A beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh filled with captivating streams, greenery and picturesque scenery. Sounds like a perfect escapade, away from the fast paced urban life. All this can be relished in the breathtaking city, Shimla.
Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years.
History and Culture
Back in the 18th century, Shimla was mostly all forest and trees. The only inhabitation was a temple and a few scattered huts. The establishment was called ‘Shimla’, after a Hindu goddess, Shyamala Devi. The British took over the territory as per the Sugauli Treaty after Bhimsen Thapa of Nepal who ruled then. In 1863, the Viceroy of India, John Lawrence, shifted the summer capital of British Raj to Shimla as a means to cope up with the Indian tropical heat. Later, Shimla became the capital of undivided Punjab in 1871.
This erstwhile summer capital of the British, still retains its colonial-era charm through its spectacular historical churches and institutes, like Christ Church, Indian Institute of Advanced Study and many more. The majestic Himalayas have a certain allure that makes you forget all your worries. Walk along the charming Mall Road and fill your shopping bags with beautiful souvenirs. When you are exhausted with all the shopping, you can satiate your taste buds with hot, steaming local food. Revel in the picturesque views from the scenic Jakhoo Hill or explore your spiritual side at the ancient Jakhoo Temple.
Climate
Shimla experiences beautiful weather most months of the year. Although tourists can choose to visit Shimla any time of the year, the summer/ spring and the winter seasons are considered to be the best time to explore Shimla. The weather during spring-summer (March to June) is pleasant, making it a perfect place to visit to escape the harsh Indian summers. The weather during winters (November to February) is quite extreme but famous for experiencing the snowfall and exploring the snow-covered surroundings.
- January - December
