Shimla is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. It has always been famous and is one of the oldest vacation hotspots in India. Shimla is popular because of its scenic beauty and also its weather. In addition, the place is also close to some other tourist spots such as Manali and Kasauli. 

Shimla, the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, has many attractions. You can find monasteries, museums, adventure activities, hikes, etc. With all the interesting things to do in Shimla, a vacation here proves to be very wholesome and memorable and this is why thousands of tourists visit this vintage hill station each year.

SOTC has some of the best Shimla tourism packages which help you to explore the city with a lot of convenience. The Shimla tourism packages have been designed keeping the needs and preferences of different people in mind, so you find a lot of variety. Browse through the list of packages and find the one that suits you the best. Make a quick booking and you will be all set to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Shimla with your near and dear ones.

Table of Contents

• Most Popular Shimla Tour Packages
• Quick Facts About Shimla
• Best time to visit Shimla
• How to reach Shimla
• Best Places to Visit in Shimla
• Things to Do in Shimla
• Foods to Eat on Shimla Tour
• Must Visit Restaurants/Resorts in Shimla
• Best Honeymoon Destination in Shimla
• What to Shop in Shimla
• Interesting Facts About Shimla
• People also ask about Shimla Holiday Packages

2025 Most Popular Shimla Tour Packages

Quick Facts about Shimla

Here are some handy facts about this vintage hill station that will help you to plan and execute your Shimla trip with ease:

• Climate
• Languages
• Food
• Shopping 
• Conveyance

Climate

Shimla has pleasant weather all around the year. The summers are very popular months for tourism. The weather is mildly cold and sunny, making it perfect for tourists to 

Languages

Hindi is the official language of Himachal Pradesh and this is why most of the people in Shimla speak Hindi fluently. English is also spoken and understood by many people, especially those involved in the tourism sector. Pahari, a local dialect, is also commonly spoken by a vast number of people in Shimla and its surrounding areas.

Food

Shimla is a haven for food lovers! There is a large variety of cuisines and dishes available here. Since the city sees many tourists coming in from various parts of the country and also the world, there are all types of food to be found here. From Chinese to Italian, you will find every cuisine in the best restaurants in Shimla. However, if you like savouring the local food of a place, you will have plenty to choose from as the local food in Shimla is mouthwatering. From the ghee-soaked parathas to the famed Chha Gosht, you will be able to taste some wonderful flavours in the small and big eateries across the city.

Shopping 

You can shop for some unique and beautiful items and find many things to buy in Shimla. The city has many market squares where you get different types of items such as handmade products, home decor items, apparel, food supplies, etc. You can shop for these items for yourself or you can buy a few things to take back as gifts for your loved ones. Shopping in Shimla is delightful and you must not leave the place without doing a lot of it!

Conveyance 

It is very simple to travel around Shimla. While you always have the option of booking a cab for yourself for the whole day, you can also try the local transport. The city is well connected by bus and you can take the local buses to all the main places to see in Shimla. However, do note that you won't find auto rickshaws in Shimla as you would in most other Indian towns, so for short distances you either need a vehicle of your own or you need to depend on the local buses. 

As you can see, there is a very good mix of cultures and facilities in Shimla. This gives you more reason to choose this as your next holiday destination. Just select a good Shimla tour package and embark upon an unforgettable expedition!

Best Time to Visit Shimla

As mentioned above, Shimla has nice weather all around the year. This is why we see a lot of tourists in the city at all times. Here’s a detailed lowdown of the weather at different times of the year. Take a look and decide which would be the best time to visit Shimla according to you:

• October to January
• January to June
• June to September

October to January

It starts getting cold in October once the rain goes away. After that, the temperatures steadily dip and by the end of December, the city is usually covered in a thick blanket of snow. This is a beautiful time to visit Shimla, though it is very cold and not suitable for everyone. A lot of tourists come in at this time and spend Christmas and New Year in Shimla as the city has a great vibe at that time of the year. If you would like a white holiday, plan a trip to this amazing hill station. Book the perfect Shimla tour package and get going!

January to June

The cold weather begins to relent by the end of January. February is very pleasant and so is March. You can enjoy a perfect day of spring in Shimla if you visit at this time. There is gorgeous sunshine and there are many colourful flowers around. By the end of April, it starts getting warmer, though Shimla never experiences a really hot climate. The temperatures only go up to about 35 degrees during the daytime in the peak of summer but the evenings are very cool and pleasant.

June to September

The monsoon in Shimla sets in by the month of June. The city sees some very severe rainfall and along with that, come the dangerous landslides. Hence, the monsoons definitely aren't the best time to visit Shimla. It is an off-season and you won't find too many tourists in the city during this time.

Choose the time you wish to travel based on your preferences and requirements. You can find some excellent Shimla tourism packages with SOTC. Select a suitable one and enjoy a wonderful vacation in the lap of the Himalayas.

How to reach Shimla? 

Reaching Shimla can be very exciting as you can take the toy train. Many families choose this option as kids especially enjoy the toy train ride a lot. Here are some other options on how to reach Shimla:

• Flying in
• Driving down
• Opting for a train

Flying in

There is an airport in Shimla. It is located at Jubbarhatti, which is about 25 km from the heart of Shimla. However, flight operations to this airport are not steady and many times they are suspended or cancelled. Your other option is the Chandigarh International Airport. This is one of the largest airports in India and is very well-connected. You can take a flight to Chandigarh and then drive down to Shimla in just about three hours. Most of the SOTC Shimla tourism packages offer air travel as a part of the package, so opt for that and make your journey hassle-free.

Driving down

The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla is beautiful. Not only are the views breathtaking, but the roads are also wonderful, making the journey smooth and pleasurable. Chandigarh and Shimla are connected through a modern, express highway and so it hardly takes around 3 hours to travel between the two cities. You can drive your own vehicle, hire a cab or even opt for a bus service. The bus services in Himachal Pradesh are excellent and make it very convenient for tourists to visit Shimla nearby places.

Opting for a train

The very famous Him Darshan Express plies between Kalka and Shimla. It is India’s first Vistadome train and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings while you chug your way across the mountains to reach the hill station of Shimla. Apart from this, you can also take other trains from Kalka. Reaching Kalka is easy too, as many trains operate between Delhi and Kalka on a daily basis.

Reaching Shimla is easy. The roads are excellent and the facilities are top-notch. The tourism sector is very well-developed and so you won't face any problems on your journey to and from Shimla. Book a good Shimla tour package and enjoy your stay in the beautiful hill station.

Best Places to Visit in Shimla

The main reasons for Shimla’s popularity as a tourist destination are the many attractions that the city has. From temples to waterfalls, there is a large variety of places to see and things to do in Shimla. Here’s a detailed look at some of them:

• The Mall
• Jakhu Temple
• Viceregal Lodge
• Christ Church
• Annandale Ground

The Mall

Long before the mall culture became trendy in the big Indian cities, Shimla had its own mall. The Mall is one of the most monumental landmarks in the city of Shimla. It is an open stretch of road that is lined with shops and restaurants on both sides. It is always bustling with activity and when on your Shimla trip, you will surely find yourself visiting this place several times. It is spread over two levels and you can take the stairs to go up and down. 

Jakhu Temple

Said to be the house of Lord Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is one of the most important places of Hindu worship. It is located high up on a hill and you have to climb the stairs to reach it. Touted by many as one of the best Shimla attractions, this temple should definitely feature on your must-see list.

Viceregal Lodge

Shimla used to be the summer capital of India during the British Raj. As a result, the viceroy had an official residence in Shimla where he spent the summer living and working with his family. The Viceregal Lodge was the official residence of the viceroy. The building is extremely grand in its architecture and has been preserved with great care. Visit the lodge and soak up a lot of history. Don't forget to visit this majestic lodge when you go on a  Shimla tour.

Christ Church

Another vintage building in Shimla, the Christ Church has been built in a Victorian style and is definitely one of the most stunning churches in the world. Services are still carried out in this church, which is located very close to Mall Road in Shimla.

Annandale Ground

This is a very famous war memorial in Shimla. It is etched in history and is a quiet and peaceful place. You will experience a lot of emotions when you visit this place, which also has one of the most extensive army museums in the country.

Things to do in Shimla

While there are many amazing places to visit in Shimla, there are also some enjoyable things to do in Shimla. Here’s a list for your reference:

• Toy train ride
• Ice skating
• Trekking
• Adventure activities in Shimla
• Walking tour 

Toy train ride

Taking a ride in Shimla’s toy train is very enjoyable. You can chug through the valleys and hills and see some wonderful forests and waterfalls on the way. Carry some food and refreshments with you and make a picnic out of it with your family members and friends. You may find the toy train ride included in your Shimla package so make the most of it.

Ice skating

If you happen to make a winter Shimla trip do not forget to visit the ice skating rink, which is India’s first and only open-air ice skating arena. The place is unique and wonderful and tourists flock to it in high numbers just to experience the thrill. The rink is surrounded by dense forest which makes it naturally beautiful as well.

Trekking

The hills and hillocks of Shimla offer many opportunities for trekking. You can go on mini treks on easy trails with your family or you can trek on more advanced routes if you are a serious mountaineer. Some treks, such as the trek up to the Jakhu Temple, are very famous and undertaken by tourists all the time.

Adventure activities in Shimla

There are several adventure activities in Shimla. You can try paragliding in Shimla. Paragliding is extremely thrilling and an activity enjoyed by many tourists. Another wonderful attraction in Shimla, you can experience the magic of skiing when you visit in winter. You can experience this at Kufri, which is just 14 km away from Shimla. Head over to Kufri and experience an adventure like never before. 

Walking tour 

There are several walking tours in Shimla. It is highly recommended that you go on one such tour as you get to experience the charm of the city and learn a lot about its history. The walking tours are among the best activities in Shimla to try.

Food to Eat on Shimla Tour

A holiday is never complete without some good-quality feasting! When you are in Shimla, you must explore the local food. While you definitely get all the different cuisines in the best restaurants in Shimla, the local food with the Himachali flavours is what you must explore. Here are some of the best dishes to try when visiting the Himachali capital:

• Madra
• Dham
• Siddu
• Babru
• Meethe Chawal

Madra

Madra is a very authentic and traditional dish of Himachal Pradesh. It is originally from Chamba, but you get some very high-quality Madra in Shimla as well. This is a spicy dish made with chickpeas. It contains some earthy flavours and is very warm and soothing. 

Dham

When you book Shimla tour packages for family, you get some meals included in it too. For the other meals, you can head out and try the local specialities such as Dham. Dham is like a meal platter that consists of rice, pulses, rajma, kadi and curd. It is tasty as well as nutritious and makes for an extremely delicious meal for the whole family.

Siddu

Siddu is a very unique bread that is made with fermented wheat and stuffed with walnuts, peas, paneer, etc. It is very tasty and filling and can be had as a snack or a main course meal. 

Babru

Babru is a traditional stuffed bread of Himachal and is quite similar to kachori. It has a filling of crushed lentils and is often served with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce. You will get babru at most of the local restaurants in Shimla

Meethe Chawal

One of the most popular desserts of Shimla, Meethe Chawal is a creamy rice dish made with dry fruits, milk, kesar, sugar and other delightful ingredients. It has a rich and creamy texture and is extremely delicious. Don't forget to have several helpings of Meethe Chawal when you go on your Shimla tour.

The local food in Shimla will leave you asking for more! So go ahead and explore the flavours and enrich your palate in the most enjoyable and delicious manner. 

Must Visit Restaurants/Resorts in Shimla

Since Shimla is such a popular tourist destination that thousands of people visit every year, the tourism sector has developed very well. You will find some very comfortable and convenient facilities here when you book a Shimla holiday package and head to this beautiful hill station. The Shimla travel packages have accommodation included. The type of hotel or resort you get will depend on the type of package you choose. You can choose between luxury, deluxe or standard stay. The price of the package will be determined accordingly. Some of the best resorts to stay in Shimla include:

• Radisson Jass Shimla
• Kamna Hill Resort
• Shimla British Resort

Radisson Jass Shimla

The Radisson Jass Resort is situated strategically. It isn't too far away from important Shimla attractions but it is also very calm and quiet. You enjoy the best facilities and live in luxury when you book this resort for your stay.

Kamna Hill Resort

Another excellent option, the Kamna Hill Resort is budget-friendly yet very beautiful and cosy. You can get some mesmerising views of the Himalayas from your window. You can also enjoy the best food and service in this popular Shimla resort.

Shimla British Resort

An earthy and vintage-style resort located at the heart of the city, the Shimla British Resort is a wonderful place to stay in. You get all the modern amenities along with some great food and service. 

There are several other resorts in Shimla. You can choose the one that you like. Most of these resorts have excellent meal options and double up as the best places to eat in Shimla. You can always choose to have your meals outside as well and savour the real, local flavours of the city.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Shimla

Shimla is a dreamy place. It is naturally beautiful and has the best resorts and hotels too. This makes it one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India. If you are planning your honeymoon, opt for a Shimla tour package for couples from SOTC and have a great time together. Apart from Shimla, there are other hill stations in the area that you can club in your Shimla tour package for couples and have a wonderful time. Some of the best honeymoon destinations are:

• Kufri
• Chail 
• Chadwick Waterfall
• Tattapani
• Mashobra

Kufri

One of the most stunning places in Shimla’s vicinity, Kufri is a haven for tourists. It has beautiful snow-capped mountains, vast lakes and hilly slopes that make it the ideal honeymoon destination. Travel with your beloved and spend some quiet days in Kufri, which is rightfully known as a paradise on earth.

Chail 

Another one of the beautiful Shimla hill stations, Chail is less crowded as compared to Kufri and the main town of Shimla. It is steeped in the Himalayas and surrounded by pine trees. It has nice and pleasant weather all through the year and is a great place to spend your honeymoon in.

Chadwick Waterfall

Chadwick Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Shimla. It is huge and very grand in its appearance and very beautiful to see. Chadwick Waterfall is also one of the best picnic spots in Shimla and you will find many people sitting around the waterfall and enjoying themselves. There are several resorts around the waterfall and you can stay in one of those while enjoying the wonderful days of your honeymoon. 

Tattapani

Tattapani is a great honeymoon destination mainly because of two reasons. Firstly, it is very beautiful and scenic. Secondly, there are many adventure activities available here which young couples like doing. From rock climbing to river rafting, you can enjoy a lot with your beloved and make some unforgettable memories while on your honeymoon in Tattapani, which is just about 65 km from Shimla. Many people believe that it is among the must visit places in Shimla.

Mashobra

Mashobra is another quaint hill station near Shimla where you can have a beautiful honeymoon. Many of the Shimla trip packages include a trip to Mashobra, so see if it is included in your package as well. 

What to Shop on Shimla Trip?

Whether you are on your honeymoon or you are on a fun family vacation, you must shop when in Shimla. Shopping in Shimla is very enjoyable as there are several places from where you can buy amazing items and that too at some of the best rates. Here’s a look at some of them:

• Mall Road
• Lakkar Bazar
• Lower Bazar 
• Tibetan Market
• Himachal Emporium

Mall Road

Mall Road is the epicentre of Shimla and is an amazing place for shopping. Apart from being one of the most happening places to see in Shimla, it is a great hub for shopping and dining. You find many colourful and busy stalls and shops on both sides of Mall Road. You can find a wide variety of items here and shop to your heart’s content.

Lakkar Bazar

If you wish to carry back some wooden items or high-quality dry fruits, head over to Lakkar Bazar. The place has many exquisite shops that make shopping here a real pleasure. You may not be able to bargain a lot, but you will be assured of getting the best quality items here. 

Lower Bazar 

Lower Bazar offers a fascinating shopping experience in Shimla. It has multiple lanes and roads and each lane has multiple shops. From high-fashion apparel to trendy home decor items, you will find everything in this bustling marketplace in Shimla. It has been voted as one of the best tourist places in Shimla because of the unique experiences it offers.

Tibetan Market

If you enjoy bargaining, a trip to Shimla’s famous Tibetan Market is a must for you! Put it on your list of activities in Shimla and buy some very novel items at very competitive prices.

Himachal Emporium

One of the oldest and most reputed shops on Mall Road, the Himachal Emporium is loaded with beautiful handicraft items at some very good rates. Visit this shop if you want to buy gifts for yourself or your friends back home.

Interesting Facts about Shimla

There are some very interesting facts about Shimla that you must know before you book the Shimla tour packages for family and leave for your vacation. They are:

• Queen of the Hills
• Natural Ice Skating Rink
• Second Oldest Church
• Origin of Capsicum

Queen of the Hills

Shimla is known as the queen of the hills. It has been given this name because of its breathtaking beauty and wonderful attractions. It is the complete package - you have things to see, you get beautiful weather and you also get some great food. Tourists have been going to Shimla for years and no one has been disappointed!

Natural Ice Skating Rink

Shimla has the only natural ice skating rink in India. It is one of the biggest attractions of the hill station. The ice skating rink is very unique and you can enjoy it with your whole family in this palace when you visit Shimla.

Second Oldest Church

Christ Church, located next to Mall Road, is Shimla’s oldest and largest church. It is also the second oldest church in north India and holds a lot of historical importance.  

Origin of Capsicum

Have you ever wondered why capsicum is called Shimla Mirch in India? Well, it is because the British first planted a few seeds of capsicum in India in Shimla. The vegetable then gained popularity in other parts of the country, but since it originated in Shimla, it is known as the Shimla Mirch even today!

As you can see, these facts are very interesting indeed and make you all the more intrigued about the place. Head over to the Himachali capital and the other places to visit near Shimla for your next holiday and experience the vacation of a lifetime! 

People also ask about Shimla Holiday Packages

How many days are enough to visit Shimla?

3 days in Shimla. You will find yourself surrounded by some of the most gorgeous hills and sightseeing places.

How much does a trip to Shimla cost?

You can book a Shimla tour for as low as 6 900.00 which includes stay and sightseeing.

Which are the best places for shopping in Shimla?

The best places to shop in Shimla are the Lakkar Bazaar, Lower Bazaar, The Mall, Himachal Emporium and Tibetan Market. 

What are the best places to visit on a Shimla tour with family?

Mall Road And Kufri are the best places to visit in Shimla

Which month is best for the Shimla tour?

Apr To Jun months is best for Shimla tour. However, if you would like to experience the mountain winters you can explore Shimla from November to February.

What is the best time to go to Shimla?

Apr To Jun month is the best time when the weather is pleasant and the mountains are beautiful.

How can I spend 3 days in Shimla?

For 3 days in Shimla, visit Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Chail, and Mashobra.

How many days are enough in Shimla?

04 Days are enough to visit Shimla.

Which is the best location to stay in Shimla?

Kufri is a very beautiful and decent place to enjoy your vacation in peace away from the hustle and bustle of busy Shimla.

How far is Kufri from Shimla?

Kufri is 14 Km from Shimla.

Was Shimla the former capital of India? 

Yes, Shimla was the former capital of India. However, it was only a summer capital and served as the capital in the summer months. It served as the summer capital from 1864 to 1947.

What is the best time to visit Shimla? 

You can visit Shimla either in summer or winter. Both these times offer nice and dry weather. The monsoon months, however, are not suitable for travel. Apart from heavy rainfall, the city also experiences a lot of landslides which causes tremendous inconvenience to tourists.

What are the main languages spoken in Shimla? 

Hindi is the main language of Shimla. You will also find a lot of people communicating in Pahari and English as both these languages are spoken in Shimla too.

Does Shimla get very hot in summer? 

It does get hot during the day, but the condition is not as unbearable as it is in most other parts of the country. However, the nights get very pleasant and this makes a Shimla summer vacation a perfect choice.

How expensive is a Shimla vacation? 

There are several Shimla holiday packages available at different rates. You can choose a package based on your date of travel, type of accommodation (luxury, deluxe, standard) and length of travel. Accordingly, you will find packages. Choose the one that is most affordable for you and have a great time with your loved ones!