The hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a perfect getaway for anybody looking to escape the scorching heat and busy city life. If you are in Chandigarh and are looking for a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains, a Shimla tour package from Chandigarh is an ideal option. Just a short drive from Chandigarh, Shimla’s cool climate, scenic beauty, and colonial charm make it a popular destination for families, honeymooners, and solo travelers alike. With a range of attractions, activities, and a relaxed atmosphere, Shimla promises a rejuvenating experience.
Shaded away only at about 115 kilometers from Chandigarh, Shimla offers easy accessibility and a wonderful journey to the destination itself. Be it a weekend tour or some more days, a Chandigarh Shimla tour package is a hassle-free way to enjoy the best of what this hill station has to offer.
Popular Attractions of Shimla on a Chandigarh Tour Package
A Shimla tour package from Chandigarh usually includes the best attractions of this town, which exhibit the beauty and colonial history. Mall Road is the core part of Shimla and houses various shops, cafes, and other buildings of the colonial time. It is an ideal destination for a leisure walk as well as for local handicraft shopping, woolen garments, and souvenir purchase.
The Ridge is another place to be visited. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. From here, you can also visit Christ Church, a beautiful example of neo-gothic architecture. If you love nature walks, then Jakhoo Temple, which is situated on Jakhoo Hill, provides panoramic views of Shimla and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
The Shimla State Museum, Kali Bari Temple, and Annandale are also included in many Shimla packages which allow visitors to learn a lot about the rich history and culture of the area.
Best Time to visit Shimla from Chandigarh
The best time to visit Shimla largely depends on the type of experience you want. If you prefer a cool and pleasant climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities, the months of March to June are ideal. During this period, Shimla’s weather is mild, making it perfect for long walks on Mall Road, visits to gardens, and nature exploration.
For those who want to see Shimla in its winter glory, November to February is the best time. This is when the hill station gets covered in snow, and activities like skiing in Kufri and snowball fights become popular. The sight of snow-covered pine trees and the peaceful atmosphere during the winter months make it a magical destination for those who enjoy winter sports and snow-related activities.
Activities to Do in Shimla:
Shimla has lots of activities available for any age. Of course, one of the must-do’s is visit to Kufri, only 16 kilometers from Shimla. Ski slopes in Kufri and also adventure activities as tobogganing, horse riding are available here and a zoo with animals specifically from Himalayas. And for kids and their families, the Kufri Fun World amusement park that has activities for both little ones and adults is also here.
For nature lovers, Tara Devi Temple is a great place to relax in the middle of forests, and Chadwick Falls, about 7 kilometers from Shimla, is an excellent place for a short trek. The Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary is a great place for nature walks through dense pine and deodar forests. The Naldehra Golf Course is a wonderful place for golf enthusiasts, and Shimla is perfect for trekking with many scenic trails for beginners and experienced trekkers.
Shopping in Shimla: A Thrilling Fun
Shimla is an excellent shopping destination for local handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs, hence a pleasant part of the Shimla package from Chandigarh. The primary shopping road is the Mall Road, where tourists can get an array of shops selling woolen clothes, shawls, caps, and gloves. There are also the beautiful Kullu shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and traditional handicrafts as souvenirs.
If you are interested in traditional jewelry, then the Lakkar Bazaar is where you must go. The market is famous for wooden handicrafts, and you can get everything from wooden toys to jewelry, keychains, and so much more. Shopping in Shimla is not only about buying stuff but also about experiencing the local culture, interacting with the friendly shopkeepers, and taking home a piece of Shimla’s charm.
Accommodation Options in Shimla
Shimla provides a wide range of accommodation options for every budget: luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Many hotels are on Mall Road, which brings guests closer to the center of attractions. The rooms in these hotels offer views of the hills and valleys, so that guests wake up every morning to a picturesque scene.
If one wishes to experience a more old-fashioned feel, there are plenty of heritage hotels and guesthouses that provide a taste of Shimla’s colonial era. Many of these places were originally British officials’ summer resorts, and some still carry a lot of old-world glamour. There are also resorts and homestays further out from Shimla where you can experience a quiet time in the hills.
How to Reach Shimla from Chandigarh:
Shimla is close to Chandigarh, making it an easy place to visit. The distance between Chandigarh and Shimla is around 115 kilometers, and it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road. The journey can be taken as a scenic drive through the winding roads of the Himalayas, which is itself a relaxing and beautiful experience.
Private and state-run buses have frequent services from Chandigarh to Shimla that would give you a smooth and comfortable ride while touring. Alternatively, you could rent a taxi or even take your self-driven car for flexibility. Shimla also has a narrow-gauge railway line linking it to Kalka, which is very well connected to Chandigarh. The ride by toy train from Kalka to Shimla is the most scenic and panoramic journey for hills.