The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala's escapades, offers a view of distant snowclad peaks. The main attractions of Shimla include the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly the residence of the British Viceroy, the State Museum, which has a modest collection of stone statues from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Shimla has all the facilities required for tourists but they can be very expensive particularly during the peak season.
There are several buildings still retain elements of a bygone glory,
the street holds the famous Gaiety Theatre whose neo-Gothic structure was
completed in 1887 and once towered above the town. Every year in the month
of June, the Folk Dance festival, the "Mushaira" - recitation of Urdu poetry
by poets, the Red Cross Fair, Golf and the Flower Show are some of the
events held in Shimla, to celebrate Summer Festival.
How to Get There:
By Air:
Shimla has an airport, 22 km away, from the main city with regular flights to Delhi. Chandigarh airport, 120 km away on the plains, has flights at more regular intervals. The flights are mainly from Delhi. Sometimes flights may be called off , in winter season.By Train:
Broad-gauge trains run till Kalka, from all the parts of the country. From Kalka onwards, a rail car on narrow gauge takes you to Shimla which offers some fantastic sights. The Toy train from Shimla is of two types - one is the normal multi coach train and the other is the single car train, which has a glass roof giving an enthralling experience during the journey.By Road:
Local transportation is very good, with taxies and buses available for the nearby places. Shimla is well linked byroad to Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Kalka.Where to Stay:
The capital city and commercial hub of Himachal has got some of the finest options of accommodation. Often it becomes difficult to find accommodation here during the peak season. Before coming book in advance.For lower budget YMCA rooms are available. Woodville Palace Resort,
Oberoi Clarkes Hotel , East Bourne and Himland Hotel are expensive.