Hotels in Shimla

Shimla: Hill Capital at 2,206 Metres

Shimla sits at 2,206 m in the Shivalik range of Himachal Pradesh, roughly 370 km north of Delhi. The British made it the summer capital of India in 1864, and the colonial imprint survives in the Christ Church (1857), the Gaiety Theatre (1887), and the Viceregal Lodge (1888) — now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The Ridge and Mall Road remain the social spine of the city, flanked by pine and oak forest.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster near Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, and Chhota Shimla to the south. The Naldehra area, 23 km out, suits travellers who prefer quieter hillside properties with golf-course views. Budget guesthouses line the lanes below Sanjauli, while heritage properties occupy the colonial bungalows around Chaura Maidan. The toy train — the Kalka–Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage route since 2008 — terminates at Shimla station, a short walk below Mall Road.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Book the Kalka–Shimla toy train two weeks ahead during April–June and October peak season.
• Weather: Carry warm layers even in summer; nights drop to 10 °C in June and below freezing December–February.
• Altitude: Allow a day to adjust if arriving from the plains.
• Transport: Cars park at Lakkar Bazaar or Cart Road; Mall Road itself is pedestrian-only.