Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. Situated at the height of 2200 m, Shimla is one of the most eminent tourist destinations in the country. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla is one of most aesthetically planned cities in India. Shimla is engulfed by snow-capped mountains, green pastures, dense forests and a round-the-year pleasant climate and these conditions attracts legions of tourist every year. Perfect time to visit Shimla starts from April till mid-July and mid-September till October end. But, for snow lovers, winter is the best time to visit. Strung out along a 12km ridge, with steep forested hillsides falling away in all directions, the Himachal capital is one of India's most popular hill resorts, buzzing with a happy flow of heat-escaping Indian vacationers. Within this city, one must visit the Mall Road, The Ridge, Institute of Advanced Studies and Jakhu Temple. Shimla is also used as a base to cover other nearby places like Chail, Kufri, Naldehra, Mashobra, Tattapani and Narkanda. The toy train to Shimla from Kalka passes through beautiful hills and valleys and is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.
Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state in India. It is located 20 km from the state capital Shimla on the National Highway No.22. The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning "lake" in the local language. It’s famous for Himalayan Nature Park & horse riding.
Chail is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is 44 kilometres from Shimla. It is known for its salubrious beauty and virgin forests. Major tourist attractions at Chail are Cricket Ground, Kali Ka Tibba, Sidh Temple, Maharaja Palace & Lover’s Hill. The highest altitude cricket ground of the world is at Chail.
Naldehra is a very quaint and serene town in Himacal Pradesh. It is of course, known for its 9 hole golf course. It is the best place for you to visit if you think you can splurge a little. Sightseeing here is all about visiting temple or wondering at the lovely towering pine trees or relishing the day on the rolling greens.
Mashobra is a lush green expanse in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the most pure and liberating experience of your lifetime. It is connected to the state capital Shimla through the historic Hindustan–Tibet Road built in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie.
Local Shimla Market – Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Scandle Point, Jakhu Temple, Christ Church & Kalibari Temple all are nearby places and takes one full day for complete sightseeing. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla.
The Tara Devi Temple is a holy place, located 11 km away from the Shimla Bus Stand. It is positioned amid a thick forest of oak and rhododendron and offers scenic views of the lofty Himalayas surrounding the town. From the top, one can have a breath-taking view of the whole valley.
