Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh state and the former summer capital of British India. The city is located at the altitude of 2213m (7260 ft) in the interior Himalayas. It is one of the most popular hill stations in India. The Kalka-Shimla railway line is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shimla town is rich in colonial heritage and has many fine examples of colonial architecture.
Major tourist sites in and around Shimla: Christ Church and St. Michael‘s Cathedral, Viceregal Lodge, the Mall- promenade, Jakhoo Hill, Chadwick Falls, Tara Devi Temple, etc.

Tourism Board Website

When to visit: best time to visit April to June and October to November. June to September is monsoon season. December to February is winter.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest railway station: Toy train connects Kalka to Shimla by a narrow gauge rail track. Kalka–Shimla Railway is part of the World Heritage Site Mountain railways of India. It takes around 7 hours. Train station is located about 1 km from the city centre. Kalka train station is about 96 kn from Shimla. It is connected to Chandigarh and Delhi by regular trains.

Nearest airport: Jubarhati airport (IATA code:SLV), is about 23 kilometres from Shimla. Connectivity is limited. Chandigarh International Airport is about 120 km from Shimla.

Buses: Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses as well as private operators connect Shimla to the major cities in North India.

By road: The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is about 117 km via NH5. It takes around 3-4 hours.
The distance from Kalka to Shimla is about 87 km via NH5 and Kalka - Shimla Rd. It takes around 3 hours.
The distance from Manali to Shimla is about 251 km via NH205 and NH3. It takes around 7 hours.
The distance from Delhi to Shimla is about 343 km via NH5 and NH 44. It takes around 7-8 hours.