Shimla, the old summer capital of British India at 2,205 m, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh – colonial buildings on the Ridge and Mall Road, the UNESCO Kalka – Shimla toy train and snow at Kufri and Narkanda in winter.
It is the first stop of most Himachal tours from Chandigarh and the start of the Kinnaur – Spiti circuit.
Shimla – Quick Facts
State
Himachal Pradesh (capital)
Altitude
2,205 m
Nearest airport
Chandigarh – 115 km (Jubbarhatti 23 km has few flights)
Nearest railway
Shimla (toy train) / Kalka – 90 km
Best time
March – June; December – January for snow
Ideal stay
2 days
Places to Visit in Shimla
The Ridge & Christ Church Open square with the 1857 church and views of the snow peaks.
Mall Road Shops, cafés and the Gaiety theatre.
Jakhu Temple Hanuman temple with a 108 ft statue at the top of Shimla.
Kufri 16 km – snow, yak rides and the Fun World park.
Chail 45 km – Chail palace and the world’s highest cricket ground.
Narkanda & Hatu Peak 65 km – apple orchards and the Hatu temple at 3,400 m.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study Viceregal Lodge of 1888.
Kalka – Shimla Toy Train UNESCO heritage railway with 102 tunnels.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families
July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible
October – November: clear skies and autumn colours
December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush
How to Reach Shimla
By air: Chandigarh airport, 115 km.
By train: Kalka by Shatabdi, then the toy train (5 – 6 hrs) or road.
By road: Delhi 345 km, Chandigarh 115 km.
Shimla Distance Chart
Route
Distance
Drive time
Chandigarh
115 km
3.5 hrs
Delhi
345 km
8 hrs
Manali
250 km
7 hrs
Kufri
16 km
40 min
Narkanda
65 km
2 hrs
Sangla
230 km
8 hrs
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
Cars are not allowed on the Mall Road – walk or take the lift.
Snow at Kufri is usually from late December to February.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Shimla 2026
Permits
No permit is needed. Cars are not allowed on the Mall Road and the Ridge.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
Place
🇮🇳 Indian
🌍 Foreigner
The Ridge & Christ Church
Free
Free
Jakhu Templeropeway approx. ₹250 – 500 return
Free
Free
Kufrihorse ride & Fun World extra
Free
Free
Hatu Peak
Free
Free
Pinjore GardenYadavindra Gardens
approx. ₹30
approx. ₹30
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Shimla Tour Packages 2026
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Shimla – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
Day 4 Tabo → Dhankar → Pin Valley → Frozen Lingti Fall → Kaza
Day 5 Kaza Snow Circuit – Langza (Giant Maitreya Buddha Statue), Komic (Highest Village in the World), Hikkim (Highest Post Office in the World), Key & Chicham Bridge (Asia’s Highest Hanging Bridge)
Day 6 Kaza → Snow Run towards Losar → Sangla
Day 7 Sangla → Chitkul (India’s Last Village) → Shimla
Two days cover Shimla and Kufri; add a day for Chail or Narkanda.
Does it snow in Shimla?
Usually from late December to February, more at Kufri and Narkanda.
What is the best time to visit Shimla?
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families. July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible. October – November: clear skies and autumn colours. December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush.
How to reach Shimla?
By air – Chandigarh airport, 115 km. By train – Kalka by Shatabdi, then the toy train (5 – 6 hrs) or road. By road – Delhi 345 km, Chandigarh 115 km.
How much does a Shimla tour cost?
Our Shimla packages start from about ₹13,500 per person (2 sharing) with hotels and a private cab – open a package for the complete price on your date.
