Shimla India

Shimla is a beautiful tourist city in Himachal Pradesh, India. During the British rule, Shimla was declared as the “Summer Capital City” for summer vacations. Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, this city is full of natural scenery. And Shimla, known as a winter wonderland for tourists, has numerous places to visit.

The small beautiful town of Shimla is lined up with exotic features to fascinate the tourists. Shimla is at the top of the choice of foreign tourists coming to India to enjoy its varied beauty.

Mall Road (Mall Road): Walking down the ridge road is Shimla Mall Road. Mall Road is divided into two parts. Mall Road has various administrative buildings of Shimla as well as numerous landmarks. The snow fall viewing experience at Mall Road is simply amazing. If you walk along this road, you will see the civic life of Shimla city. In addition, there are cafes, restaurants and numerous shops and entertainment.

The Ridge: Located in the heart of the city near Mall Road, this place is the hub of all cultural activities in Shimla. There are several old buildings around this open square which is made up of a large area. The sunset view here is very enjoyable.

Christ Church: Built in 1857, the second oldest church in India is located within walking distance from The Ridge. This church is a famous landmark of Shimla with historical monuments and religious significance. A neo-Gothic architectural landmark, the church is popular for its Elizabethan design and festive surroundings.

Summer Hill: Located on the Kalka-Shimla railway line near the Mall Road, Summer Hill is a favorite place for tourists to see the natural beauty. This hill is one of the famous seven hills of Shimla which offers a panoramic view of small villas nestled among pine, oak, cedar and cedar trees.

Viceregal Lodge (Viceregal Lodge): This 130-year-old lodge built in 1888 by the British architect Henry Irwin was the residence of the British Viceroy. Presently the lodge is known as the headquarters of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. The magnificent building built in Jacobean style is a historical witness to the various activities of Shimla.

St. Michael's Cathedral (ST. Michael's Cathedral): Built in 1885, this church is the first Catholic church in Shimla. The five altars installed in the church were brought from Italy. Many tourists come here to see the stonework and spend some quiet time in the church.

Himachal State Museum (Himachal State Museum): In the 35 galleries of the Himachal State Museum, various ancient artifacts of Himachal culture such as coins, everyday tools, earthenware, jewellery, paintings and costumes are preserved.

Johnny's Wax Museum (Wax Museum): The museum has wax sculptures of various local and international personalities. The museum entry fee is Rs 250 per person.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex (Gaiety Heritage): Established in 1887, the complex used to organize various events for the entertainment of British residents. Currently, various shows and exhibitions are held here. The church located here is open from 11 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee per person to the complex is Rs.

Kotgarh: Located 82 km from Shimla at an altitude of 6,500 meters above sea level, Kotgarh is mainly famous for its apple orchards. There are several places to visit including Hetu Peak and Temple, Tanjubbar Lake and Derthu Mata Temple.

Jakhoo: This ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman is situated on Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla. Located at an altitude of about 2,455 meters above sea level, the temple hosts the “Dussehra” festival every year which is visited by thousands of tourists.

Kufri: Located 21 km from Shimla, Kufri has Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun World, Mahashu Peak, Shimla Reserve Forest Sangchuri, Shimla Water Wildlife Sangchuri and Nag Temple. Apart from this, there are opportunities for yak ride, skiing from Mahasu Peak and trekking in Chali.

Fagu: Located 18 km from Shimla, this place is very popular for skiing and winter sports. Fagur Giri valley offers a wonderful view of Shimla and its surroundings.

Besides, you can also visit places like Naldehra and Tattapani in Shimla.

From Dhaka take Hanif, Shyamoli or Eagle bus to Benapole. But Hanif's service is more popular. From Benapole, you have to cross the border and go to Bangaon railway station by spending 40-50 rupees by taxi. Go to Kolkata by local train from Bangaon and go to Howrah railway station. To travel from Howrah to Delhi, the ticket must be booked as a foreigner from the office of the Foreign Reservation Bureau. After reaching Delhi, take metro line and reach Kashmir Gate station. Buses to various states of Delhi depart from Kashmir Gate station.

If you want to go by train, you have to go from Delhi to Kalka and then to Shimla. Besides, there are direct flights from Dhaka to Delhi by Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Spice Jet. There are domestic flights from Delhi to Shimla. So you can go to Delhi by plane from Dhaka and then go to Shimla easily by plane or bus.

Also Read: Manali Travel Guide

A minimum of Rs 1,800-2,000 will be spent from Dhaka to Delhi. And going from Delhi to Shimla via Kalka will cost 800-1200 rupees. 12,000-15,000 per person for 3 nights and 2 days stay in Shimla including food and sightseeing. However, if you travel by plane, the cost will be more than double. Again, extra cost will be added for adventure rides like paragliding, zip lining.

There are several good quality hotels to stay near Jakhu Temple, Mall Road, Shimla. Raj Home Stay, Thiram Shimla, New Sansar Mall Road, Mehdudia Guest House, Hotel Bhatika, Kavya Home Stay, Amarvilla Hotel, Adobe Rooms Hotel C Shimla etc. will cost 550-1000 rupees for two people to stay for one night.

Cha ghost (mutton with curd), murg anardana (chicken stew with pomegranate) and dal chana are particularly popular among Shimla's traditional dishes. You can also find good quality food at restaurants like Qila, The Devicos, Baljee's & Fascination, Cecil. And the food includes falafel, madra (dals made with a mixture of different spices), dham (a special platter decorated with dal, rajma, rice, curd, flour), sidu (a special bread), thukpa (noodle soup), babru (dal You can eat food like tamarind chutney with Bara) and mash dal. You can taste some traditional street foods at The Ridge.

Shimla is famous for Lakhyar Bazaar, Himachal European, Lower Bazaar, Tibetan Market and The Ridge shopping. Here you can buy woolen cloths, special hats of Himachal, handicrafts, handmade traditional wooden and clay items along with various local items.

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