One of the most beautiful hill stations of India, Shimla is a place that should not be missed at any cost if you are visiting India. This beautiful hill station was a small, unknown village before the British discovered it in the year 1819. Around the year 1864, the British declared it the summer capital of India. Even today, it is one of the most preferred hill stations for tourists. In order to know more about this place, check out this section on "Shimla facts and figures" that will tell you interesting facts about Shimla.
| Area: | 25 square kilometers |
| Altitude: | 2130 meters above sea level |
| Currency: | Indian Rupee |
| Language spoken: | Himachali, English and Hindi |
| Location: | 31.06° North to 77.13° East |
| Population: | 163,000 (according to 2001 census) |
| Religion: | Domination of Hinduism |
| STD (Standard Trunk Dialing) Code: | 0177 |
| Summers: | April to June (16o - 28o Celsius) |
| Monsoons: | July to September (12o - 22o Celsius) |
| Winters: | November to February (-7o - 10o Celsius) |
| Time: | IST (Indian Standard Time) +5.5 hours |
Located in the middle ranges of the Himalayas, Shimla is a lovely hill station that is a favorite among tourists. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla's geographical location is responsible for its pleasant climatic conditions. In India, the location of Shimla is just perfect to go on an ideal vacation. It has its own charm in summers as well as winters. Read on further to know about the geographical location of Shimla in India.
Your trip to Shimla would remain incomplete if you do not indulge in some guilty shopping! There are many shopping places in Shimla that will take care of your demands and taste. A judicious shopper would definitely find Shimla shopping an enjoyable experience. You wouldn't be stuck with the question of what to buy in Shimla, as the place has a huge variety of things to offer tourists. The place is well known for its handicrafts and other handmade artifacts. Read on further to know where to shop in Shimla.
Tipping in Shimla is a norm like it is anywhere else in India and the world. Though there is no fixed rate or amount for tipping, places like restaurants and hotels expect that you leave some tip. High-end hotels and restaurants expect that you tip at least 10% of the bill, in case service charges are not added. For more information on how to tip in Simla, please read on further.
Shimla uses the same electricity and voltage as any other state in India. The current in Shimla is around 240 volts, alternating at around 50 cycles per second. In case the devices you carry will not work on 240 volts, you can carry a voltage converter. If you are not carrying one, you can easily get it in any electrical appliance shop in Shimla. In Shimla, electricity and voltage is supplied to the entire city and the state by a state government owned body.
The climatic conditions of Simla are pleasant throughout the year. It is because of the favorable weather and climate of Shimla that tourists throng this hill station in any season. Though there is less of rush in monsoons, the rest of the year sees a steady inflow of tourists. In Shimla, weather and climate is prone to sudden changes as the high altitude results in sudden drop and rise in temperature. Read on further to know about Shimla weather in more detail.
Getting a tourist guide in Shimla is not at all a problem. However, one must always exercise caution while dealing with Shimla tourist guides. Though these guides are dedicated professionals and trustworthy, it is always better be alert all the time. It is always better to hire a tourist guide while moving around and touring a new place. These guides are very helpful and have a knack for making your trip not just interesting but also memorable. Read on further for more information on tips for handling Simla guides.
The first and foremost thing to be kept in mind while pondering about what to wear in Shimla is that the place can get chilly without warning. So pack some warm woolens like jackets and shawls. There is no dress code as such in Shimla that will give you an idea about how to dress up in Simla. You can wear just about anything in Shimla. To help you decide which clothes to wear in Shimla, we bring you information on what to wear in Shimla. Read on further for more information about the same.
Eating out in Shimla is not at all a problem, as the place has many small restaurants and local shacks along with high-rise hotels. In Shimla, most restaurants are located near The Mall. It is the most frequented place that has not only good restaurants but also small coffee joints like Café Coffee Day and Barista. You shouldn't really bother about what to eat in Shimla as most restaurants have a variety of cuisines to offer and you won't feel bored eating the same thing again and again. Given here is a list of Shimla restaurants where you can have a delicious and affordable meal. 
The famous Bhimakali Temple in Shimla is a very popular tourist attraction. Also known as Bheemakali Temple of Simla, this architectural wonder is one of the representatives of 51 Shakti Peeths. The unique thing about this temple is that the style of architecture used to build it is a unique amalgamation of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is built of wood and is no less than an architectural masterpiece. Located near the temple are the palaces of the royal families of Shimla.
At the top of the famous Jakhu hill is located the famous Jakhu Temple of Shimla. It is hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple of India is absolutely breath taking and splendid.
The famous Kalibari Temple of Shimla is a popular tourist attraction and is situated at a very strategic location. The temple was built in the year 1845 and is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is also known as Shyamala. It is from the name of Goddess Shyamala that Shimla derives its name. The Kali Bari temple of Simla is a very well known religious place of India and people who come to Shimla never miss out on visiting this temple. The Kalibari temple was primarily located in Jakhu hill. The British brought it to its new site. 
The famous Christ church & St. Michael's Cathedral of Shimla is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. The construction of this church took a span of 11 years (1846 - 1857) and is considered to be the second oldest church in North India. This splendid church is located just near the Ridge in Shimla and can be reached very easily from anywhere. The Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral is a famous landmark of Simla and is flocked by many devout followers from all over India.
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Shimla, the Sankat Mochan Temple is located among lush green and tranquil locales in this beautiful hill station. Shri Sankat Mochan temple in Simla is located on the Kalka - Shimla highway, on the National Highway - 22. The temple is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings. Lush green trees surround Sankat Mochan Temple and the backdrop consists of the imposing and lofty Himalayan ranges and a light mist adds the mystical touch to that place. Let us take a look at the temple's history.
Tara Devi Temple, located in Shimla is a very famous tourist attraction of this place. Situated at a distance of around 11 kilometers from Shimla, this famous temple can be visited while traveling on the Kalka - Shimla National Highway. The Tara Devi Temple is situated at the top of a hill in Simla and the lush green environs surrounding it give the temple a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. One must visit this temple to check out the breath taking views of the countryside. The backdrop of the lofty Himalayas and the clean and fresh air works wonders and makes your vacation worthwhile.
In Shimla, fishing is a very popular recreational sport. Since Shimla has many shallow streams scattered all over, it provides ample of opportunities for many to try the angling sport in Simla. In fact, Shimla is often known as "Angler's Paradise" as it is one of those very few places that allows tourists to indulge in fishing in India. There are many popular spots for indulging in fishing in Shimla. Read on further to know about these hotspots.
Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British. No British township is complete without a golf course! Shimla is blessed with vast expanses of open land that is perfect for a golf course. Golf in Shimla has emerged as one of the most popular sports in the valley. Almost all tourists visiting India try their hand at golfing in Simla. The calm and serene atmosphere makes golf a more pleasurable sport. Shimla has beautiful golf courses that allow tourists to try their hand at golf. Read on further for more information on the same.
Mountaineering is a very popular adventure sport and mountaineering in Shimla has its own charm and magic. Many tourists and adventure seekers come here to try the mountain climbing sport of Simla. The lofty ranges of the Himalayas provide the ideal locale for indulging in mountaineering. Read on further to know more about the adventure sport of mountaineering.
Though this sport has recently been introduced in Shimla, paragliding is fast catching up and emerging as one of the most sought after adventure sports in India. The undulating hills of Shimla provide the ideal location to try this sport. Para gliding is one sport that will set your adrenalin levels rushing and give you the exhilarating experience of a lifetime. Read on further to know more about paragliding sport in Shimla.
Your visit to Shimla shall become even more enjoyable if you try your hand at ice-skating. The ice skating sport of Simla is one of the most sought after adventure sport in Shimla. Shimla has the largest ice skating rink in India. It is also the only natural ice skating rink of India. This largest open-air rink attracts many tourists and locals who enjoy ice-skating. Ice skating in Shimla is bound to make your trip fun with a hint of adventure.
Shimla is known for its snow-capped peaks and smooth slopes. This is what makes it the ideal location for indulging in skiing in Shimla. The lofty ranges of Himalayas are the perfect place (after Swiss Alps!) to try out the skiing sport of Simla. There are many places in Shimla that offers skiing and tourists flock these places in winters to try out this exhilarating adventure sport. So when you visit Shimla, skiing should be on the top of your things-to-do list! Read on for further information.
The beautiful and mysterious ranges of the Himalayas are just the ideal sites for you to try your hand at the trekking sport in Simla. One of the most beautiful and sought after hill stations of India, Shimla is the ideal place to go trekking. In Shimla, trekking can be tried on many hills and undulating terrains. There are specialized authorities who provide tourists with the appropriate gear and equipment that is required for trekking.