The Queen of Hills
The air changed the moment the wheels began to climb. Gone was the humid heavy-hitter of the plains, replaced by a crisp, pine-scented breeze that seemed to carry secrets from the Shivalik ranges. Arriving in Shimla feels less like a destination and more like stepping into a living watercolor painting—one where the palette shifts from the deep greens of deodar forests to the soft pastels of colonial-era rooftops.
The Ascent: A Slow Dance with Mountains
My journey began at Kalka, boarding the legendary Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. For five hours, the narrow-gauge railway chugged through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges. It’s a slow, rhythmic crawl that demands you put away your phone and watch the world go by. As the train wound past oak trees and tiny hillside stations, I realized this wasn't just transport; it was a meditation.
The Heartbeat: The Ridge and Mall Road
Stepping onto The Ridge is the quintessential Shimla experience. The wide-open plaza, crowned by the neo-Gothic Christ Church, offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. As sunset approached, the sky turned a bruised purple, and the "Scandal Point" buzzed with locals and tourists alike.
I wandered down Mall Road, a vehicle-free sanctuary where the only sounds are footsteps and laughter. Between bites of steaming hot Siddu (a local steamed bread) and sips of coffee at the historic Indian Coffee House, I felt the city's dual soul—half bustling Indian hill station, half relic of the British Raj.
Higher Ground: Jakhoo and History
To truly see Shimla, you must go up. I took the Jakhoo Ropeway to the summit of Jakhoo Hill. The 108-foot bright orange statue of Lord Hanuman stands as a silent guardian over the town. The view from the top is breathtaking, though the local monkeys are quite the expert pickpockets—hold your glasses tight!
Later, I retreated to the Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas). Walking through its teak-paneled hallways, it was easy to imagine the weight of history that once sat in these rooms, where the map of modern India was carved.
Traveler’s Toolkit
| Category | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June for pleasant weather; December to February for snow and winter sports. |
| How to Reach |
Train: Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO Site). Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (22km away) or Chandigarh (120km). Road: Bus/Taxi from Delhi (8-9 hours) or Chandigarh (3-4 hours). |
| Where to Stay |
Luxury: Wildflower Hall or The Oberoi Cecil. Mid-range: Snow Valley Resorts or Hotel Marina. Budget: The Hosteller or homestays near Summer Hill. |
| Top Things to Do | Walk The Ridge, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, trek to Jakhoo Temple, visit Kufri for adventure, and explore the Viceregal Lodge. |