Mall Road in Shimla, and then get ready to visit one of the most famous religious places in Shimla—Jakhoo Temple.
Jakhoo Temple, Shimla
Jakhoo Temple is located around 2 kilometers from Mall Road, and the climb is quite steep. There are three ways to reach the temple:
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By walking – If you enjoy walking, you can reach the temple in about 15–20 minutes.
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By ropeway – This is the most popular and scenic option. The ropeway ticket price is around ₹250 per person, and you get to enjoy beautiful views during the ride.
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By taxi – You can also go by taxi, which usually costs between ₹400 to ₹600.
Jakhoo Temple is situated on Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. Here, you will see a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman along with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. One special attraction here is the 108-feet tall Hanuman statue, which is visible from many parts of Shimla. If you are visiting Shimla, Jakhoo Temple is a must-visit spot.
After spending some time there, return back towards the city.
Mall Road and Local Markets
Once you’re back, explore Mall Road in Shimla, which is one of the most lively and popular areas for tourists. Basically, Shimla has three main markets:
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Mall Road – This is where you’ll find branded showrooms, popular restaurants, and cafés. You can have lunch here and enjoy shopping at the same time.
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Lower Bazaar – This market is mostly preferred by locals for everyday shopping.
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Lakkar Bazaar – Famous for wooden handicrafts and creative items. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. Compared to Lower Bazaar, Lakkar Bazaar is less expensive.
These markets together make Mall Road one of the best Shimla sightseeing areas for shopping and food lovers.
Christ Church – Evening Visit
In the evening, visit the very famous church of jesus christ of latter, located at The Ridge. It is within walking distance from Mall Road. Christ Church is known as the second-oldest church in North India.
The church looks beautiful from the outside, but its interior is even more impressive. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-visit place during your Shimla trip.
Dinner & End of Day 2
After visiting Christ Church, you can enjoy dinner at any good café or restaurant on Mall Road. With this, your second day in Shimla comes to a perfect end.
Day 3: Offbeat Places Near Shimla (Cheail, Mashobra & Naldehra)
Now let’s begin Day Three of your Shimla travling gaiude. On the third day, I’ll suggest a few destinations, and you can choose any one or two of them based on your interest and time. These places are perfect if you want to escape the crowd and explore peaceful Shimla sightseeing spots surrounded by nature.
Chail – A Peaceful Escape from Shimla
The first destination is Chail. Although Chail comes under Solan City, it is located around 40 kilometers from Shimla. Shimla usually remains crowded, so if you prefer peace, calm surroundings, and raw nature, Chail is a great option.
If you want to travel by bus, HRTC local buses are available up to Chail. If you are traveling by your own vehicle, Chail is even more convenient because from there you can directly head towards Solan and then Chandigarh.
One important tip—while using maps, don’t completely rely on Google Maps, as sometimes it can be confusing in hilly areas. If you feel any confusion, it’s always better to ask locals to avoid wasting time on wrong routes.
In Chail, you will get to see some amazing views. One must-visit place here is Kali Ka Tibba Temple. This temple is located right on top of a hill, offering a stunning view of the entire town along with the Shivalik Range. Because of its height, the views from here are truly breathtaking, so if you visit Chail, do not miss this place.
After that, you can visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may spot Himalayan black bears and other wild animals in their natural habitat.
Chail is also famous for the Chail Palace. You might remember the iconic scene from the movie 3 Idiots, where Rancho’s large house is shown. That scene was shot at Chail Palace, which is why this place remains high on the tourist list.
Mashobra – An Offbeat Destination Near Shimla
The next destination is Mashobra, one of the offbeat places near Shimla. You won’t find much crowd here, making it perfect for families or travelers looking for a peaceful environment.
In Mashobra, you can visit the Reserve Forest Sanctuary and the Wildflower Hall. Mashobra is located around 10 kilometers from Shimla, and you can reach here in about 30 minutes by road.
Naldehra – Nature, Golf Course & British Architecture
The next beautiful destination is Naldehra, one of the most scenic places near Shimla. Naldehra is also an offbeat location and is especially famous for hosting one of the oldest golf courses in India.
This golf course is located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, and the beauty of this place is something you’ll truly appreciate when you see it in person. The golf course was built by the British, and here you will also find a restaurant designed in British architectural style.
The distance from Shimla to Naldehra is around 23 kilometers, and you can reach it within one hour by car.
Final Tip for Day 3
On Day 3, you can choose Chail, Mashobra, or Naldehra based on your travel style—peace, nature, family time, or scenic beauty. These places perfectly complete your Shimla sightseeing experience beyond the crowded tourist spots.
Other Famous Places to Visit in Shimla
Apart from the main sightseeing spots, Shimla has a few more important destinations that you can include in your itinerary depending on your time and interest.
Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)
The next destination is Rashtrapati Niwas, also known as the Viceregal Lodge. The visiting timings are from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This place is spread across a large area and has a very rich historical background.
You can hire a guide here, who will explain everything in detail about its history and architecture. The distance from Mall Road in Shimla is around 3 to 4 kilometers, and you can easily reach here by auto or taxi.
One important thing to remember—photography and videography are not allowed inside Rashtrapati Niwas. Just outside the premises, there is a Bird Park, so if you love nature, you can spend some peaceful time there as well.
Tara Devi Temple
Another important place to visit is Tara Devi Temple, one of the oldest and most religious temples in Shimla. This temple was built in 1766 by Raja Bhupendra Sen.
You can visit Tara Devi Temple between 7:00 AM and 6:30 PM. The distance from Mall Road is around 12 kilometers, and it takes approximately 40 minutes by road to reach here. This temple is perfect for travelers seeking peace and spiritual vibes along with scenic views.
Chadwick Waterfall
If you love waterfalls, you can visit Chadwick Waterfall, located around 6 kilometers from Mall Road. After reaching the parking area, you’ll need to walk about 1 kilometer through a forest trail to reach the waterfall.
One thing to keep in mind—the water flow is highest during the monsoon season or around March, so that’s the best time to visit. The waterfall is very beautiful, though the maintenance could be better, and you might notice some cleanliness issues around the area.
Best Time to Visit Shimla & Trip Budget Summary
So guys, now let’s talk about the best time to visit Shimla, and after that, I’ll summarize the overall trip budget.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
Shimla is an all-season tourist destination, but the best time depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
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If you want to experience Shimla snow, the best time to visit is between November to February. During this season, Kufri becomes even more special, so make sure you don’t miss it.
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Shimla is also a great destination for summer vacations. The weather remains pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing and relaxing.
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It is better to avoid visiting during the monsoon season if possible. Even though the highways are well-developed now, there is still a risk of landslides during heavy rainfall, which can affect travel plans.
Shimla Trip Budget (Minimum Cost Estimate)
Now let’s talk about the minimum budget for a Shimla trip.
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If you travel from Delhi to Kalka by train, the ticket price starts at around ₹115.
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From Kalka to Shimla, the Toy Train (Second Sitting) ticket costs approximately ₹65.
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For accommodation, you can easily find decent hotels starting at around ₹1,000 per day.
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Daily expenses for Shimla sightseeing, local travel, and food will cost around ₹500 to ₹600 per day.
So, for one person, the minimum budget for a 2–3 day Shimla trip comes to around ₹4,000 to ₹5,000, making Shimla a very budget-friendly hill station.
Final Words
I hope this Shimla travling gaiude helps you plan your trip better—from places to visit in Shimla and Mall Road in Shimla, to Shimla sightseeing, snowfall season, and budget planning. Shimla is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and even work-from-mountains plans.
