shimla tourism essay

English Essay on “A Visit to Shimla” English Essay-Paragraph-Speech for Class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 CBSE Students and competitive Examination.

A Visit to Shimla

A visit to a cool hill station during the summer months is a great relief. In the months of May and June Delhi becomes hot like an oven. The schools are closed for summer vacations. My father is a CEO in a multinational firm. He allows and finances our visit to a hill station every year. In the earlier years we had visited Nainital, Mussorie, Gulmarg and Kullu-Manali.

This year we made Shimla our destination. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and it served as the summer capital of India for six hot months of the year during the British rule. My mother, brother and sister were all excited about the trip to this beautiful hill station founded by the British. We had heard so much about it.

One hot May night we got on Howrah-Kalka Mail which took us to Kalka overnight. Our family loves train journeys. From Kalka to Shimla there is narrow gauge train service. It is like toy train of Darjeeling. At around 9 a.m. Our toy train called Kalka-Shimla Express whistled off from Kalka. Soon we were chugging through beautiful hill sides, trees, green glades and tunnels. It was so fascinating that our eyes never turned off the windows except for the intervals when the train passed through the-tunnels. One of the tunnels was quite long. It took several minutes for the train to pass through. We moved on covering pretty hill railway stations called Dharampur, Jakej, Kurnarhatti Solan etc.

Finally, at around 2 p.m. we steamed into Shimla station. A dream run had come to an end.

Led by porters who carried our luggage we started for the Mount View hotel situated just below the Mall Road. It turned out to be quite a climb because Shimla railway station is almost at the bottom of the town. It made us pant and gasp but the pretty scenes around did not let our excitement die. We chatted and talked about new sight, between gasps. One hour later we were in our suite unpacking our luggage after having our brunch. The coot air felt so refreshing. Then, we rested and talked about sight-seeing programmes with our waiter. My younger sister slept, tired as she was. By the evening we were ready to take on Shimla.

Holidaying in Shimla really starts with an evening stroll on Mall Road and Ridge. It is an exciting experience. The two sites are busy places all day long. But the evenings are special. All the tourists converge on Mall Road or Ridge. Local dandies are also there. That makes them crowded places but great fun. All the men, women, girls and kids turn up in their best making it public fashion show. It is a very colourful scene and sets one in gay mood.

Along the Mall are fancy shops, classy hotels, restaurants, a couple of bars, coffee house, banks and Post & Telegraph office. The Ridge rises over the Mall from Scandal Point. It is a kind of high ground. At right hand yonder is a Church and a cinema theatre below. Gandhiji statue is straight ahead where the Ridge ends. There are wooden benches on the left side on which people sit at leisure and watch the crowds stroll by. During the winters the people sit on them to bask in the sun. From the Ridge we could see snow-capped peaks touching the horizon far away. The sight fills the heart with spiritual joy.

The next morning, we, visited Jakhu hill, a pretty spot over the Ridge. There is a, famous Hanuman temple where the locals and the tourists go to worship or just for sight-seeing. It is a good picnic place. I saw a lot of monkeys there. The visitors feed them bananas or peanuts or they become nasty. My little sister got quite scared of them.

Beyond the ridge a narrow road leads to a cute little Lakkar Bazaar. There several shops display and sell wooden crafts. My mother bought a fancy walking stick for my grandpa. From a lower bazaar shop she purchased a woolen shawl for my grandma.

Shimla kept us busy all the 15 days we spent there. Besides daily parade on the Mall-Road and idling at Ridge we visited interesting places around Shimla. Dali is a suburb. Then, there is Mashobra where we saw apple farms and the horticultural research centre. Naldehra is another tourist attraction. There is a helipad at Anadale grounds and Shimla is also served by a small airport. This city is dotted with English medium famous public schools I had heard so much about. Spotting them was a great fun.

IAS Academy is also worth visiting. Here IAS officers receive training after their selection before being posted. Many ether British legacy buildings like May Flower Hall, Raj Bhavan etc. are also worth a visit. Our 15 days sojourn at salubrious Shimla came to an end. It passed like a sweet dream. But nothing lasts forever.

We returned to. Delhi in our car sent by my dad to fetch us. I shall always carry memories of my vacation in Shimla.

Related Posts

Absolute-Study

Hindi Essay, English Essay, Punjabi Essay, Biography, General Knowledge, Ielts Essay, Social Issues Essay, Letter Writing in Hindi, English and Punjabi, Moral Stories in Hindi, English and Punjabi.

One Response

Thank you. I enjoyed reading your essay. I am researching as I am about to write an essay on six destinations I visited during 2017, Shimla was one of the places I visited. The place is so fascinating. I remember seeing the sign for the ice rink which was now closed and it was in an upper level in a building. I would have loved to have seen that.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• A Visit to a Hill Station - Long and Short Essay

What is a Hill Station?

A small town situated at a higher elevated position than its nearby plains or valleys is referred to as a hill station. The climate is usually cold and a hill station has a low temperature. A visit to a hill station essay for 5 th class students and the students studying in higher classes is given below. The hill station essay is written in easy and simple words for the easy understanding of students. After reading this favourite hill station essay, the kids will be able to write a Visit to a Hill Station essay in English on their own. 

Long Essay on A Visit to a Hill Station 

Visiting a hill station in the summers is the best getaway from the scorching heat of the city you live in. In addition to that, the pleasant weather and temperature are suitable for meditation and health restoration activities. 

India is a hot country with very high temperatures during April, May, and June. A short trip to a hill station every summer is exciting and quite tempting. Everybody wants to escape the blazing heat to refresh and rejuvenate. People who cannot afford to travel abroad are always keen to visit nearby hill stations to enjoy the summers. It is a great escapade for people, away from the high temperatures of the plains. 

Shimla has been on our wish list for a very long time now, it was locked as our destination this summer. My entire family was excited about this trip to Shimla. Our love for train journeys made us choose to travel by train for this trip. We boarded the train for Shimla early in the morning, and were going through these lush green lands, intriguing tunnels, and beautiful hillsides. 

We were simply mesmerized to see the view of many other hill stations like Solan, Jakej, Kumarhatti, etc. The next day we arrived at Shimla in the afternoon and took a cab to reach our hotel. Our room in the hotel was huge and had a breathtaking view. We got ourselves some rest and, in the evening, planned to go shopping and explore the Shimla market. 

The Ridge or Mall Road is the go-to place for the crowd to shop. Banks, classy hotels, coffee houses, and fancy shops were in high demand. The Ridge ends at the Mahatma Gandhi statue. We could also see snow-capped peaks by then, which melted our hearts.  

The next day we started with the Hanuman temple in the morning. We spotted many monkeys at the famous Hanuman temple, who were getting fed with bananas by the locals and tourists. We then started for Mashobra, an apple farm and horticulture center that is pretty well known. We received eye-opening information about horticulture there. Several misconceptions regarding the plants and flowers were cleared too. Lakkar Bazaar was the destination for the evening. It is a wood market, selling items made out of wood including walking sticks and decorative pieces. We returned to our room and rested after exhausting ourselves completely. 

The next morning, we had our breakfast and headed for Badi Ki Dhar. We witnessed the beautiful sights of Shimla from this hilltop. With cold winds brushing by our faces swiftly, the view was outstandingly mesmerizing. It also has a famous temple of Lord Shiva. The Lord is commemorated in an annual fair organized on the 14 th and 15 th of June. 

The next spot for us was the Switzerland of the East. It has this peculiar name to it since it’s covered with snow completely. It was all of our first time feeling and touching the real snow in its serene surroundings. We kept playing in the snow to our hearts were content. We ate a little bit and went back to sleep in our rooms. 

There were two more spots left to see in our itinerary. They were the Chadwick waterfall and the Himalayan Bird Park. The Himalayan Bird Park was best for bird watchers and nature lovers. We got to see very rare species of birds, some exotic pheasants, peacocks, and the Himalayan Monal. The amazing colours of the birds along with their chirping sounds made the atmosphere very vibrant. We even fed the birds with our own hands. The park is also famous for its collection of rare trees and plants. The last spot was the most-awaited place called the Chadwick waterfall. Located in an undisturbed corner of the Glen forests, the looming greens, the breezy climate, the sound, and the fragrance of the wild works as a mood lifter for the senses. 

Short Essay on a Visit to a Hill Station  

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever!” I was always told that hills are a thing of beauty. I had a chance to visit Shimla with my family. We took a train this time and the journey was quite thrilling for us. Shimla being a beautiful hill station, it was a wonderful experience for us. The very famous Mall road was hustling and bustling with the crowd. Literally a meeting place for all in Shimla. The lower mall is full of life. One could see the entire Shimla hills from the ridge, the widest, and the most beautiful spot. The pretty church on the ridge is a bonus attraction for any tourist. Shimla is named after Goddess Shyamalais known as the “queen of hills”. 

Additional Essays on Hill Station

Nainital  

The place got silent and serene as the night proceeded. Insects could be heard buzzing throughout. The calm water of the lake and the moon's reflection in it preserve the beauty of it at night.

We decided to go for a walk the next day to explore what the area has to offer. There were plenty of other lovely sights to view. A variety of birds and animals were seen. Some of them were stunning and one-of-a-kind. They appeared to be content walking through the forests and among the huge trees. The houses were uniquely designed and appeared to be unique. 

As we drove back with wonderful recollections of this site, our only concern was the steady deterioration of its unique beauty. Nainital is not only lovely, but it is also relatively pollution-free. The clean water of the lakes and the green, gleaming foliage of the trees were examples. However, with the flood of tourists, the natural beauty of this location is now being exploited for profit. Forest areas are being cleared to make way for hotels and shopping malls. 

For us, the trip to Nainital was a fantastic experience. Following our tour, we felt revitalised and energised. 

Mussoorie 

Around the 15th of May, Delhi's schools close for the summer holiday. It was really hot at that time. As a result, my parents decided to visit Mussoorie. The mere concept of travelling to the hills was exhilarating. The preparations were already underway. 

We prepared our belongings and prepared for the travel. We took the train to Dehradun. We travelled by automobile from Dehradun to Mussoorie. 

Mussoorie is one of India's hill stations. It's referred to as the "Queen of Hill Stations." It features a variety of lovely sports. We went to see the town the next day after breakfast. We went to the Landour and Library markets. They were all crammed with visitors from all across the country. 

We went for a walk after lunch along the Mall and Camel Back Road. We were enthralled by the vista all around us. The skating rink, which is a hotspot for fashion and colour, is worth a visit. We were able to see the Kempty Falls and the snow-capped mountain. 

We stayed in a lovely summer resort. The mountain slopes are covered in tall, green trees that make for a lovely sunset vista and a spectacular appearance. The hours of the morning and evening are also very lovely. It takes one's mind off the sweltering heat of the plains. 

A cold breeze refreshes the mind. Being so close to Mother Nature made me joyful. My heart was filled with excitement as I saw the vivid multi-coloured flowers, the clouds soaring through the sky, and the snow-covered peaks of the high mountains in the distance. 

We stayed for a fortnight there. I unwillingly returned to Delhi. My vacation to Mussoorie remains a vivid memory in my mind. 

Ooty  

We booked a car as soon as we arrived to contact our hotel. We stayed at the hotel for the night. We awoke early and went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast the next day before beginning our adventure. Breakfast was delicious, especially the coffee and dosa. The Government Botanical Garden near Coimbatore was the first location we went to. 

The Garden is separated into numerous areas, each with a different flower in bloom, and it appears to be a great place for photography. Then we travelled to the Ooty Boathouse in the Nilgiris, which provides tourists with boating opportunities. While boating, we were treated to breathtaking scenery. 

After we finished our meal, we went to see the famed Rose Garden, which has over 20,000 different varieties of roses. We went back to the motel and slept the night away. On our final day in Ooty, we went to the tea museum and factory, where they make high-quality tea and Toda cottages created by the Toda tribal people. 

The shelter's distinguishing feature is that it lacks windows and is quite low in height.   

It is one of Ooty's indigenous tribes that is reliant on agriculture. These are some of the places we visited during our brief stay, but there are many more that we plan to visit next year. The view and the weather it provided fascinated us all. 

Summary 

It was time for our journey back and it was by bus. It was captivating as the stars, the nightlife, the music, and the far-stretching hills were alluring us to revisit the place. The zig-zag roads gave us an opportunity to view nature from different angles. Shimla stands true to its tag of “queen of hills”. We would all love to come here again to find out the unexplored spots.

FAQs on A Visit to a Hill Station - Long and Short Essay

1. What is a Hill Station?

A small town situated at a higher altitude than the nearby valleys and plains is a hill station. It usually has a cold climate.

2. Which town in India is said to be the “Queen of Hills”?

Shimla is said to be the “queen of hills” in India.

3. What is a Hill Station?

4. Which town in India is said to be the “Queen of Hills”?

5. What are the 3 adjacent hills that make up Manali?

6.  Which is the best hill station for spring and summer flowers?

An Amazing Shimla Travel Guide & Shimla Itinerary

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This article is a Shimla travel guide that also contains a Shimla itinerary for one day.

Shimla is a picturesque and popular hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.  Since it's located in close proximity to major cities in Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, a lot of people come here to take a break from the city life. Even though a majority of people visit Shimla in the Summer season to cool off in the queen of hill stations, Shimla is a wonderful place to visit in any season.

You'll find quite a few things to do in Shimla like local Shimla sightseeing, shopping at Mall Road and eating at nice cafes with unbelievable views. However, the major joy lies in sitting back and enjoying the views of the mountains. With this in mind, this post is a Shimla travel guide that contains all the major information you need for planning a trip to Shimla and figuring out the things to do in Shimla city. Additionally, it also contains a Shimla itinerary for one day.

Table of Contents

Shimla Travel Guide & Itinerary

Because Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India, it's always filled with tourists and locals who want to cool off and witness the magic of the mountains. If you too are planning a visit to Shimla then you'll find this Shimla travel guide extremely helpful. I've also included a Shimla itinerary for one day inside this guide.

Shimla Weather and Best Time to Visit Shimla

People prefer to visit Shimla during the Summer season in May-June, to get a relief from the scorching heat but Shimla is also a popular tourist destination in the other seasons as well.

If you want to experience snow and to see the slow life in Shimla, sip hot chai inside a cafe while overlooking mountains laden with snow from a window then you should visit Shimla in the peak winter months of December and January.

Additionally, September, October, March and April are the shoulder months when there aren't too many tourists and the weather is pleasant. For me, personally, this is the best time to visit Shimla.

How to Reach Shimla

Shimla, being a popular sightseeing destination can be reached in numerous ways from nearby cities nad towns. Shimla is connected to all major nearby cities by road, train and flight. Take a look at the various ways of reaching Shimla.

How to Reach Shimla by Bus

Travelling to Shimla by bus is a popular option that most people tend to choose. There are frequent buses to Shimla from all major cities within and outside of Himachal. From Delhi, you'll find a range of buses such as ordinary, semi-sleeper, Volvo etc based on your level of comfort. Similarly, there are regular buses from Chandigarh, Manali etc to Shimla.

How to Reach Shimla by Train

One of the best, most pleasing ways to reach Shimla would be to take the toy train from Kalpa to Shimla. The scenic journey will take you through rolling hills, tunnels and stunning landscapes. If I could change one thing about my Shimla trip, I would've travelled by train instead of the bus.

How to Reach Shimla by Flight

The nearest airport to Shimla is at Jubbarhatti, located 22 km away from Shimla city. You'll find inexpensive direct flights from Delhi to Shimla quite easily.

Must Read: The Best Instagrammable Places in Delhi, India

Delhi to Shimla by Car

One of the best options to reach Shimla is to go from Delhi to Shimla by car. The drive is not too long. In fact, the distance of 342 km from Delhi to Shimla can be covered within 7 hours. This route is extremely scenic and it will be a great road trip to take with either family or with friends.

Where to Stay in Shimla

If you're looking for a short stay in Shimla to travel further towards Kinnaur and Spiti, it's best to find a hotel near the ISBT Tutikandi bus stand. I stayed at Star A-One Homestay which was located right at the bus stand.

However, if you're travelling to Shimla for more than just a day for sightseeing in Shimla then find a hotel near Mall Road, which will be the central location for visiting all the Shimla attractions. You can very easily find hotels starting from the INR 500 rupee range.

Find hotels in Shimla on Booking.com

Places to Visit in Shimla in One Day - A Shimla Itinerary

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Its close proximity to Delhi makes it a favorable summer destination for city dwellers. There aren't a whole lot of things to do in Shimla. Since it has a lot of natural beauty, Shimla is a place to relax, unwind and disconnect from the city life. There are just a handful of Shimla sightseeing places. Take a look at them and the various other things to do in Shimla in this Shimla itinerary for one day.

1. City Point

City point is exactly what it sounds like - a point in the city. I had presumed it might be called so because it would be a point where you get a view of the city. But it turns out it's a location from where one end of the mall road stretch begins. You can start your Shimla itinerary tour from here.

Must Read: Spiti Valley Itinerary - A Detailed Guide

2. Town Hall

If you're an architecture buff like me, you'll fall in love with the Town Hall in Shimla. This beautiful building has been constructed in the Tudor style of architecture which originated in the 1500's under King Henry VIII in England. One could spend hours admiring the make of this building. Luckily for me, I found a cafe with windows overlooking the Town Hall. But more on that later.

3. The Ridge

The Ridge is the upper section of the mall road from where you get to see incredible views of the Shimla city, Christ Church and the city square area. The mall road opens up to a wide area where you'll find lots of people walking around, college kids hanging out, parents buying treats for their kids from the street vendors and lots of activity. This area looks particularly delightful on a snowy or a rainy day.

4. Christ Church

The Christ Church in Shimla is located right next to the ridge. This church is the backdrop of the open square area. You'll identify this church in many Bollywood movies that are shot in Shimla. One of the more popular ones being 3 Idiots movie where two scenes were filmed in front of Christ church as well as at the ridge.

Where to Eat - The Best Cafes in Shimla

As I had mentioned earlier, I came across a cafe that was situated directly across the Town Hall. It was a charming little place with large windows to enjoy the outside view. The name of this place is Wake and Bake cafe . When I visited the cafe, there were two guys there practising their music on the guitar. With a little drizzle outside and the melodious music next to me, I can say it felt like I was sitting in the best cafe in Shimla. What a beautiful afternoon that was! Other than Wake and Bake, Cafe Shimla Times is a popular cafe, especially famous for its view of Shimla city.

Unmissable Things to do in Shimla: Shopping at Mall Road

You can't leave Shimla without doing a little (or lots of) shopping at Mall Road. This stretch of road is lined with the latest stores as well as small locally owned businesses. Moreover, you'll find lots of cafes and eating joints as well so you never go hungry! The area near Town Hall has branded stores whereas the stretch near City Point has local stores. Shopping at Mall Road is one of the unmissable things to do in Shimla that can't be excluded from any Shimla travel guide or Shimla itinerary.

What to Wear in Shimla

No matter when you visit Shimla, always be prepared for a little cold. I did my Shimla sightseeing in the month of September when there were still light drizzles and it got especially cold in the mornings and evenings. If you're visiting Shimla in the rainy months, carry a raincoat or umbrella. Whereas if you're taking a trip to Shimla in the winter months from November to March, carry sweaters and expect snow in the peak winter months. Carry thermals accordingly. In the summer, you'll need a light shrug for the evenings but the afternoons will be pleasant.

Planning a Trip to Shimla Manali?

If you're planning a trip to Shimla then you might find these articles helpful:

• Manali Travel Guide + Manali Itinerary for 3 Days
• Chitkul Village Travel Guide - Delhi to Chitkul Travel Info, Itinerary, Stay and More
• Kinnaur Valley Itinerary: A Detailed Travel Guide with Costs and Route
• Complete Delhi Travel Guide

Did You Enjoy this Shimla Travel Guide & Shimla Itinerary for One Day?

If you liked reading this Shimla travel guide that includes a Shimla itinerary for one day, then follow me on my social media handles Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , Twitter to receive quick updates and be the first one to know when I release a new blog post!

Hi, Soujanya you are post is amazing

Hi, you have written a very nicely explained blog. Keep posting??

Comments are closed.

Essay on A Visit to a Hill Station

Students are often asked to write an essay on A Visit to a Hill Station in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on A Visit to a Hill Station

Introduction.

Last summer, my family and I visited Shimla, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It was a much-needed break from the scorching heat of the plains.

The Journey

We travelled by train till Kalka and then took the toy train to Shimla. The journey was full of scenic beauty.

Exploring Shimla

In Shimla, we visited many places like The Ridge, Mall Road, and Jakhu Temple. The cool breeze and beautiful landscapes were mesmerizing.

The trip to the hill station was refreshing. It was a memorable experience which I will cherish forever.

Also check:

• Paragraph on A Visit to a Hill Station

250 Words Essay on A Visit to a Hill Station

A hill station, an oasis of tranquility, offers an opportunity to escape the mundane, bustling city life. My recent visit to Shimla, one of India’s most renowned hill stations, was a rejuvenating experience that I will cherish forever.

The journey to Shimla was an adventure in itself. The serpentine roads, winding through the majestic Himalayas, were a visual treat. The dramatic change in the landscape from the urban sprawl to the lush green hills was a testament to nature’s versatility.

The Arrival

Upon arrival, the first thing that struck me was the crisp, clean air, a stark contrast to the polluted city air. The towering pine trees, the misty mountains, and the melodious chirping of birds created an enchanting ambiance.

Exploring Shimla was like stepping into a different era. The colonial architecture, the bustling Mall Road, and the historic Christ Church transported me back in time. The beauty of Shimla is not just in its scenic landscapes but also in its rich cultural heritage.

Experiencing Serenity

The peacefulness of the early mornings, with the sun casting a golden hue on the mountains, was a sight to behold. The serene environment provided much-needed solitude and an opportunity for introspection.

This visit to Shimla was a reminder of the simple pleasures of life and the importance of taking a break from our fast-paced lives. As John Muir rightly said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” The memories of this visit will forever be etched in my heart, serving as a beacon of peace amidst the chaos of life.

500 Words Essay on A Visit to a Hill Station

A visit to a hill station is always an exhilarating experience. It offers a respite from the scorching heat of the plains, especially during the summer months. My recent trip to Shimla, one of the most popular hill stations in India, was an unforgettable journey that left an indelible mark on my memory.

The journey to Shimla was as enchanting as the destination itself. The winding roads, the cool breeze, and the lush greenery all around were a sight to behold. As we climbed higher, the panoramic view of the valleys and the distant mountains was breathtaking. The serenity and tranquility of the place were in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city life that I was used to.

The Beauty of Nature

Upon reaching Shimla, I was greeted by its pristine beauty. The tall, majestic pine trees, the beautiful orchards, and the snow-capped peaks in the distance created a picture-perfect setting. The town was teeming with tourists, yet it had a calmness that was soothing. The weather was pleasant, and the cool mountain air was refreshing.

During the day, we visited various tourist spots like the Mall Road, the Ridge, and the Jakhu Temple. The Mall Road, with its numerous shops and eateries, was bustling with activity. The Ridge, overlooking the mountains, was a great place to relax and enjoy the view. The Jakhu Temple, perched on top of a hill, provided a panoramic view of the entire town.

The Local Culture

One of the highlights of the trip was the exposure to the local culture. The people of Shimla are warm and welcoming. They take immense pride in their culture and heritage. The local cuisine, which mainly comprises of Himachali dishes, was a culinary delight. I also had the opportunity to witness a local festival, which was a vibrant display of their traditions and customs.

The trip to Shimla was a refreshing break from the monotony of daily life. It was a reminder of the simple pleasures that nature has to offer. The serene surroundings, the pleasant weather, and the beautiful landscapes were a treat to the senses. It was an experience that I would cherish forever. The visit to the hill station was not just a journey to a different place, but also a journey into myself, giving me time to reflect and introspect. It reinforced my belief that travel is not just about exploring new places, but also about experiencing new cultures and gaining a new perspective on life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on My Favourite Hill Station
• Essay on A Hill Station
• Essay on A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A visit to a hill station essay in English For Students

With this captivating a visit to a hill station essay, discover the allure of elevated landscapes, the crisp mountain air, and the unique charm of hill stations.

November 20, 2023

Table of Contents

A visit to a hill station essay: Hill stations can be filled with fun and new experiences. Travelling is a great way to gain life experience and meet new people. Every year, many people travel worldwide to gain life experience. People travel to learn, while others go for a break from the grind of their daily lives.

A Visit to a Hill Station Essay in English

We decided to take the train this time, and the journey was exhilarating. Being a stunning hill station, our experience in Shimla was unforgettable. Walking down the famous Mall Road, we were surrounded by a lively crowd – truly a popular spot for everyone in Shimla. The lower mall is also full of life and provides a remarkable view of the entire Shimla hills from the ridge, which is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and breathtaking spot. To top it off, a charming church on the ridge serves as an added attraction for tourists.

Nainital  – As the night went on, the place became silent and serene. Insects buzzed throughout. The calm water of the lake and its reflection preserved its beauty at night. We decided to take a walk the next day to explore the area. There were also plenty of other lovely sights to see.

Numerous birds and animals were spotted, including some breathtaking and one-of-a-kind creatures. They seemed delighted strolling through the forests and towering trees. The houses boasted distinctive designs and stood out from one another. As we departed with fond memories of this place, our primary worry was the gradual decline of its unparalleled charm. Nainital holds not only picturesque views but also boasts relatively low pollution levels.

The clear waters of the lakes and the vibrant greenery of the trees serve as prime examples. However, due to the influx of visitors, the natural beauty of this destination is being taken advantage of for financial gain. Much forest land is being cleared for hotels and shopping malls. After our tour, we felt refreshed and energised.

Mussoorie – In May, schools in Delhi close for the summer vacation. The heat was unbearable then, so my parents decided to go to Mussoorie. The mere idea of travelling to the hills was exhilarating. Our preparations were already underway. We gathered our belongings and prepared for the trip. Taking the train to Dehradun, we drove to Mussoorie by automobile. 

The area offers a range of delightful activities. Following breakfast, we explored the town. Our first stops were the Landour and Library markets, both bustling with visitors nationwide. After lunch, we took a stroll along the Mall and Camel Back Road, mesmerised by the surrounding scenery. The famous skating rink is a vibrant hub of fashion and colour that shouldn’t be missed. Our accommodations were in a charming summer resort nestled in the lush green slopes, providing an idyllic backdrop for sunsets and stunning views. The early morning and evening hours were particularly enchanting.

Being so close to Mother Nature made me happy. It took my mind off the sweltering heat of the plains. A cold breeze refreshed my mind. When I saw the vivid multi-coloured flowers, the clouds soaring through the sky. For a fortnight, we stayed there. I reluctantly returned to Delhi. I still remember my trip to Mussoorie vividly.

A Visit to a Hill Station Essay in 100 Words

During my summer vacation, my family and I travelled to Mussoorie, one of India’s charming hill stations. We arrived late after taking a train to Dehradun and a bus from there. After checking into our beautiful hotel, we explored the town the following morning. The Landour, Library, and Kulri markets were bustling with tourists. We took a stroll in the afternoon along the Mall and Camelback Road. The next day, we were blessed with fantastic weather as we visited Kempty Fall. Mussorie’s mountain slopes, covered in tall green trees, create a breathtaking view at dusk, making it an alluring destination.

A Visit to a Hill Station Essay in 200 Words

Last December, my family and I embarked on a journey to Manali. The destination was nothing short of breathtaking – hills, surroundings, and streets all radiating beauty. The entire town was transformed into a winter wonderland, covered in a blanket of snow. After settling into our hotel, we explored the area further. We first visited the renowned Manu temple, known for its stunning valley views. Later, we stopped by the well-known Hadimba temple. As we toured Manali, each sight had its impact on us. However, activities like paragliding and parachuting left a lasting impression on me, allowing me to appreciate the world’s magnificence in a new light.

It was my first-time ice skating, and while I kept falling, it was still a lot of fun. We stayed in Manali for two more days and stopped by Shimla on our way back. One of my best and most treasured trips was to Shimla, where we visited the temples and enjoyed the street food.

A Visit to a Hill Station Essay in 500 Words

A quick summer vacation to a hill station is always exciting and highly alluring. Everyone seeks to escape the harsh heat to relax and revitalise. I took my entire family to Shimla during my summer vacation. Himachal Pradesh’s capital, Shimla, also served as India’s summer capital for six of the country’s hottest months during the British era.

My siblings and mother were eager to visit this lovely hill station. We decided to take the train since we love rail travel. We boarded the train early in the morning and headed for Shimla, passing through these beautiful green spaces, tunnels, and picturesque mountains. The scenery of numerous other hill towns, such as Solan, Jakej, and Kumarhatti, utterly captivated us.

Mall Road: We visited Mall Road in the evening for street food, coffee shops, and vintage bookstores. We also saw upscale stores, elegant hotels, restaurants, bars, and a Post & Telegraph office on the way.

Hanuman Temple: We visited Hanuman Temple the following day—this temple is well known for its devotions and sights and is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. It’s also a good spot to picnic. The visitors fed bananas and peanuts to the monkeys to keep them from acting hostile. Although my sister became somewhat frightened by them, they were harmless.

Winding Road: A winding road led to a small Lakkar Bazaar beyond the ridge in the late evening. The bazaar was full of wooden crafts, and my mother purchased a stylish walking cane for my grandfather and a woollen shawl for my grandmother. Our night ended with a light meal and a walk back to the hotel.

Mashobra: Towards the end of our trip, we visited Mashobra—a small village north of Shimla known for its apple orchards and horticulture research facility. The village had a population of around 900 people. They were friendly with tourists and owned small businesses and shops to support themselves. In addition, we toured the Anadale grounds, which had a helipad, and Shimla airport.

Despite our best efforts, our trip to Shimla ended sooner than expected. The trip was not just fun but also educational in many ways. My memories of my trip to Shimla will last a lifetime.

A visit to a hill station essay FAQs

The ideal time to visit a hill station depends on personal preferences and the region's climate. Many people prefer the pleasant spring and summer weather, while others enjoy the charm of hill stations during the winter season, often covered in snow.

A hill station is a town or settlement situated at a higher elevation, typically in mountainous regions. These locations are known for their cooler climates and scenic landscapes and often serve as popular tourist destinations, providing a retreat from the heat of the plains.

Determining the "best" hill station depends on individual preferences. Popular choices include Shimla and Manali in India, Queenstown in New Zealand, and Zermatt in Switzerland, offering unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and recreational activities.

A hill station is a charming elevated settlement nestled amidst mountains, providing a refreshing escape.. These locales captivate visitors with their extraordinary climate, breathtaking views, and tranquil atmosphere, making them sought-after destinations for relaxation and exploration.

Paragraph on Flood in English for Students

Air Pollution Essay in English for Students

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

.st1{display:none} Related Articles

• CBSE Class 11 Biology Notes Chapter 10 Cell Cycle and Cell Division
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Notes Chapter 3 Plant Kingdom
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Notes Chapter 2 Biological Classification
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Notes 2024-25 Updated Notes
• CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Notes Chapter 13 Hydrocarbons
• How to Score Up to 95 Plus Marks in Maths Know Tips and Tricks
• CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Notes Chapter 14 Environmental Chemistry
• CBSE Class 11 Biology Notes Chapter 1 The Living World
• AP Inter Advanced Supplementary Exam Date 2024 Out @bie.ap.gov.in
• MP Board Compartment 2024 Application Window will Open mpbse.nic.in

Shimla – A Complete Travel Guide & Itinerary

If one was to prepare a list of the favorite and most visited tourist destinations of our country, Shimla will definitely be at the top of that list. This small hill town has enjoyed the status of being the favored one for almost 2 centuries now. British arrived here in the early 1800s and liked the place so much that they declared it as their summer capital in 1864. They even took all the hassle of building a railroad to Shimla.

The British left a long time ago but Shimla still continues to enjoy the same status. The beauty of this place is no less than it was a century ago, and still attracts thousands of tourists each year from all parts of the country.

If you too were thinking of visiting Shimla in the near future, then in this article I will provide some quick tips on how to plan a trip to Shimla. Your final travel plan will of course depend on several factors like how you are traveling; how many days you have in hand; the time of your trip but I will add a few things in this article which will remain the same irrespective of all these.

Quick Navigation

About Shimla

Shimla, also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It gets its name from Shyamala Mata, an incarnation of the goddess Kali. A temple, dedicated to the goddess and named Kali Bari temple, is situated near the Ridge.

The town is located at 2,276 meters (7,467 ft) and is fondly called the ‘queen of the hills’. Before independence, it served as the summer capital of British India. After independence, it became the capital of Punjab and then finally the capital of Himachal Pradesh after the state came into existence.

Reasons to visit Shimla

What makes Shimla a desired destination for thousands of people however is because it is perfect for all kinds of vacations. From honeymooners to adventure seekers to families, the city serves as a charming retreat to a large number of people. The enchanting beauty of this hill station has attracted countless filmmakers and cinematographers. This erstwhile summer capital of the British, still retains its colonial-era charm through its spectacular historical churches and institutes, like Christ Church, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and many more.

It is very well connected by road so getting here is not a problem. You never really go too remote and the famous market of Shimla is perfect for an evening of shopping around. Every modern-day facility is available here including good hospitals in case a medical emergency came up. All cell phone networks work in Shimla so you remain connected with your family and friends all the time.

Also read: Ghosts of Shimla and their Haunting Stories

Another great reason is the vast choice of accommodation choices available. No matter what your budget is, you will easily find a place to stay in Shimla. While the overall altitude of the city is enough to make it snow here, you never really climb up to a level where it becomes uncomfortable; or where you run a risk of suffering from acute mountain sickness. In short, it is a perfect destination to go to with family and also for a quick weekend getaway with friends.

How to Reach Shimla

Reaching Shimla will really be the easiest part of your vacation here. The city is very well connected and you can reach either by road, air or train, depending on your own preference.

How to reach Shimla by Road

Let us first take a look at how you can reach Shimla if you were traveling by your own car or motorcycle. For the sake of explaining the route, I will assume that you were starting from Delhi. Even if you were coming from a different city though, only the journey till Chandigarh may change. The rest of the details will still apply.

Starting from Delhi, the route of the journey will be as mentioned below.

Delhi  – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Zirakpur – Panchkula – Kalka – Kandaghat – Shoghi – Shimla

The total travel time will be about 7-8 hours, depending on your speed and breaks. From Delhi, you will follow NH1 until Chandigarh. Do not enter the city though. Just before Chandigarh, turn right towards Kalka on Himalayan Expressway and follow the uphill road to Shimla.

This entire road remains in good condition all year. There is some road widening work happening between Kalka and Shimla due to which you may encounter some slow traffic. Once this work is completed, the entire road to Shimla will be a 4 lane highway, can you believe it?

How to reach Shimla by Bus

Shimla is very well connected by a regular bus service. There are daily buses available from almost all major cities in North India and finding one will be really easy. HRTC and HPTDC operate daily buses from Shimla to places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, etc, and vice versa. Other state transport agencies as well as private travel companies also provide regular buses. Just do a Google search and you will get plenty of options.

If you were coming from Delhi, you can board an overnight air-conditioned luxury bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, or may even catch a daytime bus.

Also Read: Shimla Bus Stand Time Table

How to reach Shimla by Train

An even fun and better way however will be to get here by Train. Yes, I am referring to the famous toy. You can reach Kalka by either a train from Delhi or Chandigarh and then board the Toy Train. The entire journey is on a narrow-gauge rail track, covering a distance of 96 kilometers in about 7 hours. For more details, please take a look at How to Plan a trip by Shimla Kalka Train .

If you do not want to travel by this train, you can reach Chandigarh instead. From there, either board a Bus or hire a private taxi.

How to reach Shimla by Flight

Jubarhati, which is about 23 kilometers from the town, is the nearest airport to Shimla. There are regular flights going from Jubarhatti to Chandigarh and Delhi.

Other than Jubarhatti, Chandigarh is the next nearest airport.

Best way to reach Shimla

The best way to reach Shimla would be to travel by your own vehicle; either by a motorcycle or Car. The condition of the road, as I mentioned, is very good and it takes you through some really stunning landscape. You can take as many breaks as you want, travel at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.

Also read: Easy Winter Treks in Uttarakhand

What to See in Shimla

Shimla has a long list of tourist attractions. You can spend days here and still not be done with it all. Some places are right in the town whereas some others are at a little distance, like Kufri. If you drove a little further, you can even visit places like Narkanda and Thanedar , that are equally beautiful and even quieter than the main town.

I have covered the topic of sightseeing in a different article, Complete List of Tourist Attractions in Shimla and its Vicinity , that I will urge you to read. Adding all of these details here on this one page would have just rendered this article endless.

Places to visit in Shimla

But for a brief summary, below are some of the best places you can visit during your trip.

• Mall Road: Main shopping street is known as “The Mall” or “Mall Road”. It is more or less the center of all activity here and runs as the town’s lifeline. Cafes, restaurants, and social hangouts on Mall Road are especially popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Christ Church: It is the second oldest church in Northern India, dating back to 1857. Situated on The Ridge, it is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and a fine display of neo-Gothic architecture.
• Scandal Point: It is known so because this is where the Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. Back then, it was the scandal of the highest order.
• Jakhu Hill: The highest peak around Shimla, at a height of 8,000 ft, offering a magnificent view of the valley around.
• Shimla State Museum: Full of several ancient artifacts displaying the cultural wealth of Himachal Pradesh
• Statue of Lord Hanuman at Jakhu Hill: This 108 feet tall statue stands at a height of 8,500 ft above sea level.
• Viceregal Lodge: Dating back to 1888, this lodge was built by British architect Henry Irwin and served as the residence of the British Viceroy of India
• Rothney Castle: Rothney Castle was the home of Allan Octavian Hume, the British civil servant who founded the Congress in 1885

Also read: Charleville Mansion Of Shimla – A Century of Being Haunted

Things to do in Shimla

Other than visiting all of the places mentioned above, here is a list of some other activities that you may indulge yourself in while visiting Shimla. I am not including things like hiring a cab and drive an hour to visit a nearby place, but things that you can do while staying in the town itself.

Take a Walk on The Ridge:  The ridge is an area near Jhaku Hill and the Observatory. This is the place where Shimla’s fairs, festivals, and functions are held. Tourists come here to see several colonial-style buildings, a church, a library, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Trek to Jhaku Hill:  At a height of 2,455 meters, the top of Jhaku hill offers a mesmerizing view of Shimla and the entire Shivalik range around. It is a fun trek of about 30 minutes to the top through lush forest terrain.

Shop at Mall Road:  While you are in Shimla, do not forget to do some shopping at the famous Mall road and buy yourself some souvenirs.

Ride the Toy Train: Take a ride in the famous Toy train of Shimla. It is a journey of 96 kilometers that will take you over 864 bridges and 102 tunnels, including the longest one at Barog. Scenic vistas will accompany you throughout the journey and you will have a hard time to stop clicking your camera.

Weather of Shimla

The weather in Shimla is mostly cool throughout the year. The summers can be moderately warm but winters will be extremely cold. During the summer, the temperature will fluctuate between 10°C to 28°C. The average temperature during winter is 10°C to 0°C, but the record low temperature is −12°C.

Between late December to early February, Shimla receives plenty of snow each year and turns into a winter wonderland. Sometimes even the roads from Shimla to Mashobra or Narkanda can get blocked due to all the snow on the road. The night temperature in these months will drop close to 0°C.

The snow is mostly all gone by March, except for at the top of the distant peaks. April marks the beginning of the spring season and until the end of summer in June, Shimla receives the majority of tourists each year. People reach here to escape the scorching heat of the plains. But at this time, even Shimla can feel pretty hot and you may need to switch on the AC in your hotel room. The day temperature can go even beyond 30°C.

The months of July and August are of monsoon. Even though the scenic beauty at this time is at its best, it is not a safe time to visit anywhere in the hills. Shimla receives a lot of rain each year. Sometimes it can rain non-stop for days, causing landslides and making a trip very risky.

Also read: Top 10 Less Visited Places of Himachal

Monsoon departs in the month of September but leaves behind plenty of greenery. Autumn arrives in October and all that was green in September now turns Orange. November is mostly a dry month when the winter settles in once again and the average temperature drops close to 10°C.

Best time to Visit Shimla

Answer to this question will depend on whether you are planning a winter trip or in the months of summer; and what exactly do you seek. On an overall basis, the months from March to June are considered the best time to visit Shimla. This is the time when the weather is neither too cold nor hot. The temperature will range between 10°C to 28°C and both days and nights will be pleasant.

If you were however planning a winter trip and wanted to see plenty of snow, then the months of January and February will be the best time to visit here. The temperature however at this time can dip as low as −4 °C. So you must carry plenty of woolens, jackets and warm clothes. Chances of snowfall are more in January than February.

If you, however, would like to witness the lush green valleys, the months of July, August and September would be the best time. This is the time when the monsoon is either in the valley or has just passed and breathes in life to the fauna and flora of the region.

Please be advised that the rainy season also brings in the risk of incessant rains and landslides as a result. You may even get restricted to your hotel room completely if it rained non-stop.

When to go to Shimla

Below is a breakdown of the best time to go to Shimla for different kinds of trips.

• Best time to visit Shimla for Apples: The apple harvesting season begins in mid-July and ends in August.
• Best time to visit Shimla by Toy Train: The toy train remains functional for all 12 months so it is only a question of when is it convenient for you. Please take a look at How to Plan a Trip in Shimla Kalka Toy train for more details.
• Best time to visit Shimla for Snow: A trip in January or February will be best if you want to see snow.
• Best time to visit Shimla for Honeymoon: If you were planning your honeymoon, January to March will be the best time. September and October will be the next best months.
• Best time to visit Shimla for Snowfall: Your chances of catching a snowfall are best between late December to early February. It can snow in late February or early  March as well but chances are less.
• Best time to visit Shimla with Family: The months from March to June are best for a family trip.
• Best Month to visit Shimla: September, in my opinion, is the best month to visit Shimla. For a winter trip, January will be the best.
• Best season to visit Shimla India: Spring and post-monsoon are the best seasons to visit Shimla.

Where to Stay in Shimla

Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations in our country which means that no matter which month you arrive here in, finding a place to stay will not be a problem at all. Hotels here are available in every range, from luxury 5-star resorts to budgeted guest houses. You can easily find a room here for as low as Rs. 700 per night. As a matter of fact, the moment you enter Shimla, you will have agents chasing you for a good hotel deal.

Whether or not to book in advance depends upon your discretion but is not required. If you have already decided on a hotel and know where you want to stay, you may book. If you are on a budget or not sure of the hotel, then best would be to reach Shimla, find a hotel per your liking and negotiate an on the spot deal.

Also read: Offbeat Tourist Places in Himachal

Things to Pack for Shimla Trip

Below is a list of items that you should be packing for your trip.

If visiting in summer, pack light cotton clothes for the day as the sun is quite strong. The temperature in the evening however may drop a bit so pack a light jacket as well.

If visiting Shimla in the winter, carry woolens, thermals, and a heavy jacket. To keep warm when it snows, boots, gloves, a cap, and muffler are essential.

If visiting during the monsoon season or in September, you should pack clothes that can dry faster, like polyester. If it was not inconvenient, you should also pack an umbrella or a poncho.

Other Items

Some other things to carry will include the following.

• Government-issued valid identity card
• Warm Caps (Winter)
• Pair of Waterproof Warm Gloves (Winter)
• Sunblock lotion with highest SPF that you can find (if visiting in Summer)
• Prescribed medicines if you are on medication
• Head Phones/Earphones
• Chargers for your electronic items
• Umbrella or a Rain Poncho (if visiting during monsoon)
• Snow Boots if visiting in Winter
• Boots with a good grip if you are planning to go on a trek
• Comfortable Lower if planning to go on the trek as jeans are not advisable for this purpose

Itinerary for Shimla

How your trip finally plans out will completely depend on how you were traveling and the number of days in hand. But I will suggest a few different plans that you can follow, covering Shimla and its nearby areas.

I will suggest the itinerary assuming that you were starting from Delhi. Even if you were coming from a different city though, only the part about traveling to and from Delhi will change. The rest of the details will still apply.

3 Days Itinerary Shimla Trip Itinerary

• Day 1 – Delhi to Shimla
• Day 2 – Spend the day sightseeing in Shimla. Visit Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge, and Mall Road. Take a drive towards Kufri
• Day 3 – Return to Delhi

4 Days Itinerary

• Day 2 – Spend the day sightseeing in Shimla. Visit Jakhu Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge, and Mall Road.
• Day 3 – Take a drive towards Narkanda. On the way, visit places like Mashobra and Kufri. See Hatu Temple in Narkanda.
• Day 4 – Return to Delhi

5 Days Plan

• Day 2 – Take a walk on the Ride road. Later, visit Jakhu Temple and Christ Church. Spend the evening at Mall Road.
• Day 4 – This day can be planned in 3 ways. Either you can spend it in Shimla just relaxing and enjoying the views. Or you can take a drive to the nearby Chail which is another great tourist attraction. The third way is to enjoy a ride in the Toy Train.
• Day 5 – Return to Delhi

By Public Transport

The above plans were for someone traveling by their own vehicle. If you were coming by a Bus, below is how you can plan your journey.

• Day 0 – Board an overnight bus for Shimla. In Delhi, you can get it from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
• Day 2 & 3 – Spend the next 2 days in the town itself. Visit all of the local attractions in Shimla, eat out, and do some shopping.
• Day 4 – Board the toy train and reach Kalka. From Kalka, reach Chandigarh Bus stand and find a Bus for your hometown. If you have no interest in the toy train, then find a Bus for back to your hometown from Shimla itself.

Another way you can plan this journey is by doing it the other way around.

• Day 0 – Board a Bus late in the evening that can drop you at either Shimla or Kalka by the morning the next day.
• Day 1 – Board the morning toy train for Shimla from Kalka. Reach Shimla and check into a hotel.
• Day 2 & 3 – Spend the next 2 days sightseeing in Shimla.
• Day 4 – Return to Delhi by Bus.

Mobile Network in Shimla and Data Connectivity

BSNL has the widest network coverage in Himachal but in Shimla, every cellphone will work fine. Irrespective of which network you were on, you will get reception and 4G data.

If I was to name one, I will say that Airtel and Jio are best mobile network in Shimla on an overall basis.  BSNL has a good network everywhere but data connectivity can be a little poor at times.

Hospital / Medical Assistance

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and as such, it has good and large hospitals, capable of handling all kinds of medical emergencies. If you need medical assistance, finding it in Shimla will not be difficult at all.

But with that being said, I will strongly recommend carrying a few basic medicines like for flu, upset stomach, fever, body ache, and pain relief spray.

Petrol Pump / Mechanics

There are petrol pumps and mechanics available in Shimla. In fact, car and motorcycle companies have authorized service stations here so it will not be a problem at all.

Banks / ATMs

All major banks have their branches and ATMs in Shimla. I have been in Shimla on numerous occasions and have never had any trouble getting cash at any of the ATMs.

What & Where to Eat

Being a popular tourist destination, Shimla has an endless list of restaurants serving all kinds of dishes. Out here, you can try local Himachali food, North & South Indian, Chinese, Italian, and pretty much everything.

Where you eat will surely depend on where you were. Your breakfast will be at your hotel and lunch at a restaurant depending on your sightseeing plan. But for dinner, I will suggest that you go to Mall Road and try any of the restaurants there per your liking.

Shopping in Shimla

There are four places where you can try shopping. The first one is the Mall road, the heart of all the action and activity. The second and cheaper option is the Tibetan Market where you can negotiate for good deals on clothes.

An even cheaper place is the Lower Bazaar but is more for buying day to day commodities rather than shopping.

If you want to buy some decorative items, you should try Lakkar Bazaar.

Other than these 4 places, the Himachal Emporium is also a good place to buy some local handicraft items.

My favorite of all these is the Lakkar Bazaar. It is a great place to pick up some souvenirs for the trip. You can try Mall road as well but I found it better for eating than shopping.

Shimla Road Condition

The entire stretch between Delhi to Shimla is a smooth run. Both NH1 between Delhi and Chandigarh and then NH22 between Chandigarh and Shimla remain in excellent condition throughout the year. The only problem on this stretch earlier was the narrow roads and traffic of Kala but with Himalayan Expressway being now operational, the complete journey has turned into bliss.

At the time of writing this article, there is road widening work ongoing between Kalka and Shimla so expect some slow traffic at places. But upon completing, this entire road will turn into a 4 lane highway.

The roads from Shimla to other places like Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda are also very smooth.

Best Vehicle

There is really no best vehicle as such. You will find the locals here driving around Maruti hatchbacks and even scooters. The only thing needed is that your vehicle is well maintained and capable of handling the ups and downs of the mountain roads. In fact, you will find most of the taxi drivers using a Maruti Alto for showing the tourists around.

Below are some most commonly asked questions about Shimla.

When will Shimla Open?

Shimla remains open for tourism throughout the year and flaunts different colors in every season. While the months of June till September will present you with lush green and well-blossomed valleys; January and February will cover Shimla under a thick sheet of white.

Is Shimla Worth Visiting?

Yes, Shimla is definitely worth visiting and there is plenty to see here. It is not only nature lovers but also people with an interest in history and architecture that will be pleased after a trip to this historic hill town.

When does it Snow in Shimla?

It snows in Shimla between late December to early February.

I hope the information above on planning a trip to Shimla was of help. If you have any further questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

Related Articles

Kinnaur valley road status 2024 – 2025, rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, sach pass status 2024 – sach pass road..., 25 comments.

Shimla truly stands out as a timeless gem among our country’s tourist destinations. Its rich history, dating back to the British era, adds to its allure, making it a must-visit spot for travelers seeking both beauty and nostalgia. Your article promises to offer valuable insights and tips for those planning a trip to this enchanting hill town. Can’t wait to read more and start planning my own adventure to Shimla.

Very good place for anytime.

Every bit of information is very important.. Nice keep up your good work

Thank you !!!!

Hello. In view of covid 19 pendamic how safe it is to visit Shimla. Regards.

Very well explained & experienced shared

very nice and interesting….. well written…. keep it up….

Thank you Shameem

Awesome and detailed content. Good work

Thank you for taking the time to drop a note

Is Shimla worth while for an European (=non-British family) to visit the first days of August 2020?

Yes it is but be prepared for the monsoon

I am 25 yrs old student from SouthAfrica. and i would like to visit Shimla this January i need your help

What do you wanna know?

Hi Buddy, Is it possible to connect Shimla-Candratal-Rohtang-Manali in a single journey? Is it possible to travel from chandrataal to Rohtang then Manali

It depends on how many days you have in hand but yes, you can do it.

I am new in India and want To spend Holidays in Shimla. Please provide me average budget for 5 days and place to visit in shimla or nearby places.

Even my trip to Shimla was amazing. Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04lbt9Zb9gI

sir your guide was helpful, please suggest whether its better to go directly to shimla from delhi by car, of go to Kalka by car and then forward journey in narrow guage train , please suggest

Go by the Toy Train only if you want to enjoy the ride and have patience to sit in the slow moving train for long hours. Otherwise, it would be better to go by car. Scenery will remain the same either way.

i am going to simla in july end. I am booked by train to simla by rail reaching at noon. From there I want to go to mashobra. Could you suggest how to go there and where to stay. should i go to mashobra right away. have only two days leaving on third morning

Read this please

https://vargiskhan.com/log/mashobra-a-complete-travel-guide-itinerary/

when i was in shimla i liked to visit jakhu temple, ridge and army musuem

Thanks Rana

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Best Travel & Tourism Blog of India

India Tours

• International Tours
• Destination Wedding
• Medical Tourism

Plan Your trip

15 best places to visit in shimla, himachal pradesh.

Shimla: A saga of nature and its beauty!

Built over seven hills of the mighty Himalayas sits the magnificent hill town of Shimla. Picture yourself waking up among the crisp air of the Himalayas with sun soothing your skin and asking you to meet at the small creek across the dense forgotten woods of pine and cedar. The town teleports you to an era of timeless beauty filled with white cascading waterfalls, small glistening creeks, majestic peaks and mystic hidden forests. Waking up in this bliss of a town is so therapeutic that you are forced to erase all the remorseful memories of the city and become one with the mountains. Soaking in all the blessings of nature makes it difficult to depart as this is the charm of Shimla where it attaches you to every element of its being.

Shimla is also the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, naturally making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Due to its pleasant weather and endless natural beauty, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of the British Raj. There are heavy chances to the fact that Britishers were homesick and tried to recreate an English village in this town whose evidence can be traced by the colonial-era houses and churches. Since then, tourists have always flocked in large numbers to Shimla to spend their summer & winter holidays and enjoy Shimla at its peak beauty when it is covered with a thick sheet of snow in winters.

Here we bring you a journey full of beautiful sunsets, assurance of the mighty mountains and sound of the river gushing by.

List of Top 15 Tourist Places in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Recommended Tour Packages

• 2 Nights 3 Days Shimla Tour Package
• 5 Nights 6 Days Shimla Manali Tour Package
• 6 Nights 7 Days Shimla Manali Amritsar Tour
• 6 Nights 7 Days Shimla Manali Dharamshala & Amritsar Tour

The Ridge is a scenic pedestrian promenade located in the center of Shimla. Situated along the Mall Road, this tourist attraction is the best hangout place in Shimla. With restaurants, trendy cafes and bars lining the Ridge, it serves as a social hub for travelers.

It connects all the major tourist attractions of the town such as Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Kali Bari Temple and Annadale among a few others. The Ridge also connects the Mall Road with the Scandal Point.

According to rumors, the Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy from this very point. Thus, giving it the name of Scandal Point.

The Ridge offers magnificent views of snow-clad mountains that feel like emerging from the sky. Without any doubts, the Ridge is one of the most important tourist attractions in Shimla.

Also Read: Popular Adventure Activities to Do in Himachal Pradesh

Located at a distance of around 15 km from the city centre is the hill station of Kufri . It has earned its title as the ‘Winter sports capital of India’ because of the regular snowfall experienced in this hill town during winters. Various winter sports such as skiing and ice skating make Kufri one of the must-visit places in Shimla.

The adventure junkies find peace and thrill altogether in this mystical hill town filled with scenic snow-capped hills, dense cedar woods and green meadows. Tourists visit this hill town to indulge in the centuries-old activities of skiing and ice skating for adrenaline rush.

This resort hill town once belonged to the Kingdom of Nepal and has an ancient history attached to it. The locals narrate local folklores of the lives and struggles of people in the past.

Also Read: Popular Points of Tourist Interests in Kufri

Jakhoo Temple

Nestled among the pine forests, located at a height of 8000 ft. above sea level is the highest peak of Shimla, Jakhoo Hill. Jakhoo Hill houses the ancient Hanuman temple with the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman (108 ft.).

It is believed that it was this very spot where Lord Hanuman rested for a while on his way to get Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s survival. The hill offers majestic views of the Himalayas in its full glory making it one of the tourist attractions in Shimla.

One cannot drive all the way upto the hill so a short trek also excites the tourists as it takes them amidst the dense deodar forests. The temple enjoys attention from both nature lovers and pilgrims because of the diversity this attraction offers. Do not forget to visit the serene Jakhoo Temple on your vacation to Shimla.

Also Read: Popular Spiritual & Religious Places to Visit in Himachal

Christ Church

Located on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. The building boasts of neo-Gothic architecture that proves its connection with the colonial era. Visiting the Christ Church is one of the top things to do in Shimla.

This marvel of architecture is known for its stained-glass windows, fascinating frescos and the clock tower. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to connect with yourself, Christ Church is what you are seeking.

The big yellow building shines bright in the morning spreading hope and positivity and its silhouette in the night offers assurance and calmness from the insecurities of life. The ideal time to visit this church is either in the morning or during the church prayer.

Also Read: Must Visit Churches in Himachal Pradesh

Chadwick Falls

White cascading beauty nestled among the dense woods of pine and deodar are the Chadwick Falls. This particular attraction is a treat for the eyes as it falls beautifully down the gorge. The falls take a dive from a height of 86 metres creating a real painting out of nature.

Chadwick Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh inviting all the nature enthusiasts to this state of mountains, meadows, waterfalls and streams.

The best time to visit the Chadwick Falls is during the monsoon season between the months of July and September when the falls are in its full glory with the increase in water level.

One can relax and take a dip in the cool waters of the falls to rejuvenate and drift away any fatigue.

Also Read: Popular Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Summer Hill

A suburb of Shimla located at a distance of 5 km from the capital city is the Summer Hill . Known for its exquisite natural beauty of lush greenery, it is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. The viewpoints of this attraction offer uninterrupted panoramic views of hills surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests with color-changing sky in the backdrop.

Summer Hill was where potters used to gather clay to make pots and thus, is also known as the Potter’s Hill. The hill is part of the seven hills that form the hill town of Shimla guaranteeing the majestic beauty of nature in its full bloom to fill your heart with contentment and happiness.

Also Read: Must Visit Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

Care for a cricket match surrounded by hills and trees? Annandale is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. With its scenic view and lush greenery, this popular tourist attraction is a perfect getaway for your summer vacations.

During British Raj, Annandale was a hub for various adventure sports such as polo, cricket and racing. However, now it is SafePlace for all golfers as the race course has been converted to a mini golf-course which is also used as a helipad.

Located at a distance of 4 km from the Ridge, this flat terrain enjoys scenic view among beautiful meadows and lush-green forests. Do not forget to visit the Annandale Army Heritage Museum on your excursion to this magnificent tourist spot.

Also Read: Popular Camping Sites in Himachal Pradesh

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

A major trace of colonial history of India, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies was originally built as a residence for the then Viceroy of India, Lord Dufferin. At that time, it was known as the Viceregal Lodge that had electricity connection even before the rest of Shimla knew what electricity was.

After the independence, it served as the summer retreat for the country’s President and came to be known as the Rashtrapati Niwas. In 1965, Dr. Radhakrishnan established the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies for the advancement of art and humanities in India.

It is also the iconic building where the decision to create Pakistan and East Pakistan out of India was taken. Rich historical background and classic English architecture make the institute a popular tourist attraction in Shimla.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
• 10 Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Tara Devi Temple

Located atop a hill called Tara Parvat is the splendid Tara Devi Temple . With a serene landscape of lofty peaks, dense oak woods and clear skies, the temple is one of the must-visit tourist attractions.

The temple is believed to be 250 years old with the wooden idol brought all the way from West Bengal. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Tara, a goddess of the Tibetan Buddhists and one of Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations.

With quite a few temples in Shimla, Tara Devi seeks attention not only from the diligent devotees but also from admirers of fine architecture. Nestled in a serene atmosphere, the temple exudes peaceful vibes that let the devotees connect to their souls and find solace in their mere existence. The temple surely cannot be missed on your trip to Shimla!

• Famous Temples in Himachal Pradesh
• Interesting Facts About Himachal Pradesh
• Best Places to Visit in Manali

Shimla State Museum

Located on Mount Pleasant among the splendid manicured lawns is the Shimla State Museum also known as the Himachal State Museum. Built as a colonial mansion, the museum protects the rich cultural heritage of the state.

The Shimla State Museum displays a rich collection of handicrafts, coins, miniature paintings, weapons and coins among others discovered in the hill town. The most unique collection is of the metal idols from various temples spread across the Himalayas. History enthusiasts find themselves lost in a paradise among the walls that store the treasures of a time long lost. Various scriptures in the museum tell ancient stories of the life around the villages amidst the Himalayas. Do not miss out on this marvelous storehouse of history on your visit to Shimla.

Other Interesting Blog to Read

• Best Summer Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Kali Bari Temple

Kali Bari Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh in India on the Bantony Hill. Located on the Kali Bari Road, near the famous Mall Road, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is known as Shyamala, one of the most revered Hindu deities. The temple is believed to be over 150 years old and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

The city, ‘Shimla’ is named after the God, who was believed to have existed near the Jakhoo Temple. It was originally built on the Jakhoo Hill, by a Bengali Brahmin, Ram Charan Brahmachari in the year 1845. The temple that’s why resembles the unique architecture of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple of West Bengal. However, the temple was later shifted to Bantony Hill (its present location) by the Britishers.

Apart from its religious significance, Kali Bari Temple is also a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque location. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Also Read: Top Snow Tourist Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Green Valley

Green Valley is a picturesque spot located on the outskirts of Shimla, a popular hill station in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful valley that is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. This place is considered to be one of the most scenic places in Shimla, and it attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

The valley is located at a distance of around 7 kilometres from Shimla, and it can be reached by road. The drive to Green Valley is itself an enjoyable experience as the road passes through thick forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

As one approaches the valley, the beauty of the place becomes more and more apparent. The valley is surrounded by dense deodar trees, and the verdant landscape is dotted with colourful wildflowers and shrubs.

Also Read: Enjoy Atal Tunnel Sightseeing Tour in Himachal Pradesh

Mashobra is a beautiful town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,146 metres above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and lush green landscapes. It is famous for being home to one of the two presidential retreats in India where the President of India conducts his or her office at least once a year. The building which houses the retreat was built in 1850 and completely made of wood.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mashobra is the Craignano Nature Park, which is a beautiful park located amidst the dense forests of Mashobra. The park is spread over an area of 600 acres and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park also has a beautiful walking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Dalhousie

Kiala Forest

Kiala Forest, located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque natural destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature in all its glory. This serene forest is spread over an area of 160 hectares and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

The Kiala Forest is known for its dense canopy of oak, pine, and deodar trees, which create a natural habitat for a variety of birds and animals. Visitors to the forest can spot a range of wildlife, including barking deer, monkeys, and wild boar. The forest is also home to several bird species, including the Himalayan griffon, Himalayan bulbul, and yellow-billed blue magpie.

Also Read: Top Places to Explore in Dharamashala

Himalayan Bird Park

Himalayan Bird Park is a popular tourist attraction located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Spread over an area of four hectares, this bird park is home to a variety of bird species from the Himalayan region, including the colourful Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, and kaleej pheasant.

The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering visitors a chance to observe these beautiful creatures up close. The park is well-maintained, with natural habitats created for each bird species. There is also a small museum in the park that provides information about the various bird species found in the region. The park also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Also Read: Shimla Kullu Manali Honeymoon Tour

Coming to the end of the journey, we cannot deny the fact that Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations in India. With numerous tourist attractions, spectacular natural beauty, simple lifestyle of the town and the welcoming hearts of the locals, Shimla undoubtedly is an escape to a complete world filled with beauty, peace and pure bliss. Having earned a place in history as the summer capital of British Raj, the hill town is just like an English village set amid the serene landscape offered by the mighty Himalayas. The boundless beauty of the resort hill town echoes in a traveler’s heart and calls him to visit and explore its lanes and forgotten woods.

Other Important Himachal Tourism Links

• Complete Himachal Travel Guide
• All Inclusive Himachal Tour Packages
• Himachal Trekking Destinations

Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter , Facebook , Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages .

Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the best way to reach shimla from delhi.

The best way to reach Shimla from Delhi is by road. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation provides efficient bus services to and from Shimla.

Q. How to reach Manali from Delhi?

The best way to reach Manali from Delhi is by road. The distance between the two cities is 533.2 km. Various luxury and state buses operate from Delhi to provide easy accessibility to the travelers.

Q. What is the distance between Shimla and Delhi?

The distance between Shimla and Delhi is an around 342 km.

Q. How many minimum days are required to explore the best of Shimla?

Minimum 3-4 days are required to explore the best of Shimla

Q. What are the best holiday packages offered by Tour My India for Shimla?

The best tour packages for Shimla Himachal Pradesh offered by TMI are:

• 4 Nights 5 Days Shimla Chail Kufri Tour Package
• 8 Nights 9 Days Best of Shimla Himachal Tour

Q. What is the best time to plan vacation in Shimla?

The best time to visit Shimla is the summer season, lasting from March to June due to its pleasant weather and lush greenery. But if you wish to see the snow, visit it in the winters between the month of November and February.

Q. Can we see snow during summers in Shimla?

No, there is no snow during summers in Shimla.

Published: 21 Mar, 2023

About the author

Sheetal Vaid

Sheetal is a passionate traveler of paths less travelled. If curiosity to see places was a person, it would have been her for sure. Impromptu plans run her life. She only has one motive in life, i.e., happily roaming the world. Get on board with her journey to a life filled with places, people and magic!

Recent Trending Posts

April 23,2024

15 Most Famous Festivals in North East India

April 16,2024

20 Most Popular Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

April 5,2024

7 Best Places to Spend Your Summer Break in North India

• Hill Stations
• Travel Deals
• Amazing Facts
• Travel Experience
• Travel Tips
• Travel Alerts
• Travel Videos
• Edu-Tourism
• Inspirational People

Popular Posts

May 30,2014

20 Highway Dhabas that You Must Stop By

February 12,2014

Top 15 Places for Honeymoon in North East India

September 6,2014

12 Best Beaches in Maharashtra

October 31,2013

Top 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala

August 27,2014

Best 15 Destinations in India for Solo Women Travellers

International posts.

November 8,2023

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

November 3,2023

Tourism Update – Enjoy Visa Free Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka

Thailand Tourism Update- Indian Travelers Now Get a Visa-Free Entry to Thailand!

Explore best places to visit in india by month.

Best Places in January

Best Places in February

Best Places in March

Best Places in April

Best Places in May

Best Places in June

Best Places in July

Best Places in August

Best Places in September

Best Places in October

Best Places in November

Best Places in December

India tourism important information resources, north india.

• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir

South India

• Pondicherry
• Andhra Pradesh
• Mahararashtra
• Dadra Nagar Haveli
• Daman & Diu

Luxury Trains

• Maharaja Express
• Palaces on Wheels
• The Golden Chariot
• The Deccan Odyssey
• Majestic Tourist Train

Quick Links

• Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021
• MICE Tourism

Art of Nomads

Shimla itinerary for 6 days as a budget backpacker.

Amid a scorching summer, a vacation to Shimla is exactly what you need. Shimla is regarded as the ideal destination for travellers seeking a pleasant environment. It is not just a hill station with several tourist attractions, but it is also the home of various adventure sports. This is an excellent location for your budget travel. We have curated a Shimla itinerary for 6 days on budget travel. As a backpacker, you’re bound to fall in love with Shimla’s vast range of activities and magnificent appeal.

Weather In Shimla

Shimla’s weather is mostly pleasant throughout the year. Summers may bring warmth, with temperatures ranging from 10° C to 28° C. Because the snow mostly melts by March, summer in Shimla isn’t entirely white.

July and August are monsoon months, and while the natural beauty is at its peak, it is not an ideal time to come due to landslides and other hazards. Hence, it is best to plan an itinerary for Shimla depending on what you want to explore, snow, green lush valleys or scenic attractions.

Best Time To Visit Shimla

Shimla is located in the lovely state of Himachal Pradesh. Summers are ideal for visiting Shimla to get away from the buzz of the city and also that Shimla has a pleasant temperature. As a result, the months of ‘March to June’ are recommended for the visit. However, if you want to enjoy the snowfall and participate in some winter sports, the other half of the year is the greatest time to visit.

Also Read : Top 10 Best Treks In North India

It should also be noted that the months of July and August may have severe rain and should thus be avoided.

The offseason, which is March or November, is the best month to visit Shimla on a budget. The prices are cheaper and the crowd is lesser. But your itinerary for Shimla also depends on the things you want to explore.

How To Reach Shimla?

By air .

The nearest airport is Jubarhati. It is around 23 kilometres from the town and is one of the greatest ways to go to Shimla. Shimla is readily accessible by cab from Chandigarh and Delhi airports.

Prices range from INR 1500 to INR 5000 or more depending on the season.

Shimla is linked by a narrow-gauge line to Kalka, which is linked to major Indian towns. Trains run frequently from New Delhi and Chandigarh to Kalka Railway Station. Shimla route by train is the cheapest way to reach.

Rail Fare: INR 200 – 1100 

Shimla is connected to major cities in North India by many bus services, notably Himachal Road Corporation. The route from Delhi has many options which are both budget-friendly and convenient. Buses are included in all budgets for overnight travel. A few of them are nice, with air conditioning and views of mountains in the morning.

Also Read : Few Offbeat Workation Destinations In India

You may also drive yourself. Having your road trip allows you to take in the sights at your leisure.

• Chandigarh to Shimla – 117 km
• Dehradun to Shimla – 230 km
• Delhi to Shimla – 350 km

HRTC – Non AC seater cost around INR 550

Cab Fare: 

Cab are costly as they cost around INR 4500 onwards

Best Way To Reach Shimla As A Budget Traveller

The best and cheapest route to Shimla is through Delhi. Both the rail and the bus from Delhi are inexpensive choices that provide views of gorgeous landscapes and highways.

Where To Stay In Shimla ?

As a budget backpacker , it is very important to cut your rates on accommodation and eating. One of the best ways to save on expenses is either couch surfing or staying in hostels. Here are a few cheap options to make your itinerary for Shimla more affordable and your experience budget travel.

• Abuzz OC | Hostel – INR 400 onwards
• Shimla Homes | Hostel – INR 432 Onwards
• Thira Shimla | Hostel  – INR 540 onwards
• The city escape camping | Tent – INR 599 onwards
• Nirvana Lodge | Homestay – INR 600 onwards
• Firadaus | Homestay – INR 800 onwards
• Hill View Cottage | Homestays – INR 700 onwards

How To Travel Around Shimla?

It is preferable to enjoy it on foot, but the decent and convenient option would be taking the bike for rent when travelling to Kufri or places which are far.

Cost of Rental Bikes – INR 400 onwards

Things To Do In Shimla

• Shop in Mall Road
• Visit Christ Church
• See Magnificent view from jakhu Hills
• Explore Shimla State Museum
• A walk to Viceregal Lodge
• Visitng Rothney Castle
• Ride the Toy Train
• Walk on The Ridge
• Take a walk Amidst pine forest
• Johnnie’s Wax museum
• Chadwick Waterfall
• Himachal State Museum
• Kali Bari Temle
• Visit Chadwick Falls

Day–Wise Shimla Itinerary For 6 Days

Day 0 – getting to shimla.

The finest and most picturesque way to go to Shimla from Delhi is by vehicle. It provides a gorgeous perspective and the opportunity to remain and enjoy yourself at places that make you feel happy.

Walking is one of the finest ways to discover new places. So, as soon as you get to Shimla, take a short stroll through the main market on Mall Road, where you can eat delicious noodles.

Day 1 

Plan your day with the Ridge over a nice cup of tea in the morning. The very first day of the itinerary of Shimla is the ‘stroll day’. Because of its prominent position and the fact that vehicles are completely prohibited, The Ridge attracts the most people in Shimla.

Also Read : Backpacking Pondicherry – An Easy Travel Guide

Taking photos in the streets in front of the Neo-Catholic Style Christ Church is a must if you visit Shimla.

The beautiful architecture of the old church amazes visitors. The Ridge has the atmosphere of a fair, with horse rides and ice cream stalls attracting both children and adults. Next on the Shimla itinerary is a trip around the Church, a visit to the Hawa Ghar, and admiring the IIAS building.

• Distance from Mall road: 260m

To make this stroll feel more luxurious you can walk to Cafe Sol -– only 5 minutes from Christ Church for lip-smacking dishes.

After that, take a trip to Bantony Castle to see the colonial-era maharaja palace with sprawling grounds.

• Distance from The Ridge: 550m

Tasting the Oberoi Cecil Hotel’s European and Asian cuisine gets you set for the next journey to the Kali Bari temple. Kali Bari Temple, located 1km from the Old Shimla Bus Stand, is a Bengali hut-style temple devoted to Kali. Evening aarti is amongst the blissful things you can do.

• Timing: 6 am to 7 pm
• Distance from Bantony Castle: 400m

The Kalka-Shimla toy railway is well-known across India. Have you ever wished to book a seat on a train for an exciting rail ride? Start your second day by getting up early and going directly to Shimla Railway Station or booking tickets online. The train leaves at 10:30 AM and returns no later than 5:00 PM. The train travel takes the entire day, but it is worth it.

• Timing: 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: 400 onwards for one way

Also Read : Best Places To Visit In Lachung 

To end your day on a wonderful and brilliant note, return to Mall Road, but this time to watch the night market. Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll while shopping for woollens, handicrafts, and wooden antiques.

Jakhoo is Shimla’s highest hill, towering over the Ridge. Shimla is a true walker’s paradise. There are several intriguing walking paths to choose from, such as the hike to Jakhoo temple or a simple car ride. This beautiful highland Hindu temple features a large sculpture of Lord Hanuman and a swarm of wild monkeys.

Viewing areas and seats overlook the city from Jakhoo Hill, which is surrounded by lush green mountains.

• Distance from Mall Road: 2km
• Timing: 8 am to 6 pm

You may continue your journey by visiting Johnnie’s Wax Museum and the Shimla Heritage Museum. Both are equally captivating and intriguing.

• Wax Museum – INR 250
• Shimla Museum – INR 50 onwards

Begin the day with a heavy breakfast before departing for a new destination, Kufri. Kufri is 14 kilometres away from Shimla. It is a place known for skiing. You may also visit Chail, which is 45 kilometres from Shimla and is known for its architectural elegance.

• Cost : 
• Bus Fare – INR 300 onwards
• Cab Fare – INR 2500 onwards (shared)

End the day by returning to Shimla to camp under the sky and experience what it is to spend a night in the mountains.

Prepare to stroll to Viceregal Lodge, popularly known as Rashtrapati Niwas, after waking up to a spectacular vista and a local breakfast. Located about 3 kilometres from the Old Shimla Bus Stand, the location envelops you with tranquilly and serenity in the morning.

• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day (except Mondays).

The next stop is the ancient Victorian mansion, which is now the Himachal State Museum. One will find everything in a Victorian estate, including art and antiques like archaic tools, is on the list.

• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day ( except Mondays)
• Cost: INR 50 onwards

Also Read : Top 10 Backpacking Destinations In Himachal Pradesh

Travel from tradition and art to magnificent nature by visiting Chadwick Fall, which is open 24 hours a day but best visited before dark to see the true splendour of sunset.

The time has come to return to work, away from the serenity of Shimla. Depending on your departure arrangements, you might try to cover Naldehra.

An early morning trip to Naldehra, India’s most popular Bollywood location, is a green region 25 kilometres from Shimla.

Sounds like a plan?

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Shimla are listed below.

When is shimla going to be open to the public.

Shimla is a year-round tourist destination that changes hues according to the season. Shimla will be covered in a heavy blanket of snow from June through September, but the months of January and February will be a stark contrast.

Is it worth it to travel to Shimla?

Shimla, India’s capital, is definitely worth a visit. It’s not just for nature enthusiasts who will enjoy a visit to this medieval hill town, but also those who are interested in history and architecture.

Shimla has snow in the winter, but when can you expect it?

Between late December and early February, it snows in Shimla.

If you’re thinking about going to Shimla, we hope the provided information on the Shimla itinerary was helpful.

Want to know more about other places in detail, Follow Art of Nomads on  Twitter ,  Facebook   and  Instagram !

Share this:

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Discover more from Art of Nomads

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Shimla – Inside Bollywood’s Favourite Background

The Ridge, Shimla

Shimla has a lot of stories to tell , some legends, and more heritage, but all equally exciting. Begins at the appropriately named ‘Scandal Point’ where legend has it that the Maharajah of Patiala was exiled from Shimla after a fierce argument with the Viceroy (some stories say he eloped with the Viceroy’s daughter) and was eventually exiled from Shimla –giving this spot its name in 1892. Send yourself a postcard from the timber-structured ‘wild west Swiss’-styled 133-year-old Shimla General Post Office as a souvenir.

Pass Christ Church on the ridge that was built back in 1857 with its tower clock and fresco designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father. Take a break at The Town Hall’s steps, but make way for officials as it’s still used by the Municipal Corporation of Shimla. Get transported to the grandeur and aura of times gone by at the century-old Gaiety Theatre before you move on to the ancient Kali Bari Temple. Stop for a breather at the neo-Gothic Gorton Castle set in the midst of gigantic Deodars. Walk past the enormous Vidhan Sabha to the old Victorian mansion that now houses the Himachal State Museum with its numerous cultural treasures. Be prepared for a pleasant colonial hangover at the end of this walk.

2. Kufri and Chail

Kufri to Chail

Lush green hills mark summer in Kufri– a stark contrast to the fantastic snow slopes that make tobogganing ‘the’ thing to do at the end of the year. If you’re visiting in January, try your hand at the ‘National Snow Statue Competition’ here in Kufri. A short walk around would take you past colonial-Esque statues at Chini Bungalow to the Himalayan nature park.

Head on to Koti for a picnic in unexplored gardens surrounded by orchards. Tall pine and deodar forests signal the entry to Chail at about 2250 meters above MSL. Renowned for the worlds’ highest cricket pitch and polo grounds (at 2444 m above MSL), Chail is also home to the majestic summer palace of the Maharaja of Patiala built in 1891 (when exiled from Shimla by the British). Walk back in time through fascinating Indo-English architecture set on sprawling lawns with wide patios and corridors that echo with voices of an era gone by.

3. Kipling’s home and Viceregal Lodge

Viceregal Lodge

What makes Shimla more alluring is its glorious past, the days when it was the summer capital during the British Raj. Beneath the Kali Bari temple, at the North Bank, lays an ordinary house where there once lived an extraordinary writer, Rudyard Kipling. This Nobel laureate spent most of his summer vacations here where memories of Jungle Book still linger on . Move on to the Viceregal Lodge. This was originally built as a home and summer residence of subsequent viceroys and governors-general of India. Leave history behind, for a peaceful walk through dense forests for a quiet moment of solitude with a quaint picnic basket for the company.

4. Jakhu Temple Hike

Jakhu Temple

Heritage and reverence have co-existed in the hill-town of Shimla for a long time now. Hike up from the east end of the ridge of Shimla, towards the revered Jakhu temple. Through the gates of the Rothney Castle; once the home of the great naturalist, A.O. Hume, hikes uphill to a beautiful temple complemented by the hymns filling the air and the wall murals depicting Hindu myths! A looming 33m tall Hanuman statue and a battalion of His minions stay with you as you stroll through the surrounding forests.

5. Toy Train Ride

103 tunnels, 864 bridges, 919 curves, and a ride of a lifetime: Welcome aboard the Shimla-Kalka ‘toy train’ . This UNESCO heritage train chugs slowly up the mountains, seemingly playing an interesting game of hiding and seek with tunnels. Gradual ascents on winding tracks, flanked by age-old trees on either side, seem straight out of a storybook. Over a century old, the ‘toy train’ still chugs into the hearts of the hundreds who travel in it every day. Made more memorable with numerous Bollywood songs, there’s nothing like a ride up to Shimla with the tune of ‘gaadi bula rahi hai, seeti baja rahi hai’ probably playing on in your head.

Best time to Visit Shimla

March to June is the popular tourist season when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and quite pleasant. If you’re the type to lace up your adventure boots, this is the time to visit here with paragliding, trekking, camping, and rafting all up for grabs. July to September sees heavy rainfall and quite a drop-in visitors. On the upside, the rains make the hills more luxuriant and if you’re the kind who prefers dripping weather and lonesome hikes, this time has your name all over it. October to February is the typical Shimla filming weather with huge dollops of snow thrown in! Also, a popular time for visitors. Although a year-round destination, the activities open to you may vary based on when you visit. So, plan accordingly.

Things to carry

Pack as light as possible given the amount of road travel involved here. • Cotton clothing for summer and a light jacket would work for when evenings get cooler. If you’re un[travel]ling in winter, warmer clothes complete with thick socks and warmer jackets. Carry your windcheater and umbrella if you’re here in the monsoons as well. • Sturdy walking shoes, mandatory if you’re hiking, make sense given the amount of walking involved here. • Sunscreen, especially if you’re going up to the higher reaches. Usual prescription medications. • Mobile and tablet electronic chargers.

Best places to stay in Shimla

• Wildflower Hall, Shimla • Hotel Willow Banks • Hotel Combermere • East Bourne Resort and Spa • Koti resort

Related Trips

Related Posts

Interested in Booking a Similar Trip?

Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Phone Number (required) Destination Any Special Requirements?

Recent Blogs

Investigating and analyzing the causality amid tourism, environment, economy, energy consumption, and carbon emissions using Toda–Yamamoto approach for Himachal Pradesh, India

• Published: 14 December 2023

Cite this article

• Keerti Manisha   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-5362-5416 1 , 2 ,
• Inderpal Singh 1 &
• Vishal Chettry 3  

279 Accesses

Explore all metrics

Himachal Pradesh is a preferred tourist destination with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.76% between 2011–12 and 2020–21. The increasing trend of CAGR has boosted the tourism economy in the state while impacting the local environment. The negative impacts have recently increased due to changes in climatic patterns and increased tourism influx during the post-pandemic period. In this context, the present study analyzed the impact of tourism on the environment, economy, and energy consumption using the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The novelty of this study is to the existing literature on sustainable tourism development through investigating the interrelationship between tourism, environment, economy, energy consumption, and carbon emissions by employing the Toda–Yamamoto (TY) technique. This study will be a pioneering scientific investigation with quantitative results in the western Himalayan states of India, encompassing Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The annual data for each variable, such as per capita carbon emission (CEP), per capita Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), per capita GSDP square, per capita energy consumption (ECP), and per capita tourism receipts (TRP), was collected from 2010 to 2021. This study exhibited an inverted-U EKC in the state, signifying the initial stage of economic development and extensive exploitation of natural resources for tourism. The TY results indicated an inter-causal relationship and feedback association among the variables in the study area. Thus, increased TRP would lead to an upsurge in energy consumption affecting the environmental quality due to increased carbon emissions. Such environmental degradation in the state would negatively impact the tourism sector in the long run. The research findings would guide planners and policymakers in promoting sustainable tourism.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Dynamic linkages between tourism, energy, environment, and economic growth: evidence from top 10 tourism-induced countries

Environmental impacts of international tourism: examining the role of policy uncertainty, renewable energy, and service sector output, tourism development, energy consumption and environmental quality in tunisia, egypt and morocco: a trivariate analysis, data availability.

The datasets analyzed in this study were gathered from government offices in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The dataset collected for this study are in the form of annual data spanning from 2010 to 2021. The variables considered are: Per capita carbon emissions from the Directorate of Energy in Shimla, Per capita GSDP and Per capita squares GSDP from economic survey reports (Directorate of Economics & Statistics, H.P.), Per capita energy consumption from the Directorate of Energy in Shimla, and Per capita tourism receipts from Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in Shimla. The data can be made available upon a reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Augmented Dickey–Fuller test

Applied autoregressive distributed lag

Association of Southeast Asian nations

Compound annual growth rate

Per capita carbon emission

Conference of parties

Coronavirus disease of 2019

Cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag

Corporate social responsibility

Cumulative sum

Dynamic autoregressive distributed lag

Department of tourism and civil aviation

Error correction model

Per capita energy consumption

Error correction term

Ecological footprint

Environmental Kuznets curve

Economic policy uncertainty

European union

Foreign development index

Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan environment (NIHE)

Gross domestic product

Per capita gross state domestic product

Null hypothesis

Alternate hypothesis

Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation

India brand equity foundation

Indian Himalayan region

Indian institute of advanced studies

Mean sea level

National green tribunal

National institution for transforming India

Organization of the petroleum exporting countries

Per capita GSDP

Principal component analysis

Per capita GSDP square

Panel corrected standard errors

Panel mean group autoregressive distributed lag

Quantile autoregressive distributed lag approach

Standard deviation

Sustainable development goals

Schwarz information criterion

The energy and resources institute

Per capita tourism receipts

Time-varying coefficient

Toda and Yamamoto

United Nations climate change conference

United Nations world tourism organization

United States dollar

United States–Mexico–Canada agreement

Union territories

Vector autoregressive model

Wavelet local multiple correlation

World travel and tourism council

Adamu, T. M., Haq, I. U., & Shafiq, M. (2019). Analyzing the impact of energy, export variety, and FDI on environmental degradation in the context of environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis: A case study of india. Energies, 12 (6), 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/en12061076

Article   Google Scholar  

Adebayo, T. S. (2023). Trade-off between environmental sustainability and economic growth through coal consumption and natural resources exploitation in China: New policy insights from wavelet local multiple correlation. Geological Journal, 58 (4), 1384–1400. https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4664

Adebayo, T. S., Ağa, M., & Kartal, M. T. (2023). Analyzing the co-movement between CO 2 emissions and disaggregated nonrenewable and renewable energy consumption in BRICS: Evidence through the lens of wavelet coherence. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30 , 38921–38938. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24707-w

Adebola Solarin, S., Al-Mulali, U., & Ozturk, I. (2017). Validating the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in India and China: The role of hydroelectricity consumption. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 80 , 1578–1587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.07.028

Adriana, D. (2014). Revisiting the relationship between unemployment rates and shadow economy. A Toda–Yamamoto approach for the case of Romania. Procedia Economics and Finance, 10 (14), 227–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2212-5671(14)00297-4

Agung, I. G. N. (2010). Time series data analysis using EViews. Time series data analyasis using EViews (pp. 1–609). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470823699

Chapter   Google Scholar  

Ahmad, M., Akhtar, N., Jabeen, G., Irfan, M., Anser, M. K., Wu, H., & Işık, C. (2021a). Intention-based critical factors affecting willingness to adopt novel coronavirus prevention in Pakistan: Implications for future pandemics. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (11), 6167. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116167

Ahmad, M., Işık, C., Jabeen, G., Ali, T., Ozturk, I., & Atchike, D. W. (2021b). Heterogeneous links among urban concentration, non-renewable energy use intensity, economic development, and environmental emissions across regional development levels. Science of the Total Environment, 765 , 144527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144527

Aimer, N., & Dilek, S. (2021). Toda–Yamamoto causality test between energy consumption and economic growth: Evidence from a panel of middle Eastern countries. Journal of Empirical Economics and Social Sciences, 3 (1), 56–78. https://doi.org/10.46959/jeess.651976

Alabi, M. K., Ojuolape, M. A., & Yaqoob, J. (2021). Economic growth and environmental degradation nexus in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 1 (2), 135. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljssh.v1i2.45

Alam, M. S., & Paramati, S. R. (2016). The impact of tourism on income inequality in developing economies: Does Kuznets curve hypothesis exist? Annals of Tourism Research, 61 , 111–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2016.09.008

Alimi, S. R., & Ofonyelu, C. C. (2013). Toda–Yamamoto causality test between money market interest rate and expected inflation: The fisher hypothesis revisited. European Scientific Journal, 9 (7), 1857–7881.

Google Scholar  

AlKhars, M. A., Alwahaishi, S., Fallatah, M. R., & Kayal, A. (2022). A literature review of the environmental Kuznets curve in GCC for 2010–2020. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 14 , 100181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2022.100181

Alvarado, R., Tillaguango, B., Dagar, V., Ahmad, M., Işık, C., Méndez, P., & Toledo, E. (2021). Ecological footprint, economic complexity and natural resources rents in Latin America: Empirical evidence using quantile regressions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 318 , 128585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128585

Badar, R. N., & Bahadure, S. P. (2020). Assessing tourism sustainability in hill towns: Case study of Shimla, India. Journal of Mountain Science, 17 , 2241–2261.

Balsalobre-Lorente, D., Driha, O. M., Leitão, N. C., & Murshed, M. (2021). The carbon dioxide neutralizing effect of energy innovation on international tourism in EU-5 countries under the prism of the EKC hypothesis. Journal of Environmental Management . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113513

Bandyopadhyay, A., & Rej, S. (2021). Can nuclear energy fuel an environmentally sustainable economic growth? Revisiting the EKC hypothesis for India. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28 (44), 63065–63086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15220-7

Bandyopadhyay, A., Rej, S., Abbasi, K. R., & Awan, A. (2022). Nexus between tourism, hydropower, and CO 2 emissions in India: fresh insights from ARDL and cumulative fourier frequency domain causality. Environment, Development and Sustainability . https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-022-02511-3

Bhalla, P., Coghlan, A., & Bhattacharya, P. (2016). Homestays’ contribution to community-based ecotourism in the Himalayan region of India. Tourism Recreation Research, 41 (2), 213–228. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2016.1178474

Census 2011-GoI. (2011). Himachal Pradesh profile . 2011 , 0–1.

Chaido, D. (2017). Toda–Yamamoto causality test between inflation and nominal interest rates: Evidence from three countries of Europe. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 7 (7), 120–129.

Chettry, V., & Manisha, K. (2022). Assessing and predicting urban growth patterns using ANN-MLP and CA model in Jammu Urban agglomeration, India BT. In B. Das, R. Patgiri, S. Bandyopadhyay, & V. E. Balas (Eds.), Modeling, simulation and optimization (pp. 387–397). Springer Nature.

Christie, I., Fernandes, E., Messerli, H., & Twining-Ward, L. (2012). Tourism in Africa: The world bank harnessing tourism for growth and improved livelihoods . 12.

Cuthbert, M. C., Jackson, K., & Jhonna, M. (2021). Econometrics of the environmental Kuznets curve in the face of climate change and sustainability in Zambia. Environmental Challenges, 5 , 100289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100289

Dangi, V. (2018). The emerging role of Himachal Pradesh government in the promotion of tourism . 5 (6), 718–723.

Department of Economics & Statistics Himachal Pradesh. (2014). District level economic indicators in Himachal pradesh .

Dickey, D., Fuller, W. (1981). Likelihood ratio statistics for autoregressive time series with a unit root. Econometrica, 49 , 1057–1072.

Dogan, E., Ulucak, R., Kocak, E., & Isik, C. (2020). The use of ecological footprint in estimating the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for BRICST by considering cross-section dependence and heterogeneity. Science of the Total Environment, 723 , 138063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138063

Article   CAS   Google Scholar  

Duttagupta. (2018). Times Travel Most offbeat winter experiences in India for travellers from all parts. Available online: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/most-offbeat-winter-experiences-in-india-for-travellers-from-allparts/articleshow/62291425.cms . Accessed 07 December 2023.

European Environment Agency. (2001). Europe’s environment: the third assessment. European Environment Agency , 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781685857752-009

Faisal, F., Tursoy, T., & Ercantan, O. (2017). The relationship between energy consumption and economic growth: Evidence from non-Granger causality test. Procedia Computer Science, 120 (2017), 671–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2017.11.294

Fethi, S., & Senyucel, E. (2021). The role of tourism development on CO 2 emission reduction in an extended version of the environmental Kuznets curve: Evidence from top 50 tourist destination countries. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23 (2), 1499–1524. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00633-0

Galeotti, M. (2007). Economic growth and the quality of the environment: Taking stock. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 9 (4), 427–454. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-006-9030-y

Garson, G. D. (2012). Testing statistical assumptions: Blue book series (pp. 1–54). Statistical Associate Publishing.

GBPI-NIHE. (2022). Environmental assessment of tourism in the Indian Himalayan region . 178 , 1–241.

Geneletti, D., & Dawa, D. (2009). Environmental impact assessment of mountain tourism in developing regions: A study in Ladakh, Indian Himalaya. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 29 (4), 229–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2009.01.003

Ghosh, S. (2022). Effects of tourism on carbon dioxide emissions, a panel causality analysis with new data sets. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24 (3), 3884–3906. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01592-w

Ghosh, S., & Kanjilal, K. (2014). Oil price shocks on Indian economy: Evidence from Toda Yamamoto and Markov regime-switching VAR. Macroeconomics and Finance in Emerging Market Economies, 7 (1), 122–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/17520843.2013.856333

Granger, C. W. (1969). Investigating causal relations by econometric models and cross-spectral methods. Econometrica Journal of the Econometric Society, 37 (3), 424–438.

Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B. (1991). Environmental impacts of a North American free trade agreement. https://www.nber.org/papers/w3914 . Accessed 01 May 2020.

Guru-Gharana, K. K. (2012). Econometric investigation of relationships among export, Fdi and growth in India: an application of Toda–Yamamoto-Dolado-Lutkephol Granger causality test. The Journal of Developing Areas, 46 (2), 231–247. https://doi.org/10.1353/jda.2012.0027

He, X., Shi, J., Xu, H., Cai, C., & Hu, Q. (2022). Tourism development, carbon emission intensity and urban green economic efficiency from the perspective of spatial effects. Energies, 15 , 7729.

Himdhara Environment Action and Research Collective. (2016). Dried & dusted state of the rivers–Himachal Pradesh . 1–64.

Hossain, M. R., Rej, S., Awan, A., Bandyopadhyay, A., Islam, M. S., Das, N., & Hossain, M. E. (2023). Natural resource dependency and environmental sustainability under N-shaped EKC: The curious case of India. Resources Policy, 80 , 103150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.103150

Htike, M. M., Shrestha, A., & Kakinaka, M. (2021). Investigating whether the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis holds for sectoral CO 2 emissions: Evidence from developed and developing countries. Environment, Development and Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01961-5

IBEF. (2021). Economic survey 2021–22. Government of India , 2022 , 442.

IBEF. (2022). Tourism & hospitality. IBEF .

Irfan, M., Ullah, S., Razzaq, A., Cai, J., & Adebayo, T. S. (2023). Unleashing the dynamic impact of tourism industry on energy consumption, economic output, and environmental quality in China: A way forward towards environmental sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 387 , 135778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135778

Işık, C., Ahmad, M., Ongan, S., Ozdemir, D., Irfan, M., & Alvarado, R. (2021). Convergence analysis of the ecological footprint: Theory and empirical evidence from the USMCA countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28 (25), 32648–32659. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12993-9

Ișik, C., Ahmad, M., Pata, U. K., Ongan, S., Radulescu, M., Adedoyin, F. F., Bayraktaroğlu, E., Aydın, S., & Ongan, A. (2020). An evaluation of the tourism-induced environmental Kuznets curve (T-EKC) hypothesis: Evidence from G7 countries. Sustainability, 12 (21), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219150

Işik, C., Doğan, E., & Ongan, S. (2017). Analyzing the tourism–energy–growth nexus for the top 10 most-visited countries. Economies, 5 (4), 40. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies5040040

Isik, C., Dogru, T., & Turk, E. S. (2018). A nexus of linear and non-linear relationships between tourism demand, renewable energy consumption, and economic growth: Theory and evidence. International Journal of Tourism Research, 20 (1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2151

Işik, C., Kasımatı, E., & Ongan, S. (2017). Analyzing the causalities between economic growth, financial development, international trade, tourism expenditure and/on the CO 2 emissions in Greece. Energy Sources, Part b: Economics, Planning and Policy, 12 (7), 665–673. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567249.2016.1263251

Işık, C., Sirakaya-Turk, E., & Ongan, S. (2020). Testing the efficacy of the economic policy uncertainty index on tourism demand in USMCA: Theory and evidence. Tourism Economics, 26 (8), 1344–1357. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816619888346

Jahanger, A., Hossain, M. R., Onwe, J. C., Ogwu, S. O., Awan, A., & Balsalobre-Lorente, D. (2023). Analyzing the N-shaped EKC among top nuclear energy generating nations: A novel dynamic common correlated effects approach. Gondwana Research, 116 , 73–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2022.12.012

Jiaqi, Y., Yang, S., Ziqi, Y., Tingting, L., & Teo, B. S. X. (2022). The spillover of tourism development on CO 2 emissions: A spatial econometric analysis. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29 (18), 26759–26774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-17026-z

Kartal, M. T., Samour, A., Adebayo, T. S., & Kılıç Depren, S. (2023). Do nuclear energy and renewable energy surge environmental quality in the United States? New insights from novel bootstrap Fourier Granger causality in quantiles approach. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 155 , 104509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104509

Katircioglu, S. T. (2014). International tourism, energy consumption, and environmental pollution: The case of Turkey. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 36 , 180–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.04.058

Keil, M. W. (2018). Introduction to econometrics: EViews 10 tutorial. Princeton University , 43. https://www.princeton.edu/~mwatson/Stock-Watson_4E/eviews_tutorial_10_1.1.pdf

Ketenci, N. (2018). The environmental Kuznets curve in the case of Russia. Russian Journal of Economics, 4 (3), 249–265. https://doi.org/10.3897/j.ruje.4.28482

Khan, H., Weili, L., Khan, I., & Khamphengxay, S. (2021). Renewable energy consumption, trade openness, and environmental degradation: A panel data analysis of developing and developed countries. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2021 , 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6691046

Khatib, A. N. (2023). Climate change and travel: Harmonizing to abate impact. Current Infectious Disease Reports, 25 , 77–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-023-00799-4

Lee, J. W., & Brahmasrene, T. (2016). Tourism effects on the environment and economic sustainability of sub-Saharan Africa. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 23 (3), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1114976

Liu, Y., Sadiq, F., Ali, W., & Kumail, T. (2022). Does tourism development, energy consumption, trade openness and economic growth matters for ecological footprint: Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve and pollution haven hypothesis for Pakistan. Energy, 245 , 123208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.123208

Ma, L., Hu, C., Lin, R., & Han, Y. (2018). ARIMA model forecast based on EViews software. In IOP conference series: Earth and environmental science , vol. 208, No. (1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/208/1/012017

Ma, X., Ahmad, N., & Oei, P. Y. (2021). Environmental Kuznets curve in France and Germany: Role of renewable and nonrenewable energy. Renewable Energy, 172 , 88–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.03.014

Madan, S., & Rawat, L. (2000). The impacts of tourism on the environment of Mussoorie, Garhwal Himalaya. India. Environmentalist, 20 (3), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006760015997

Mikayilov, J. I., Mukhtarov, S., Mammadov, J., & Azizov, M. (2019). Re-evaluating the environmental impacts of tourism: Does EKC exist? Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26 (19), 19389–19402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-05269-w

Mohamed, I. E. (2010). Simulating time series analysis using SAS-part III-error correction model (ECM). Nesug , 1–7.

Moutinho, V., Madaleno, M., & Elheddad, M. (2020). Determinants of the environmental Kuznets curve considering economic activity sector diversification in the OPEC countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 271 , 122642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122642

Mythili, G., & Mukherjee, S. (2011). Examining environmental Kuznets curve for river effluents in India. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 13 (3), 627–640. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-010-9280-6

NITI Aayog. (2018). Sustainable tourism in the Indian Himalayan region Contributing to sustainable development in Indian Himalayan region NITI Aayog 2 sustainable tourism in the Indian Himalayan region . 1–100.

Naradda Gamage, S. K., Hewa Kuruppuge, R., & Haq, I. U. (2017). Energy consumption, tourism development, and environmental degradation in Sri Lanka. Energy Sources, Part b: Economics, Planning and Policy, 12 (10), 910–916. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567249.2017.1324533

Narayan, P. K. (2004). Reformulating critical values for the bounds F-statistics approach to cointegration: an application to the tourism demand model for Fiji . 02 . https://doi.org/10.4225/03/5938abda7b4ab

Nazlioglu, S., Gormus, A., & Soytas, U. (2019). Oil prices and monetary policy in emerging markets: Structural shifts in causal linkages. Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, 55 (1), 105–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/1540496X.2018.1434072

Oad, S., Jinliang, Q., Shah, S. B. H., & Memon, S. U. R. (2022). Tourism: Economic development without increasing CO 2 emissions in Pakistan. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24 (3), 4000–4023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01601-y

Ongan, S., Isik, C., & Ozdemir, D. (2021). Economic growth and environmental degradation: Evidence from the US case environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis with application of decomposition. Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy, 10 (1), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/21606544.2020.1756419

Pan, S. Y., Gao, M., Kim, H., Shah, K. J., Pei, S. L., & Chiang, P. C. (2018). Advances and challenges in sustainable tourism toward a green economy. Science of the Total Environment, 635 , 452–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.134

Pata, U. K. (2018). Renewable energy consumption, urbanization, financial development, income and CO 2 emissions in Turkey: Testing EKC hypothesis with structural breaks. Journal of Cleaner Production, 187 , 770–779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.236

Pata, U. K. (2021). Renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, economic complexity, CO 2 emissions, and ecological footprint in the USA: Testing the EKC hypothesis with a structural break. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28 (1), 846–861. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10446-3

Pata, U. K., & Aydin, M. (2020). Testing the EKC hypothesis for the top six hydropower energy-consuming countries: Evidence from Fourier Bootstrap ARDL procedure. Journal of Cleaner Production, 264 , 121699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121699

Pata, U. K., Dam, M. M., & Kaya, F. (2023). How effective are renewable energy, tourism, trade openness, and foreign direct investment on CO 2 emissions? An EKC analysis for ASEAN countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30 (6), 14821–14837. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23160-z

Pata, U. K., & Samour, A. (2022). Do renewable and nuclear energy enhance environmental quality in France? A new EKC approach with the load capacity factor. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 149 , 104249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104249

Pata, U. K., & Yurtkuran, S. (2023). Is the EKC hypothesis valid in the five highly globalized countries of the European Union? An empirical investigation with smooth structural shifts. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195 (1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10660-1

Ray, S. (2022). Unraveling labour productivity growth and economic growth nexus in India : A Toda–Yamamoto dynamic granger causality approach. 8 (4), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtab.20220804.11

Razzaq, A., Fatima, T., & Murshed, M. (2021). Asymmetric effects of tourism development and green innovation on economic growth and carbon emissions in top 10 GDP countries. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management . https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1990029

Roshan, G., Yousefi, R., & Fitchett, J. M. (2016). Long-term trends in tourism climate index scores for 40 stations across Iran: The role of climate change and influence on tourism sustainability. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60 (1), 33–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-015-1003-0

Rudra, A., & Chattopadhyay, A. (2018). Environmental quality in India: Application of environmental Kuznets curve and sustainable human development index. Environmental Quality Management, 27 (4), 29–38. https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.21546

Saini, V., & Tiwari, R. K. (2017). Effect of urbanization on land surface temperature and NDVI: A case study of Dehradun, India. In 38th Asian conference on remote sensing-space applications: touching human lives, ACRS 2017 .

Salahodjaev, R., Sharipov, K., Rakhmanov, N., & Khabirov, D. (2022). Tourism, renewable energy and CO 2 emissions: evidence from Europe and Central Asia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24 , 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01993-x

Sarkodie, S. A., & Ozturk, I. (2020). Investigating the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in Kenya: A multivariate analysis. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 117 , 109481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109481

Sghaier, A., Guizani, A., Ben Jabeur, S., & Nurunnabi, M. (2019). Tourism development, energy consumption and environmental quality in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco: A trivariate analysis. GeoJournal, 84 (3), 593–609. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-018-9878-z

Shahbaz, M., & Sinha, A. (2019). Environmental Kuznets curve for CO 2 emission: A survey of empirical literature (MPRA Paper). University Library of Munich.

Sherafatian-Jahromi, R., Othman, M. S., Law, S. H., & Ismail, N. W. (2017). Tourism and CO 2 emissions nexus in Southeast Asia: New evidence from panel estimation. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 19 (4), 1407–1423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9811-x

Suki, N. M., Sharif, A., Afshan, S., & Suki, N. M. (2020). Revisiting the environmental Kuznets curve in Malaysia: The role of globalization in sustainable environment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 264 , 121669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121669

Sundriyal, S., Shridhar, V., Madhwal, S., Pandey, K., & Sharma, V. (2018). Impacts of tourism development on the physical environment of Mussoorie, a hill station in the lower Himalayan range of India. Journal of Mountain Science, 15 (10), 2276–2291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-017-4786-0

TERI. (2019). Conducting a baseline study on existing impact of tourism activities and provide detailed recommendation for sustainable tourism activities with special focus on nature-based and adventure tourism in SECURE Himalaya project landscapes of Lahaul-Pangi in H .

Toda, H. Y., & Yamamoto, T. (1995). Statistical inference in vector auto-regressions with partially integrated processes. Journal of Econometrics, 66 , 225–250.

Tursoy, T., & Faisal, F. (2018). The impact of gold and crude oil prices on stock market in Turkey: Empirical evidences from ARDL bounds test and combined cointegration. Resources Policy, 55 , 49–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2017.10.014

UNWTO. (2022). Tourism news release UNWTO at COP27. Uniting Tourism around Tangible Climate Action Plans, 34 , 33–35.

Villanthenkodath, M. A., Gupta, M., Saini, S., & Sahoo, M. (2021). Impact of economic structure on the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in India. Journal of Economic Structures, 10 (1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40008-021-00259-z

Wang, C. M., & Wu, T. P. (2022). Does tourism promote or reduce environmental pollution? Evidence from major tourist arrival countries. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24 (3), 3334–3355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01568-w

WTTC. (2017). Reporting guidance for travel & tourism businesses . 3 , 9.

Wu, L., Adebayo, T. S., Yue, X. G., & Umut, A. (2023). The role of renewable energy consumption and financial development in environmental sustainability: Implications for the Nordic countries. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 30 (1), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2022.2115577

Zaman, K., & el Moemen, M. A. (2017). Energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and economic development: Evaluating alternative and plausible environmental hypothesis for sustainable growth. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 74 , 1119–1130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.02.072

Zaman, K., Shahbaz, M., Loganathan, N., & Raza, S. A. (2016). Tourism development, energy consumption and environmental Kuznets curve: Trivariate analysis in the panel of developed and developing countries. Tourism Management, 54 , 275–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2015.12.001

Zhao, J., & Min Li, S. (2018). the impact of tourism development on the environment in China. Acta Scientifica Malaysia, 2 (1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.26480/asm.01.2018.01.04

Zhu, Z., Fu, W., & Liu, Q. (2021). Correlation between urbanization and ecosystem services in Xiamen, China. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 23 (1), 101–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00567-2

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the editor and anonymous reviewers for their valuable suggestions and comments and for carefully reviewing the manuscript for finalization. We thank the National Institute of Technology Hamirpur for providing knowledge support. We are immensely grateful to Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, for providing infrastructural support to conduct this research successfully. We acknowledge the Directorate of Energy in Shimla, Economic survey reports (Directorate of Economics & Statistics, H.P.), Directorate of Energy in Shimla, and Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation in Shimla for providing valuable data for this research.

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, 177005, India

Keerti Manisha & Inderpal Singh

School of Architecture, Christ (Deemed to be University), Kengeri, Mysore Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560074, India

Keerti Manisha

Department of Architecture, Planning & Design, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India

Vishal Chettry

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

KM was responsible for defining the research scope, describing the theoretical framework, data gathering, analysis, key findings, preparing tables, preparing figures, writing the main manuscript, making conclusive remarks, suggesting policy implications, revising drafts, selecting relevant references, and communicating the final manuscript. Dr. IS guided and reviewed the anonymous comments and suggested appropriate responses for compliance. Dr. VC instructed preparing the compliance report and revising the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Keerti Manisha .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest.

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Manisha, K., Singh, I. & Chettry, V. Investigating and analyzing the causality amid tourism, environment, economy, energy consumption, and carbon emissions using Toda–Yamamoto approach for Himachal Pradesh, India. Environ Dev Sustain (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04252-3

Download citation

Received : 16 February 2023

Accepted : 20 November 2023

Published : 14 December 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04252-3

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Energy consumption
• Tourism development
• Environmental degradation
• Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC)
• Applied autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research