Shimla tourist places, day trips and when it snows
By Ganesh ·
The best places to visit in Shimla (the Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu, the Viceregal Lodge and the toy train) plus Kufri, Chail and Narkanda day trips, a 3-day plan, costs and when to see snow.
The short answer: the best tourist places in Shimla are the Ridge and Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple, the Viceregal Lodge, Lakkar Bazaar and the Kalka–Shimla toy train, plus day trips to Kufri, Mashobra, Naldehra, Chail and Narkanda. Two days covers the town; three to four days lets you add Kufri and either Chail or Narkanda. For snow, plan for late December to February and head higher than Shimla town.
Updated for 2026. Prices and timings are approximate. Check before you go.
Shimla at a glance
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, sits along a ridge at about 2,200 m. It was the summer capital of British India, and its colonial buildings, pedestrian Mall Road and forest walks make it one of India's most visited hill stations, especially for families and honeymooners from North India.
Places to visit in Shimla town
The Ridge and Mall Road
The wide open square of the Ridge and the vehicle-free Mall Road below it are the heart of Shimla: Scandal Point, the Gaiety Theatre, the old Town Hall, cafés and shops. Evenings here, with the lights of the hills around, are the classic Shimla experience.
Christ Church
The neo-Gothic church on the Ridge, built in the mid-1800s, is Shimla's best-known landmark. Its stained-glass windows are worth a look inside.
Jakhu Temple
The Hanuman temple on Jakhu Hill, Shimla's highest point, has a huge Hanuman statue visible across town. Walk up (steep, about 30–45 minutes from the Ridge), take a taxi, or ride the ropeway. Keep glasses, phones and food out of sight, the monkeys are bold.
Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
The grand stone building where the viceroys lived now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Guided tours of parts of the interior run on most days for a fee, and the lawns have fine views.
Lakkar Bazaar and the lower bazaars
Lakkar Bazaar, behind the Ridge, is known for wooden crafts; the steep lanes of the Lower Bazaar and Lower Mall are where locals shop.
Kalka–Shimla Railway
The narrow-gauge mountain railway from Kalka is part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India, with around a hundred tunnels and hundreds of bridges on its roughly 96 km climb. The ride takes five to six hours. Book early on IRCTC in peak season, or ride a short section from Shimla for the experience.
Annandale and Glen
Annandale's open ground (now partly an army area with a museum) and the Glen forest are quiet escapes from the crowds of the Mall.
Day trips from Shimla
- Kufri (about 15 km): the nearest place for snow in winter, with pony rides to Mahasu Peak, a small zoo and an amusement park. Very crowded on weekends.
- Mashobra and Naldehra (15–25 km): apple orchards, deodar forests and one of India's oldest golf courses at Naldehra.
- Chail (about 45 km): the former summer palace of the Maharaja of Patiala and one of the world's highest cricket grounds.
- Narkanda (about 65 km): Hatu Peak and temple, apple country, and beginner skiing slopes in a good snow year.
- Tattapani (about 50 km): hot springs by the Sutlej river.
How to reach Shimla
- From Delhi by road: about 350 km, 8–9 hours via Chandigarh, Kalka and Solan. HRTC and private Volvo buses run overnight from Delhi.
- By train: take a train to Kalka (or Chandigarh), then the toy train or a taxi up (about 3 hours by road from Kalka).
- By air: Chandigarh airport (about 115 km) has the most flights. Shimla's small Jubbarhatti airport, about 22 km from town, has limited flights.
- In town: the Mall and Ridge are walk-only. Public lifts connect Cart Road with the Mall; taxis drop you at the edges.
Best time to visit Shimla
March to June is the main summer season: pleasant days while the plains swelter, and the biggest crowds in May–June. October and November are crisp and clear. December to February is cold; snowfall is likeliest from late December to February but is not guaranteed in Shimla town every year. Kufri and Narkanda get snow more reliably. July to September is monsoon, with heavy rain and landslide risk on hill roads. Searches for Shimla peak in December and May, so book hotels early for those months.
Sample 3-day Shimla itinerary
- Day 1 (Shimla town): arrive by the toy train or road, walk the Ridge and Mall Road, Christ Church, and dinner on the Mall.
- Day 2 (Jakhu and the Viceregal Lodge): Jakhu Temple in the morning, Viceregal Lodge tour, Lakkar Bazaar and the Glen in the afternoon.
- Day 3 (Kufri and Mashobra): Kufri early before the crowds, Mashobra and Naldehra in the afternoon, back to Shimla for the evening.
How much does a Shimla trip cost?
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Budget hotel (per night) | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Mid-range or heritage hotel (per night) | ₹3,500–₹10,000 |
| Taxi for Kufri–Mashobra–Naldehra day trip | ₹2,500–₹4,000 |
| Toy train, Kalka to Shimla (one way, by class) | roughly ₹50–₹800 |
| Entry fees and tours (Viceregal Lodge, Jakhu ropeway) | ₹50–₹500 per person per place |
| Meals per person per day | ₹500–₹1,500 |
A 3-day trip for two from Delhi by bus or train, with a mid-range hotel and one day trip, usually costs ₹15,000–₹30,000. Christmas, New Year and May–June weekends are the most expensive.
Practical tips
- Parking is scarce; leave the car at your hotel and walk or take the lifts.
- Pack warm layers even in summer, and proper winter wear from November to March.
- In snow, roads beyond Shimla can close; carry chains or hire a local driver, and check road status.
- Shimla has faced water shortages in some summers. Use water carefully.
- Avoid travelling on hill roads during heavy monsoon rain.
Plan it on Sancharees
Add Shimla, Kufri and Chail to a Sancharees trip to see drive times, keep the toy-train tickets and hotel booking together, and share the plan with family as a live link.
FAQ
How many days are enough for Shimla?
Two days for the town; three to four days to add Kufri and Chail or Narkanda.
When does it snow in Shimla?
Most often from late December to February. Snow in the town itself varies a lot year to year; Kufri and Narkanda get it more reliably.
Shimla or Manali: which is better?
Shimla is a colonial town with easy day trips and the toy train; Manali has bigger mountain scenery, adventure sports and the road to Rohtang and Lahaul. Many people combine both in a week.
Can I drive on Mall Road?
No, the Mall and Ridge are pedestrian zones. Use the lifts from Cart Road or walk up.
Photo: The Ridge, Shimla by Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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