Shimla Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Shimla

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The Bodhi Tree Ladakh

Upper Karzoo | Shimla, 194101, IN

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Club Mahindra Pristine Peaks Naldehra Shimla

Mohul Jungle Naldehra (near State Fire Training Center) Shimla Himachal Pradesh | Shimla, 171007, IN

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Vatsalyam Serviced Apartments

Lower Dudhli Near Bharari | Shimla, 171001, IN

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Pine Ville

Chakkar Upper Chakkar On Nh 205 | Shimla, 171005, IN

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The Sunset Abode 4BR With Valley Views

Upper Bharari Road | Shimla, 171001, IN

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Hotel Marc

Rajiv Gandhi Government Degree College Kotshera Next To Kotshera College | Shimla, 171004, IN

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Oak Retreat Huts

Village Goro Post Office Shoghi Tehsil And District Shimla Hp | Shimla, 171219, IN

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Zoz sm6

Fair View Poabo Bhont School Path Kamyana Himachal Pradesh | Shimla, 171003, IN

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

Hindi and English and Pahari

Local currency

INR (INR)

Local time

07:18 (GMT+5)

Ideal trip length

3–5 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Mall Road

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Optional, 5-10% for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Chha Gosht Madra Babru Siddu

When to visit Shimla

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May, October Busiest: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct

Jan

40

Cold, chance of snow
Feb

50

Chilly, less snow
Mar

70

Pleasant, cool
Apr

85

Warm, popular
May

90

Warm, peak season
Jun

80

Warm, pre-monsoon
Jul

30

Monsoon, heavy rain
Aug

35

Monsoon, heavy rain
Sept

85

Post-monsoon, clear
Oct

90

Cool, clear, pleasant
Nov

70

Chilly, clear
Dec

50

Cold, chance of snow

40

Jan Cold, chance of snow

50

Feb Chilly, less snow

70

Mar Pleasant, cool

85

Apr Warm, popular

90

May Warm, peak season

80

Jun Warm, pre-monsoon

30

Jul Monsoon, heavy rain

35

Aug Monsoon, heavy rain

85

Sept Post-monsoon, clear

90

Oct Cool, clear, pleasant

70

Nov Chilly, clear

50

Dec Cold, chance of snow

Things to do in Shimla

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

Shimla Railway Station 4 hrs

UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway offering scenic mountain views.

Indoors Good for children

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo Hill 2 hrs

Visit the highest point in Shimla with a giant Hanuman statue and panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Stroll Mall Road

Mall Road 2 hrs

Vibrant pedestrian street for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

Outdoors Good for children

Indian Institute of Advanced Study

Observatory Hill 1.5 hrs

Explore the former Viceregal Lodge, a stunning colonial-era building with lush gardens.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

The Ridge

The Ridge 1 hr

Large open space in the heart of Shimla offering stunning views and local activities.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Christ Church

The Ridge 0.5 hrs

Iconic neo-Gothic church on The Ridge, a symbol of Shimla.

Indoors Good for children

Shimla itineraries

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Culture and history

3 Days in Shimla — Culture & History

Uncover the colonial legacy and vibrant heritage of the 'Queen of Hills'.

This 3-day itinerary immerses you in Shimla's rich colonial past, spiritual traditions, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a serene escape with a touch of old-world charm, it guides you through iconic landmarks and local experiences.

3 Days 14 Stops

See the full plan