Most popular Himachal tour packages definitely include Shimla, along with some other equally popular destinations such as Kullu Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. The fame of Shimla dates back to the British ruling period when Shimla formed the base of British rule. It enjoyed the status of being the capital city and was a respite for British officials during the scorching summers of North Indian plains. Since that time, Shimla has acquired the old world charm with its colonial architecture that is sophisticated and unique. The beauty of the hilly landscape that forms the backdrop of Shimla combines with the legacy of the rich British heritage and the fascinating landscapes. The city has acquired its name from the deity of Goddess Shyamala Devi, who is known to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. The famous Shimla Kalibari is dedicated to this popular deity.

The history of Shimla does not date back more than a couple of centuries maybe when in 1819 the British discovered this hill city and fell in love with it. They set up a proper road and railway connection and soon the improved accessibility along with a pleasant favourable weather that is considered somewhat similar to that in England made it immensely popular among the British personnel. They therefore chose Shimla for hosting functions, balls and festive celebrations during all of summer months. Once they started spending considerable time in Shimla, soon they focused on building residential schools and colleges for the upper-class British elites. By the year 1830s, Shimla  transformed into a hub for theatre lovers and art aficionados. Finally in 1863, under the instruction and desire of the then Viceroy of India, John Lawrence, Shimla attained the status of becoming the elusive summer capital of the British rule. Till date, Shimla exhibits proud signs of diversity of the state along with culture and topography.

Shimla is one of the most busy hill stations almost throughout the year due to its superb connectivity by road, rail and air and also because of the superb infrastructure to support thousands of tourists at any single point in time. While booking Shimla Holiday Packages, mostly Shimla Manali goes hand in hand. The Mall Road in Shimla is a favourite haunt for leisure walk by tourists. You can take a stroll, go for shopping, buy fancy candles and knick-knacks, eat at up-class restaurants and enjoy the delightful pleasant weather. Jakhoo Hill housing the famous Jakhoo Temple is the highest point in Shimla and offers a surreal view of the snow capped mountains all around.

Shimla tour package can be booked all through the year as it is an all-the-year-round popular destination for friends, families, couples, senior citizens and honeymoon couples.

Best Time to Visit Shimla would be in the summer months from March to June when the weather is absolutely fantastic and temperature varies between a comfortable 15°C and 30°C. This time is also suitable for braving the adventure sports such as paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting.

Another good time to visit Shimla would be the months of October to February when people are eager to watch snowfall that usually happens between December and February. Then it is time for the ski lovers to try Shimla.

Customized Shimla Package tour include the best places for Shimla sightseeing such as follows:

Annadale – Annadale is located near the famous Ridge right at the centre of Shimla. It is a serene picnic spot suitable for family visit. History lends importance to Annadale, it being the playground for games like polo, cricket and horse racing during British era. Now it is owned by the Indian Army and proudly exhibits the Army Heritage Museum in its premises.

Tara Devi Temple – This temple is located on the Shimla-Kalka Highway and is an important religious landmark. It is perched atop Tara Parvat and is situated approximately 15 kilometres away from Shimla. This ancient temple is 250 years old and is dedicated to Maa Bhagwati Tara Devi, who is again an avtar Goddess Durga. It boasts of flawless and exquisite architecture and hypnotizes its devotees instantly. The residing idol is made of ashtadhatu or a unique combination of eight different elements. The temple is set against a charming backdrop composed of dense pine forests with the distant snow-capped Himalayan ranges peeping from a distance.

Town Hall – The Town Hall was built in the centre of the city of Shimla in 1910 during the British Rule and contains a well-stocked library. It used to serve as a municipality during the British era. It is located in the buzzing Mall area of Shimla and the architectural grandeur makes it an ideal location for couple and family photography while on Shimla visit.

Iconic Gaiety Theatre – The Gaiety Theatre doubles as administration office apart for being theatre hall. This building is located in the heart of Shimla, very much on the Mall Road and hence is tremendously popular among students. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a happening tourist hot spot. It was inaugurated on 30th of May in 1887 and was given shape by Henry Irwin. Gaiety Theatre possesses a unique Gothic style of architecture and is proud rendition of Victorian artistry. The building of Gaiety Theatre served as a multipurpose centre for hosting parties, armoury, British police office, bar and galleries apart from being a high-class theatre hall. After about two decades of running successfully, the five-story building became structurally unsafe and it was demolished leaving the theatre intact. This theatre is famous for hosting legends like Rudyard Kipling, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Baten Powel and K. L. Sehgal.

Kufri – Kufri is a must-visit destination while planning a Shimla tour package itinerary. Kufri is situated at a height of 8000 feet and located about 16 kilometres from Shimla city centre. Nature spreads its aura in Kufri lending it an appealing charm. Mahasu Peak is the highest point in Kufri and in winters it is popular for skiing. This picturesque destination has various places of interest, each of which is worth visiting. It has got a thick forest cover and the a Himalayan Nature Park with some rare animal species like hangal, brown bear and Himalayan Monal. Chini Bungalow and Kufri Fun World are also fun places to visit with family.

Chadwick Falls Overview – This waterfall is located 7 km away from Shimla near Summer Hill and makes for an exciting tourist destination. The waterfall gushes out of a green and fresh forest cover with mist-engulfed hills at the backdrop. It is rain-fed and bulges out during monsoon making quite an impressive picture. The waterfall area is ideal for photography.

Viceregal Lodge is a very popular tourist destination of Shimla and has an remarkable architectural beauty. It carries a historical significance since it was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy during the years 1888 to 1946. This stately building proudly stands 2 kilometres west of Shimla at the peak of Observatory Hill and offers astounding panoramic views of the meadows and hills around.

Christ Church – The Christ Church is located at the Mall Road in the middle of a furore of daily activities. The Christ Church is famed for being the second oldest church in North India. The interiors exhibit a unique neo-gothic architecture looks very beautiful. Its appeal designates this church as one of the most important tourist attractions in Shimla.

Naldehera Golf Course – The Naldehra Golf Course is undoubtedly one of the most scenic destination of Shimla. It is said that the golf course has an exotic Scottish charm. It is located around 22 km from Shimla. The golf course measures an amazing 4285 yards and boasts of 18 holes, 16 greens and 18 tees. This Golf Course came into existence in the early 1900s, under the aegis of former British viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This golf course is considered one of the oldest in India and being situated 2,200 m above sea level, it is one of the most challenging golf courses in India. The Golf Course exhibits a smooth, fresh sloping glade that is surrounded by a thick growth of tall Deodar trees from all sides. The beauty of the golf club was so popular among the British officials that Lord Curzon called his third daughter by the name Alexandra Naldehra. It also has a stylish club house that remains a place to socialize and get entertained. Also, Shimla tourists can try to avail its service through prior members.

The monsoon months of July to September are not that frequented as heavy rainfall and occasional landslides make Shimla a bit vulnerable. Hotel prices drop and good economic deals on high-class properties are offered around this time.

Shimla Itinerary

Shimla is most probably the most popular hill station of North India and is always crowded with a variety of tourists and travellers from all across the globe and all through the year. Shimla is fondly called the Queen of Hill Stations and is the legendary summer capital of British India.

One of the main attractions of travelling to Shimla is the Kalka Shimla toy train. The Kalka Shimla railway is a narrow-gauge railway line that crosses the wondrous verdant greenery of the Himalayan folds. The Shimla Kalka journey time is approximately 5 to 6 hours. The distance from Kalka to Shimla is around 96 kilometres long. There are an amazing 103 tunnels. Each of the tunnel is a mystery unravelling its own story. Barog is famous for being the longest tunnel of Barog which is approximately 1143 metres long and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 minutes to travel from one end to the other. Usually, the train travels at 25 kilometres per hour. Gazing out of the window as the train chugs along and watching the surrounding landscape breezing past is a pleasure and an unforgettable travel memory. Shimla Tour Packages add zing to the list of itineraries by adding Shimla Kalka journey by toy train. Some of the major stations that the train passes by during its winding and gurgling journey across mountains and meadows are Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Barog, Taradevi, Summer hill and Shimla.

It is to be noted that bookings for Shimla opens a month in advance. There is a huge rush of fun-loving tourists booking tickets to this heavenly land of peace and beauty, especially during the summer and winter seasons during school and college vacations when tourism in Shimla sees a peak. During the festive days and holidays of Dusshera, Christmas, New Year or any other major festival, it is wise to book tickets in advance. The train runs all seven days a week and online ticket booking can be done through various websites that are affiliate websites of IRCTC, a government undertaking, from the comfort of your location.

 Summer Festival of Shimla – The Summer Festival of Shimla is a delightful and pompous affair celebrated in the mid-summer month of June. The festivities continue for almost a week and is very popular among tourists and locals equally. The magical cultural performances of songs and dances, trendy fashion shows, mouth-watering culinary shows and baby shows attract huge crowds from all walks of life from far and near.

Kamna Devi Temple – Visit the famous Kamna Devi Temple that is spread in the bosom of breath-taking mountain ranges at the top of the Prospect Hill approximately 6 kilometres away from Shimla. It is located at a stupendous height of 2150 metres above sea level. If someone is willing to scour the beauty of the hills from close angles, the journey from Shimla to Kamna Devi Temple makes for an extremely pleasant walk. Kamna Devi Temple of Shimla has Goddess Kali as its resident deity, who is another form of the ever-powerful Goddess Durga. This deity is extremely popular among the local people of Shimla who believe strongly that this resident Goddess Kali fulfils all desires of all her worshippers who struggle uphill to reach the temple and offer prayers. The temple receives innumerable devotees offering puja throughout the year.

But Kamna Devi Temple is also famous for the idyllic setting of the natural backdrop of the hills and the meadows, the forests and the glens. The adjoining areas of the temple harbours a buzzing picnic spot that breathes out tonnes of natural beauty. It also offers mesmeric views of the Tara Devi Temple and southern Shimla. The Kamna Devi Temple site is also suitable for adventurous activities such as trekking and rock-climbing up across the Prospect Hill.

Shimla, the gorgeous hill station of Himachal Pradesh is situated at an altitude of 2202 meters. It was the summer capital of British India and still retains the royal splendour of the bygone era. Shimla is very well connected by road, rail and air to all other major cities of India.

By Air

The closest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti that is located at a distance of 23 km from the city. Daily flights connect Delhi to Jubbarhatti. Most other flights are connected to Shimla via Delhi where you might have to change flights.

By Train

One of the most convenient ways to reach Shimla is by train. The best way to travel to Shimla is by train. Kalka is the major railway head and a toy train runs from Kalka to Shimla connecting 96 km. This is a magical ride skirting through the lovely Himalayan meadows and runs through 102 tunnels, goes over 87 quaint bridges, takes thrilling and sharp bends. As it climbs up slowly and steadily, the gentle gradients commands some unparalleled and spectacular views of the Himalayan terrain spread around. To travel to Shimla on this narrow gauge track that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful sojourn. The journey time from Kalka to Shimla is approximately 5 hours. Tickets can be easily booked online. If breakfast is not included in the tickets you can avail breakfast in any of the major stations that the train crosses. Kalka on the other hand is a major railhead and is connected to all other major cities of India by several long-distance and short-distance trains. It is a busy junction.

By Road

Shimla is very conveniently connected to all surrounding major cities. The scenic mountain roads offer a captivating experience as the cab, buses or hired taxis skim through the hill roads. The neighbouring states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Punjab have regular buses plying to Shimla. There are state-run buses as well as private bus operators. Kalka is just 80 km away while Chandigarh is connected via the NH-22 that is at a distance of 119 km away. Delhi is a major city connecting Shimla to other parts of India and is around 370 km away.

Shimla was the summer capital of British raj and still now it is a popular haunt of a huge number of tourists during the hot summers of Indian plains. It is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and also has a lot of name and fame for being an educational hub. The population of Shimla has increased manifold in the last decade and Shimla has become more trendy and upcoming. It is not simply a quiet nice place to live in. It is also a buzzing nucleus to get the best of mountain life along with the freshness, excitement and adventure.