Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, lies about 343 km from Delhi at an altitude of 2,213 metres above sea level. Before the British discovered it in 1819, Shimla was a small village that was part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1830, the local Raja was persuaded to part with the land by the British and the settlement became the subcontinent’s most fashionable summer resort. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India’s independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab till 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh.

The summers in Shimla are quit pleasant as the maximum temperature rarely crosses 25°C. Winters are cold and Shimla experiences quite a heavy snowfall. If you are among those who want to escape from the scorching heat of the plains, Shimla would be the ideal getaway. But for those who love snow, a visit in winters can be an exciting experience.

This pleasant sprawling town set among the pine-clad hills presents the visitor with glimpses of fading colonial charm. The buildings, The Mall, the picnic spots tell you the story of the era when it was the summer capital of the British India. A visit to the Mall brings you to the centre of activity in the city. Move around the city and you get to see some of the fascinating sights of the landscape around. Some of the major attractions around are Jakhoo Hill, Glen, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Prospect Hill, Institute of Advance Studies, Sankat Mochan, Taradevi Temple and Himachal State Museum.

The excursions around Shimla are equally interesting experience as they unveil to you the glory of the Raj era. You can take a trip to the oldest and highest golf course in India and to the world’s highest cricket ground. For the religious minded, the ancient temples around the Shimla are worth a visit. Some of the interesting spots around Shimla are Naldhera, Tattapani, Wildflower Hall, Mashobra, Craignano, Kufri and Chail.