Overview
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, lies at an altitude of 2,213 m. A much preferred summer refuge of the British in the bygone eras, the hill town still has the colonial charm lingering on. As you take a stroll, you will come to observe a number of old British buildings, quaint cottages and churches that remind us of the British era. Shimla happens to be much more than the pine forests, apple orchards and heart stirring views. Cultural programmes keep on taking place throughout the year. Apart from the Ice Skating Carnival and Summer Festival, there are a number of other events that give you an insightful view of the picturesque town, its history and its people.

Climate & Best Time
Shimla has mild summers with temperatures ranging between 28 degrees and 15 degrees centigrade. The winter temperature records a minimum of 0 degree or even lower. The average annual rainfall of Shimla happens to be 166 cm. The ideal time for tourists to make a trip to the hill station is between April and July and mid-September to October.

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Places to Visit
Shimla offers to see numerous places of worship, including some ancient churches. The marketplaces of the town are filled with interesting curios and souvenirs that you would like to carry back home.

» The Ridge
Tourists can take great delight in the stunning views of the mountains from here. The neo-Gothic styled Christ Church and the neo-Tudor library, must-see sights for tourists, are also located in this part of the town.

» Jakhu Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman Temple, positioned on the Jakhu Hill, is one of the biggest attractions for visitors to Shimla. A steep climb takes you this temple which is also the highest point in the town. From here, you can also feast your eyes upon the heart-stirring views of the valleys and the mountains.

» The Mall
It is a major centre of activities in the hill town of Shimla. It is lined with numerous hotels, restaurants and shops that sell exquisite items of art and craft. The Gaiety Theatre, one of the most ancient in the world, is also a big draw for tourists.

» St Micheal's Church
Another must-see in Shimla is this church which is built in the shape of a cruciform. It is easily accessible from the Mall, lying below the District Courts.

Stay Options
Shimla has a number of hotels and resorts ranging from deluxe and heritage to budget categories. You can choose to stay at hotels like Clarke's Hotel (4 star), Honeymoon Inn (3 star), Hotel Springfields (heritage), Woodville Palace Resorts (heritage) etc.

Getting There
The airport of Shimla is just at a distance of 22 km from the city centre. It has regular flights to Delhi and Kullu. The more convenient, however, is the Chandigarh Airport. Kalka, which is 96 km from the city, is the closest railhead. Through road routes, Shimla is linked with all the major towns of the state including Punjab and Haryana. You can also take buses from Delhi (360 km) and Chandigarh (117 km).

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