Silhouettes of pine trees and tiny houses with thatched roofs shimmered with silvery splendour in the darkness. Bathed in moonlight, Shimla looked like an abode of dancing fireflies from my hotel window. The crisp May air had added the right colour to the otherwise dry evening, and I sat on the balcony drinking in the vastness of the valley.
Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a tourist’s paradise.
The slightly damp air with its misty winds and the swirling clouds that you can almost touch, convince you that you are truly living in heaven.
Shimla is beautiful, mind numbingly beautiful. With countless awe inspiring views to offer, one of the first things you must do in Shimla is go for a walk. A long quiet walk along the winding hills is an experience you will never forget. Besides the beautiful landscape, this lovely city also gives you a combined feel of Britain and Scotland with its buildings that relate stories from the bygone era. The colonial ambience is reinforced by its vintage mansions and tiny shops lining the roads.
The Mall Road with its multitude of shops and the Scandal Point with its diverting history are places you shouldn’t miss. And just when you get tired of relaxing, Shimla surprises you with its spirit of adventure. From skiing to go-karting and horse riding, Shimla offers a wide range of activities which are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
The Kufri Valley, located 13 kms from Shimla, hosts the world’s highest go-kart track along with a small zoo which is home to many rare antelopes and Himalayan birds. The place also offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.
Other places to visit include the visceral lodge, the Christ Church, the Jakhu Hill and Arki. Also the train ride by the Kalka-Shimla Railway is something you should not miss.
Sitting on the train as it winds its way through the steep hill slopes and tunnels, with branches brushing the windows of the carriage, is perhaps the best way of saying goodbye to Shimla.
Being a hill station, the place tends to get a bit chilly so its advised to carry woolens. There is also an abundance of pesky and bold
monkeys who will not hesitate to attack, so it is advisable to be cautious while carrying food outside. Some of the activities like skiing and horse riding are slightly expensive so ensure that you keep a flexible budget to accommodate unexpected costs.
Shimla can be reached by air rail or road. Flying there would naturally be the fastest but is also the most expensive alternative.
The nearest airport is around 25 kilometers from Shimla.
Direct trains to the hill station are available from either Chandigarh or Delhi. There are also taxi’s available for hire which will take you from Delhi to Shimla. Accommodation is easily available here, but being a tourist spot, it is advisable to book in advance. Tariffs for hotels start from `700 for the most basic facilities.
Places to see
Kufri Valley
Visceral Lodge
Mall road
The Ridge
Christ church
