Shimla Hotels

Shimla Hotels

This popular Indian resort town stands out thanks to the number of traditional Victorian buildings you'll find here. The rolling green slopes that surround the town have become a popular location for hiking and mountain bike racing. Shimla is also a cultural haven, and there's a huge amount of wondrous temples to visit. Built in to the very hills themselves, you'll find the contrast between the bustling markets and peaceful, car free historic centre of Shimla offers a unique experience.

Things to see

If you're with the whole family, then a visit to Kufri Fun World is bound to be a hit, especially with the kids. You'll find a huge amount of fun things to do here, including speeding around the world's highest go-kart track. There's also twisting water slides that send you plunging into crystal pools and a beautiful shimmering lake to relax and enjoy the scenery. You'll be hard pressed to spend anything less than a whole day here given the amount of activities. If you're interested in seeing some of the local culture, then a visit to the Sankat Mochan Temple is highly recommended. This colourful sacred site is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman, and you'll find many devout visitors filling the air with soothing Hindu chants. You can't visit Shimla without spending some time at the vibrant Lakkar Bazar, where intricate, hand carved wooden toys are the speciality.

Hotels in Shimla

Hotels in Shimla offer some truly breathtaking views of the forested hills and cliffs that engulf the area. Thanks to the town being built into the mountainside, you'll almost always be surrounded by a rich, lush green. You'll find some stunning luxury hotels here, from ultra modern design to an intriguing mix of Victorian and Indian architecture. There's relaxing spas aplenty, as well as fully equipped health clubs at some of the finer establishments. Shimla hotels aren't all the luxurious kind of course, and you'll find plenty of affordable, pleasant locations in the heart of the town itself.

Where to stay

For an idyllic, family friendly retreat, then head out of town a little to the Kufri district. Here you'll be right next to the exciting Kufri Fun World - as well as the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayan Nature Park, you'll also be smack bang in the middle of the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary. Mall Road in Shimla itself is a great location if you want to be right in the heart of the town and the many temples and markets (such as Lakkar Bazar). Alternatively head to the Bagh region for authentic spiritual seclusion next to the Sankat Mochan Temple.

How to get to Shimla

Train is one of the most scenic ways to reach Shimla, so if you want to take in as much of the rolling mountain terrain as possible, catch a service from Kalka, via Delhi. If you’re planning on taking the train, flying into Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport is the best choice. Be prepared for a long journey however, as the train can take well over 4 hours. Alternatively, the nearest international airport to Shimla is Chandigarh, where you can catch a taxi to the town. While you can easily walk around Shimla itself, taxis are normally available for longer journeys.