Shimla
Himachal Pradesh · 2,276m
12–27°C in summerQuick Answer
Shimla (2,276m) is Himachal Pradesh's capital and India's classic heritage hill station with May temperatures of 15–27°C. Just 7.5 hours from Delhi by road, it's the most accessible Himalayan getaway. Budget 2-night packages start at ₹3,000/person. The iconic Mall Road, Christ Church, and Jakhoo Temple are must-visits.
Package Prices (2 Nights)
| Package Tier | Hotel | Hotel/Night | Transport/Person | Total/Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Combermere Shimla ★★ | — | ₹0 | TBA |
| Mid-Range | Clarkes Hotel Shimla ★★★ | — | ₹0 | TBA |
| Premium | Wildflower Hall Shimla ★★★★★ | — | ₹0 | TBA |
Prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Transport is round-trip from Delhi. Hotel prices subject to availability.
Shimla Itinerary (2–4 Nights)
- 1
Arrive & Mall Road
Drive from Delhi (7.5h) or take the scenic Kalka-Shimla toy train. Walk The Ridge and Mall Road, visit Christ Church.
- 2
Heritage Walk & Kufri
Morning: Viceregal Lodge and heritage walk. Afternoon: Kufri for horse riding and views. Evening: Scandal Point sunset.
- 3
Jakhoo Temple & Departure
Trek to Jakhoo Temple for panoramic views. Shop for Himachali shawls on Lakkar Bazaar. Depart.
Shimla vs Manali vs Mussoorie
| Feature | Shimla | Manali | Mussoorie |
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh | Uttarakhand |
| Altitude | 2,276m | 2,050m | 2,005m |
| Summer High | 27°C | 25°C | 27°C |
| Summer Low | 12°C | 10°C | 13°C |
| Road From | Delhi (7.5h) | Delhi (12h) | Delhi (6.5h) |
| Ideal Stay | 2–4 nights | 3–5 nights | 2–3 nights |
| Best For | Families, Heritage, Couples | Families, Adventure, Couples | Couples, Weekenders, Families |
Shimla Weather
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10° | 1° | 60 mm |
| February | 12° | 2° | 70 mm |
| March | 17° | 6° | 55 mm |
| April | 22° | 10° | 30 mm |
| May | 27° | 15° | 45 mm |
| June | 29° | 18° | 80 mm |
| July | 25° | 17° | 300 mm |
| August | 24° | 17° | 310 mm |
| September | 24° | 15° | 120 mm |
| October | 21° | 10° | 35 mm |
| November | 17° | 5° | 15 mm |
| December | 12° | 2° | 25 mm |
Getting to Shimla
Nearest airport: Shimla (SLV)
By road: Delhi to Shimla takes approximately 7.5 hours.
| From | Vehicle | Cost (Round Trip) | Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | AC Sedan | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Delhi | AC SUV | ₹0 | ₹0 |
Shimla — Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Shimla from Delhi?
Shimla is 350 km from Delhi — about 7.5 hours by road via NH5 through Chandigarh. The Kalka-Shimla toy train (UNESCO heritage) takes 5-6 hours from Kalka.
Is the Shimla toy train worth it?
Absolutely — the Kalka-Shimla railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 96-km narrow-gauge route through 102 tunnels and 800+ bridges offers stunning views. Book the Shivalik Deluxe for comfort.
What is cheaper — Shimla or Manali?
Shimla is slightly cheaper due to shorter travel distance from Delhi. Budget hotels start at ₹1,200/night vs ₹1,500 in Manali. Road transfer is also cheaper (7.5h vs 12h).
Is Shimla crowded in May?
Yes, May-June is peak season. Book hotels 3-4 weeks ahead. Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Consider Mashobra or Kufri for quieter alternatives nearby.
What should I buy in Shimla?
Himachali shawls from Lakkar Bazaar, apple products (juice, jam, cider), and local handicrafts. The Ridge and Mall Road have souvenir shops.
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Last updated: . Prices are indicative and subject to availability.