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If you are also planning to visit Shimla to get relief from the scorching sun from the South of India, Shimla is waiting for your presence. When considering the scenic beauty and chilling weather of the city, one can see Shimla as Switzerland in miniature. Shimla is famous for a number of tourist destinations and if you could plan your itinerary well, you can reward yourself with an unforgettable memory after your three-day stay in Shimla.
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is known as “The Queen of the Hills”. With beautiful snow-capped mountains, wooden houses, water gushing from waterfalls, and mountains reflecting from the blue sky, this small town in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the lap of nature, is a major center of attraction for couples looking for a favorite honeymoon destination. This city of Himachal is also called the Queen of Hill Stations and Dev Bhoomi. The ravishing beauty of Shimla is so intoxicating that you will feel like staying forever among these mountains and living a life of seclusion as the vibe it imparts is such a relaxation. This is the reason why Shimla has become the favorite destination of people all over the world. If you reach Shimla from May to June or December to January, you would be able to find paradise here.
Summer Hills
Visitors who arrive in Shimla never miss the chance of visiting summer hills. This is a significant tourist destination in travel itineraries which include Shimla. It is remarkable that every moment from morning to dusk is sure to capture your mind. Summer Hill is situated at an elevation of about 21,23 meters above sea level. If you are at Summer Hills you will find yourself above the clouds. Sky rising pine trees give this place a gothic ambiance yet attract thousands of tourists to this place. So, if Shimla is listed on your bucket list, make sure that Summer Hills is one stop during your journey.
If you plan to spend your time at Summer Hills during your trip to Shimla, make sure that there is enough winter clothing in your traveling bag to make yourself warm and comfortable in the chilling cold. Apart from that, you will also need comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of trekking and walking among the hills. Moreover, you will also need adequate sunscreen lotion to keep your skin supple at higher altitudes and sunlight.
Summer Hills is quite famous among photographers who are captivated by the beautiful scenery. Apart from that, anybody who loves seclusion among the clouds, away from the hustle and bustle of the city may find peace at Summer Hills as serenity stays here forever.
The State Museum Shimla
The state museum of Shimla is one gateway to the history of India. This museum is a great manifestation of the astounding British architecture and the artifacts inside reflect the history and the culture of Shimla. The building of the museum was once the private residence of Lord William Beresford who was the Military Secretary to the then Viceroy of India, Lord William Bentinck. The exquisite pieces of paintings, sculptures, and other ancient monuments speak volumes of great historical stories of India and outside.
The location of the museum further attracts visitors who come not just for understanding its history but for enjoying its surroundings. Therefore, if you plan to spend your summer vacation at Shimla, don’t forget to make a visit to this State Museum. It is open all days of the week except Mondays and public holidays from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. You will be spending around two hours among the artifacts inside the museum.
Kufri
Kufri is located at a distance of 12 Km from Shimla. If you are coming to Shimla with a view to having experience in hiking, trekking, and adventure, Kurfi would be no less than a paradise. As for the beauty of the area, snow-capped mountains and the streams of crystal clear water flowing through the myriad of blossoms make the travelers spellbound. Since tourism is thriving in the area, there is no scarcity of hotels and guest houses. There is a range to be selected from luxury hotels to accommodation in tents as fitting to your budget and choice.
Chadwick Falls
Reaching Chadwick Falls is like a dream coming true for visitors who are fascinated by the beauty of Shimla. This is considered to be the center of attraction in Himachal Pradesh. An adage goes that the name Chadwick has been given to this place because such a height can only be accessed by the sparrows. The waterfall is lashing from a height of 100 meters offering a spectacular view of a paradise for its visitors.
The months from June to September are the best part of the year for visiting Chadwick Falls as it is during this season that the monsoon rains begin and the Chadwick falls gives its most spectacular view. Travelers are advised to leave the waterfall before the sunset as this is a drinking source for most of the wild animals including leopards and they come to the waterfall to quench their thirst when the darkness is falling. Because of the very same reason, you are also recommended to come with a group. You also need to keep in mind that once you enter the premises of the waterfall, there are no restaurants or food joints and thus, you may come with enough snacks you may need.
Lakkar Bazaar
The city of Shimla is renowned for its wooden items. Lakkar Bazaar is a significant milestone in Shimla as tourists often visit this bazaar to buy souvenirs in memory of their Shimla tour. Lakkar Bazaar is their famous marketplace adjoining the Ridge in Shimla. The shops at Lakkar Bazaar mostly attract tourists and this place is often crowded with visitors who arrive here to buy wooden artifacts and souvenirs. Most of the shops here sell unique pieces of wooden artifacts and objects which are available at affordable prices. Tourists love to do shopping at Lakkar Bazaar to buy handy wooden items to keep memories on their Shimla tour.
Lakka Bazaar is also an ideal place for trying out spicy Indian street foods. Vendors, especially those who are engaged in home-based trade can be encountered along the Lakkar Bazaar. They sell their products and services such as applying Mehendi art beside the road at affordable prices.
Horse riding is also available along the ridge. It seems to be more popular among foreign travelers.
Scandal point
We cannot talk about Shimla without referring to the Scandal Point as there is an inseparable connection between the duo. The place has got this name because the first love scandal in India happened in Shimla. But every year an influx of tourists visit Scandal point because of the authentic beauty of the place. Scandal Point is quite popular among newly married couples who chose this place as their honeymoon destination.
Mall Road
If you visit Shimla, your trip will be incomplete unless you visit Mall Road. This has been a filming location for several Bollywood movies and dramas owing to its classic beauty. Mall Road is open to the public every day from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm. This is the main hang-out point and a place for shopping in Shimla. The history of Mall Road dates back to the British colonial era and the buildings even today are symbolic of the colonial identity.
Distance from Delhi to Shimla
All transport modes; bus route, air route and the train route are available for you to reach Shimla from Delhi. If you want to go for the most affordable option for getting to Shimla, you can take the bus route, but it usually takes seven and half hours. The bus route is quite safe to travel and if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty on the way, taking the bus is the best option. The fastest way to reach Shimla is to go by flight and it takes just one hour.
What to taste in Shimla
Shimla is not about hiking, tall pine trees, or hillside beauty. This stunning mountainous city has so much to offer to satiate your taste buds. When talking about the dining at Shimla, no one can forget Mehar Chand & Bros at Mehru Halwai. Known as Mawa Sweets, this is one of the best sweet shops in town, resembling an iconic eatery in Shimla. Visitors who arrive at Shimla also make their way to this dining spot to try out authentic Indian sweets.
Since Shimla is flourishing as a tourist destination, the food culture present here is so rich and diverse catering to the needs of the visitors who arrive here from every nook and corner of the world. But most of the visitors seem to prefer traditional Indian food ranging from Biriyani to Masala dishes to absorb the entire Indian delicacy during their visit. The food here at Shimla is a bit expensive compared to the other places taking its tourism into consideration. But, there is an array of mouthwatering dishes for any traveler as there are copious restaurants and eating joints in the city.
