Shimla

Shimla (Hindi:शिमला) or Simla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a very popular holiday retreat during the summer months and is well known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and the Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.

There are quite a few theories regarding the origin of the word Shimla. Locals insist that the name originates from Shyamali Devi, a reincarnation of the fearsome Goddess Kali.

Shimla has a population of around 172,000 (which may increase by another 100,000 with the seasonal influx of voyagers). Most residents are from the Pahadi community (the natives of Himachal Pradesh), but there is also a sizable minority from Punjab and Sindh, who moved to Shimla during the partition. As a result, the languages spoken in Shimla include Hindi, Punjabi, Pahadi and English which serves as a lingua franca.

Sitting majestically above the searing plains, the British designated the town as the summer capital of India. The higher levels of the town reflect this British connection, comprising mostly buildings in the Victorian style, while the lower slopes are occupied with Indian bazaars and restaurants. Traffic is banned from the historic central area, known as the Mall, which means that the atmosphere is calm and the air pristine.

Cart Road runs south of the Mall and is connected to it via the lifts. The Ridge, north of the Mall, is a good place to view the seven majestic hills of Shimla. Further along the same road is Lakkar Bazaar, which is a good place to buy some handicrafts and other souvenirs.

Shimla's cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. Located at an altitude of approximately 2200 m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests. A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are too spectacular for words.

• Chadwick Falls, Shimla (7 km away from Shimla. The waterfall is at its most beautiful just after the monsoon. But for much of the year it can be quite dry, and not as impressive.
• Christ Church, The Ridge (Near Municipal Library). Open every day, services Su 08:00-11:00. Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church of the North India. The stain-glass windows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father. Entry free, donations welcome.
• Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Kufri-Fagu Road, Kufri (NH-22, 16 km. from Shimla, +91 177 645 0993. An amusement offering adventure activities like Burma bridge crossing, Flying Fox, rock climbing, boating, various rides, indoor golf & video games. Also has a restaurant, coffee shop & shopping.

• Lower Bazaar, Shimla. Shops open M-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and shops, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepherd's Pie.

• The Mall, Shimla. The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.

• The Ridge, Shimla. The Ridge is the center of Shimla's cultural and social life - an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains.
• Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, Shimla. A unique, well preserved mixed himalayan forest with predominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry ₹ 50 per person and ₹ 200 per car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory its best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary. Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India ph. +91 9736438061. The forest is home to the barking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoir in the centre of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in 1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla's only gravity feed water supply scheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department.
• Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, +91 177 283-1375. An imposing British-raj mansion built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides, while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. The teak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing. Entry ₹ 20 per adult. Both still and video cameras are allowed for a fee of ₹ 10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner and explains the historical importance of the building - worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is a small book shop and a cafe in the premises. Open every day although only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public.

Jakhoo Hill is Shimla's highest point and the site of Jakhu Temple. The summit offers spectacular views of the town and its surroundings; on a clear day it is possible to see the snow-capped Western Himalaya about 75 km to the north. However, trees and vegetation somewhat obscure the views, preventing them from being truly panoramic.

The climb up from the Christ Church is a physically demanding walk that takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on your level of fitness. Taxis are available to take you up the hill or you can drive yourself - 4WD is recommended - however, parking is limited at the top. Another option is the Jakhu Ropeway, an aerial tram located slightly downhill and east of the church.

The hillside and Jakhu Temple are populated with very aggressive and cunning monkeys. Be extremely careful with your camera, glasses, bag and (especially) food. (Sticks for warding off the monkeys can be rented at the entrance to the temple for 5₹).

• Jakhoo Temple. Open every day. A temple and the world's largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. Free (donations welcome).
• Jakhu Ropeway. An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill. 250₹.

Jakhoo Temple. Open every day. A temple and the world's largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains. Free (donations welcome).

Jakhu Ropeway. An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill. 250₹.

Tara devi is famous for the temple. Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the top of the hill. Tara devi is approximately 11 km from the bus stand of Shimla. This is a perfect location for people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 1850 m. The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it.

Shimla houses a few excellent museums. The State Museum is perhaps the most well known.

• Photo Art Gallery, Potter's Hill (near HP University, +91 94180-11172. The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry ₹5 (cameras free, flash prohibited).
• Sankat Mochan, Bagh, Taradevi, +91 94508 85611. A popular Hanuman temple which can be reached by car or on foot. There is an excellent view of Shimla from the temple.
• Himachal State Museum, Doordarshan Kendra, Museum Road Near, Chaura Maidan (atop the Inverarm Hill, in the general vicinity of the Oberoi Cecil hotel, +91 177 265 9943. Open Tu-Su, 10:00-17:00. Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari miniatures and 6th-11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive. Entry ₹10 (Cameras free, flash prohibited).

Photo Art Gallery, Potter's Hill (near HP University, +91 94180-11172. The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry ₹5 (cameras free, flash prohibited).

Sankat Mochan, Bagh, Taradevi, +91 94508 85611. A popular Hanuman temple which can be reached by car or on foot. There is an excellent view of Shimla from the temple.

Himachal State Museum, Doordarshan Kendra, Museum Road Near, Chaura Maidan (atop the Inverarm Hill, in the general vicinity of the Oberoi Cecil hotel, +91 177 265 9943. Open Tu-Su, 10:00-17:00. Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over [[Himachal Pradesh]]. The Pahari miniatures and 6th-11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive. Entry ₹10 (Cameras free, flash prohibited).

Chadwick Falls, Shimla (7 km away from Shimla. The waterfall is at its most beautiful just after the monsoon. But for much of the year it can be quite dry, and not as impressive.

Christ Church, The Ridge (Near Municipal Library). Open every day, services Su 08:00-11:00. Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church of the North India. The stain-glass windows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father. Entry free, donations welcome.

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park, Kufri-Fagu Road, Kufri (NH-22, 16 km. from Shimla, +91 177 645 0993. An amusement offering adventure activities like Burma bridge crossing, Flying Fox, rock climbing, boating, various rides, indoor golf & video games. Also has a restaurant, coffee shop & shopping.

Lower Bazaar, Shimla. Shops open M-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and shops, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepherd's Pie.

The Mall, Shimla. The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.

The Ridge, Shimla. The Ridge is the center of Shimla's cultural and social life - an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains.

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, Shimla. A unique, well preserved mixed himalayan forest with predominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry ₹ 50 per person and ₹ 200 per car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory its best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary. Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India ph. +91 9736438061. The forest is home to the barking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoir in the centre of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in 1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla's only gravity feed water supply scheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department.

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, +91 177 283-1375. An imposing British-raj mansion built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides, while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. The teak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing. Entry ₹ 20 per adult. Both still and video cameras are allowed for a fee of ₹ 10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner and explains the historical importance of the building - worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is a small book shop and a cafe in the premises. Open every day although only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public.

• Take a leisurely walk at the Mall — this 7 km thoroughfare is famous for its Victorian Architecture, and retains much of its Raj-era charm. To get there, take the lifts from Cart Road, an ingenious system designed to save pedestrians from walking. ₹ 10 per trip. The central area of The Mall is composed of half-timbered buildings and is the place to rub shoulders and clash knives and forks with Shimla's elite. A statue of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai is located at Scandal Point, the highest point on The Mall. Further along is the very pleasant Clarke's Hotel, which is an excellent place to take a break and relax over a coffee.
• Ice skating is possible in Shimla from November to March, though Kufri and Chail on the outskirts of town offer better options.
• Trek in the local mountains. Walk along the meandering roads to the meadows at Annadale, 5 km out of town. The Glen, further west, is a favorite picnic spot with locals. Head north and visit Wildflower Hall, the former retreat of Lord Kitchner. Furthur on along the Hindustan-Tibet Road lies the quaint village of Mashobra. A gravel-road indicates the entry to the Seog Wildlife Sanctuary. The annual Sipi Fair is held in a little steep pathway off Mashobra.
• Tee off at the Naldehra Golf Course, on the northern outskirts of the town, at a distance of about 25 km from Shimla. The 9-hole golf course, set amidst sloping meadows at an elevation of 2,050 metres above sea level, was designed by Lord Curzon in the 19th century. The flora is impressive, ranging from alpine grass to pine and deodar. But the tourists are not permitted to enter the golf course and they can only have a distant view of the golf course. There are two separate entries, one for walking and the other for horses, which lead to a vast ground surrounded by pine trees and golf course. It is better go up by own instead of taking horses and enjoy the serenity.
• Kinnaur Kailash Parikrma Trek: Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places but very less known district of Himachal Pradesh. This place is surrounded by Tibet, Garhwal Himalayan, spitti valley and Kullu. Sutlej River also flows from the Kinnaur valley. Tourists can experience a Buddhism life style, due to its proximity to Tibet.

Take a leisurely walk at the Mall — this 7 km thoroughfare is famous for its Victorian Architecture, and retains much of its Raj-era charm. To get there, take the lifts from Cart Road, an ingenious system designed to save pedestrians from walking. ₹ 10 per trip. The central area of The Mall is composed of half-timbered buildings and is the place to rub shoulders and clash knives and forks with Shimla's elite. A statue of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai is located at Scandal Point, the highest point on The Mall. Further along is the very pleasant Clarke's Hotel, which is an excellent place to take a break and relax over a coffee.

Ice skating is possible in Shimla from November to March, though Kufri and Chail on the outskirts of town offer better options.

Trek in the local mountains. Walk along the meandering roads to the meadows at Annadale, 5 km out of town. The Glen, further west, is a favorite picnic spot with locals. Head north and visit Wildflower Hall, the former retreat of Lord Kitchner. Furthur on along the Hindustan-Tibet Road lies the quaint village of Mashobra. A gravel-road indicates the entry to the Seog Wildlife Sanctuary. The annual Sipi Fair is held in a little steep pathway off Mashobra.

Tee off at the Naldehra Golf Course, on the northern outskirts of the town, at a distance of about 25 km from Shimla. The 9-hole golf course, set amidst sloping meadows at an elevation of 2,050 metres above sea level, was designed by Lord Curzon in the 19th century. The flora is impressive, ranging from alpine grass to pine and deodar. But the tourists are not permitted to enter the golf course and they can only have a distant view of the golf course. There are two separate entries, one for walking and the other for horses, which lead to a vast ground surrounded by pine trees and golf course. It is better go up by own instead of taking horses and enjoy the serenity.

Kinnaur Kailash Parikrma Trek: Kinnaur is one of the most beautiful places but very less known district of Himachal Pradesh. This place is surrounded by Tibet, Garhwal Himalayan, spitti valley and Kullu. Sutlej River also flows from the Kinnaur valley. Tourists can experience a Buddhism life style, due to its proximity to Tibet.

Further down the Mall Road is the Lakkar Bazaar, which has quite a few shops selling wooden handicrafts. The Mall is full of shops selling woolens (most of which find their way to Shimla from Ludhiana, Punjab) and Kullu shawls. Other favorites have included wooden toys, walking sticks and Tibetan carpets made in nearby Kinnaur. As the centre of the food-processing industry in Himachal, jams and squashes made from local produce are indeed worth purchasing. The stretch between Combermere Bridge and the Telegraph Office is full of small stores which stock handcrafted Chinese shoes. The more well-known ones include Hopsons, Tatung and Hugh & Co.

• Himachal Emporium, +91 177 280-1234. 3 The Mall. Open M-Fr, 10:00-17:00. An excellent place to purchase locally made handicrafts at fixed prices. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
• Maria Bros., 78-A The Mall. Antique and rare book dealers. Absurdly overpriced. Try the couple of other options further down The Mall.
• Minchys, +91 177 286-0203. Daily 10:00-18:00. Himachal Fruit Product products such as jams, squashes and wines. The main shop is on the Delhi-Shimla Highway, you can find stalls everywhere on the highway and in the city.
• Minerva Book House, Hotel Minerva, +91 177 225-2043. A good selection of novels.

Himachal Emporium, +91 177 280-1234. 3 The Mall. Open M-Fr, 10:00-17:00. An excellent place to purchase locally made handicrafts at fixed prices. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Maria Bros., 78-A The Mall. Antique and rare book dealers. Absurdly overpriced. Try the couple of other options further down The Mall.

Minchys, +91 177 286-0203. Daily 10:00-18:00. Himachal Fruit Product products such as jams, squashes and wines. The main shop is on the Delhi-Shimla Highway, you can find stalls everywhere on the highway and in the city.

Minerva Book House, Hotel Minerva, +91 177 225-2043. A good selection of novels.

Most of the restaurants in Shimla are cheap, comfortable, atmospheric and offer good multi-cuisine food. However, if you are looking for local cuisine, the options are surprisingly limited.

• Ashiana & Goofa, The Band Stand, The Ridge, Lower Bazaar, +91 177 545 0359. Daily 10AM-10PM. Whatever little can be had of Himachali cuisine can be found at these twin-restaurants run by Himachal Tourism, the one located above the other. The food is neither cheap nor the best in town, but it is safe and they otherwise do their best. A good spot for people-watching, the location within a circular elevated glass building has attracted comment in guidebooks: it lies in fact on the site of a historical structure, known as the Band Stand, which was a gift to the city made in 1907 by the ruler of one of the innumerable princely states of the pre-independence India (Jabalpur in what is today the state of Madhya Pradesh). Sit-in or takeaway. ₹ 50-150.
• Baljees, 26 The Mall, +91 177 265-2313. 09:00-23:00. Among the town's oldest restaurants, Baljees offers delicious Western and Indian fare. Their desserts, appearances and reputation to the contrary notwithstanding, are atrocious, laced with chemicals and best avoided. Mains ₹ 100-150, Desserts ₹ 50.
• The Devicos, 5 The Mall (one storey beneath street level, directly below the Café Coffee Day outlet in the vicinity of the BSNL Building, +91 177 280-6335. 10:00~22:00. Serves good Indian food of every description complemented by some Chinese and Continental dishes; one of the very few restaurants in town with food appealing both to Indian and to Western palates. Good decor with what appears to be original art rather than reproductions. This is one of the most expensive places to eat in town apart from 5-star hotels, but seems worth it as far as Indian dishes are concerned owing to the lack of real competition. Its twin Bar, located upstairs is popular with locals. Adverse comment regarding food poisoning on the Lonely Planet website. ₹ 50~150.
• Hotel Pinewood restaurant, Barog, +91 1792 238-825. Serves cheap Punjabi fare.
• Indian Coffee House, The Mall (On Mall Rd, just down from the post office on the left. Possibly the cheapest food in Shimla, especially during peak season. They serve good south Indian food as well as surprisingly good western breakfasts, including a ₹40 French toast. ₹ 20 - 80.
• Loveena Restaurant, The Ridge. Below rain shelter, restaurant with view. Indian, Chinese & Continental food.
• The Lutyens Room, Springfields, Chhota Shimla (opposite Tibetan School, +91 177 222-1297, +91 177 222-1298. 11:00-22:30. Continental and Indian food. ₹ 150 and above.
• New Plaza Restaurant, 60/61, Middle Bazar, +91 177-2655438.
• The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant, Chaura Maidan (in The Oberoi Cecil Hotel, +91 177 2804848. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although closes for breaks in between.. A good selection of European and Asian dishes. Chandeliers and wood-paneling add to the old-world elegance, a perfect setting for a quiet dinner, unless you have the misfortune to be seated next to an extended Punjabi family with unruly children. Disappointing breakfasts. ₹ 500~1,500.
• Sher E Punjab, Ridge Sanjauli Rd (take road to Lakkar Bazar, 100 m from Ridge point.. 10:00 to 22:00. Home-style food at reasonable prices. The mixed vegetable dish with butter chappathi is recommended. ₹30-₹150.
• Silver Oak, Circular Rd, +91 177 225-7588. 07:00-23:00. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. The food is not great, but passable. Nice decor and a comfortable atmosphere. ₹150.
• Qilaa, The Mall Rd; below Syndicate Bank, near Scandal Point (On the way from Scandal Point to DC Office, +91 9736691209. 11:00-22:00. A favourite among frequent visitors and the locals. The interiors have been built keeping in mind the cold weather outside. There’s an instant feel of warmth and coziness. The food has a homely flavour. Good mezze platter and banoffee pie.

Ashiana & Goofa, The Band Stand, The Ridge, Lower Bazaar, +91 177 545 0359. Daily 10AM-10PM. Whatever little can be had of Himachali cuisine can be found at these twin-restaurants run by Himachal Tourism, the one located above the other. The food is neither cheap nor the best in town, but it is safe and they otherwise do their best. A good spot for people-watching, the location within a circular elevated glass building has attracted comment in guidebooks: it lies in fact on the site of a historical structure, known as the Band Stand, which was a gift to the city made in 1907 by the ruler of one of the innumerable princely states of the pre-independence India (Jabalpur in what is today the state of Madhya Pradesh). Sit-in or takeaway. ₹ 50-150.

Baljees, 26 The Mall, +91 177 265-2313. 09:00-23:00. Among the town's oldest restaurants, Baljees offers delicious Western and Indian fare. Their desserts, appearances and reputation to the contrary notwithstanding, are atrocious, laced with chemicals and best avoided. Mains ₹ 100-150, Desserts ₹ 50.

The Devicos, 5 The Mall (one storey beneath street level, directly below the Café Coffee Day outlet in the vicinity of the BSNL Building, +91 177 280-6335. 10:00~22:00. Serves good Indian food of every description complemented by some Chinese and Continental dishes; one of the very few restaurants in town with food appealing both to Indian and to Western palates. Good decor with what appears to be original art rather than reproductions. This is one of the most expensive places to eat in town apart from 5-star hotels, but seems worth it as far as Indian dishes are concerned owing to the lack of real competition. Its twin Bar, located upstairs is popular with locals. Adverse comment regarding food poisoning on the Lonely Planet website. ₹ 50~150.

Hotel Pinewood restaurant, Barog, +91 1792 238-825. Serves cheap Punjabi fare.

Indian Coffee House, The Mall (On Mall Rd, just down from the post office on the left. Possibly the cheapest food in Shimla, especially during peak season. They serve good south Indian food as well as surprisingly good western breakfasts, including a ₹40 French toast. ₹ 20 - 80.

Loveena Restaurant, The Ridge. Below rain shelter, restaurant with view. Indian, Chinese & Continental food.

The Lutyens Room, Springfields, Chhota Shimla (opposite Tibetan School, +91 177 222-1297, +91 177 222-1298. 11:00-22:30. Continental and Indian food. ₹ 150 and above.

New Plaza Restaurant, 60/61, Middle Bazar, +91 177-2655438.

The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant, Chaura Maidan (in The Oberoi Cecil Hotel, +91 177 2804848. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although closes for breaks in between.. A good selection of European and Asian dishes. Chandeliers and wood-paneling add to the old-world elegance, a perfect setting for a quiet dinner, unless you have the misfortune to be seated next to an extended Punjabi family with unruly children. Disappointing breakfasts. ₹ 500~1,500.

Sher E Punjab, Ridge Sanjauli Rd (take road to Lakkar Bazar, 100 m from Ridge point.. 10:00 to 22:00. Home-style food at reasonable prices. The mixed vegetable dish with butter chappathi is recommended. ₹30-₹150.

Silver Oak, Circular Rd, +91 177 225-7588. 07:00-23:00. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. The food is not great, but passable. Nice decor and a comfortable atmosphere. ₹150.

Qilaa, The Mall Rd; below Syndicate Bank, near Scandal Point (On the way from Scandal Point to DC Office, +91 9736691209. 11:00-22:00. A favourite among frequent visitors and the locals. The interiors have been built keeping in mind the cold weather outside. There’s an instant feel of warmth and coziness. The food has a homely flavour. Good mezze platter and banoffee pie.

Himachal is known as the fruit bowl of India. It has a thriving food processing industry that churns out fruit-based drinks, squashes and concentrates. The most famous flavors are plum, litchi, strawberry, mango and guava.

For alcoholic drinks, try the locally brewed wines such as apricot, plum and apple & ginger cider. In predominantly Tibetan areas, a rice wine known as Chang is popular.

• Lobby Lounge, Chaura Maidan. 24 hours. The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place to enjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonial charm. Drinks ₹ 200-250.
• "Rendezvous" located less than a minute walk from Christ Church on The Mall, across from "Alfa Restaurant". Somewhat hidden, this restaurant/bar plays Bollywood tunes, a nice cozy interior and strong drinks.

Lobby Lounge, Chaura Maidan. 24 hours. The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place to enjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonial charm. Drinks ₹ 200-250.

• Cafe Coffee Day, 5 The Mall (in The Devicos. 09:00-23:00. Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur, Solan District. Cappuccino ₹ 120.
• Indian Coffee House, The Mall. 09:00-23:00. Not as trendy as others it retains the charm of bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossip make it a favourite with locals.
• Fire Station Cafe, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is a Victorian era building. Has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British era was converted into a ‘Book shop-cum-souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment.

Cafe Coffee Day, 5 The Mall (in The Devicos. 09:00-23:00. Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur, Solan District. Cappuccino ₹ 120.

Indian Coffee House, The Mall. 09:00-23:00. Not as trendy as others it retains the charm of bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossip make it a favourite with locals.

Fire Station Cafe, Indian Institute of Advanced Study. IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is a Victorian era building. Has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British era was converted into a ‘Book shop-cum-souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment.

Beware of greedy monkeys which may attack anytime to grab food from your hands. Don’t make any eye contact with them. Try to ignore them while passing by. Any abrupt move from your side may pass wrong message on these creatures.

Sometimes, temperature goes below freezing level, especially during winter season. So travelers are advised to carry appropriate clothing.

Do not exchange the currency/money in black market. Ask for receipt when exchanging money at any authorized establishment.

The area dialling code for Shimla is 0177. From overseas, dial +91 177 XXX-XXXX. There are plenty of STD/ISD booths. The amount is calculated on a digital meter, and is paid after the call. A short STD call costs around ₹ 10.

There are two main official tourist information centres in Shimla, as well as a small office at the train station that isn't always open. The victory point office is less busy and helpful. It's also near where some government busses leave from.

• Tourist Information, +91-177-2654589.
• Tourist Information, Bye pass road, +91-177-2832498.

Tourist Information, +91-177-2654589.

Tourist Information, Bye pass road, +91-177-2832498.

It is very easy to get a Prepaid mobile, which is very cheap to get, and calls are cheap too. One needs to give a Photo ID proof and a photograph for prepaid as well as postpaid connection as per the Govt. regulations.

• Airtel - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band); 4G 2300 MHz.
• CellOne - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
• Idea-GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
• Reliance Telecom - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)
• Reliance India Mobile - CDMA
• Tata Indicom - CDMA
• Vodafone - GSM

As long as you are in Shimla, the signal strength is pretty good. But as you move towards Kufri and Narkanda, the signal strength deteriorates significantly. In last 3-4 years, these services overall have become much better.

Airtel - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band); 4G 2300 MHz.

CellOne - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)

Idea-GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)

Reliance Telecom - GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz.(Tri-Band)

Reliance India Mobile - CDMA

Tata Indicom - CDMA

Vodafone - GSM

Internet cafes are plentiful in The Mall, most of them are concentrated near the lifts. However, it is best to avoid these (Windows 98, dial-up connection, poor security) and check your mail at the hotels instead. Nearly all hotels have internet access, and it is not terribly expensive either. Expect to pay ₹ 50 per hour in a hotel, and ₹ 10 outside. The Oberoi Cecil has WiFi in the lounge area with vouchers available at reception.

Buses, for example to Manali and Dharamsala, can be booked in advance or on the day of travel up to a few hours before departure from the government office next to the official tourist information centre at Scandal Point. Many of the buses will actually depart from the new bus stop which is a 30 minute and ₹ 10 ride from the old bus station in town near the train station, so just be sure to double check when booking.

• Chail (43 km). Originally a private reserve created by the Maharaja of Patiala who was banned from Shimla. Now a A 75 acre resort that meanders over undulating hills.
• Dharamsala. Home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan-Government-in-exile. Many Buddhist monasteries in the area.
• Kasauli. Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. The town is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh.
• Kinnaur. An area on the Tibetan border. Home to ethnic Tibetans. Several traditional Buddhist monasteries.
• Manali, Kullu Valley (260 km). An area of hot springs, traditional buildings, and Buddhist monasteries.

Chail (43 km). Originally a private reserve created by the Maharaja of Patiala who was banned from Shimla. Now a A 75 acre resort that meanders over undulating hills.

[[Dharamsala]]. Home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan-Government-in-exile. Many Buddhist monasteries in the area.

[[Kasauli]]. Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. The town is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh.

[[Kinnaur]]. An area on the Tibetan border. Home to ethnic Tibetans. Several traditional Buddhist monasteries.

[[Manali]], Kullu Valley (260 km). An area of hot springs, traditional buildings, and Buddhist monasteries.