How to Reach Shimla by Air, Train, Car, Bus

How to Reach Shimla

Shimla, erstwhile peak-encircled summer seat of the British Viceroy, is a famous tourist destination in India. India’s premier hill-station, Shimla is also the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is easily accessible by air, train and road transport. With its green meads of asphodel, of hyacinth and celandine, of carmine rhododendron trees surrounded by solemn forests of deodar and towering pine, Shimla still retains the ghost of its past splendours: racing, golf and cricket still prevail. Meanwhile, in contrast to such cosmopolitan pleasures, in the bazaar there may be seen people from all parts of India, day in, day out. Shimla is highly popular among the tourists and honeymooners because of all features of a hill resort with modern infrastructure.

In addition to exploring Shimla town, one can visit many nearby pleasant hill resorts. In search of solitude, have a short climb, early in the morning, to the summit of Jakhu which towers over Shimla, and get rewarded with the glorious spectacle of the sun rising over the eternal snows. Naldehra, close to Shimla town, is a pleasant spot nestling on the edge of the forest depths. Great fairs are celebrated here in the middle of May and the gala dress, silver ornaments and bright eyes of the festive Pahari peasants lend local colour and animation to the scene. Chail is another hill resort in Shimla. At Chail, there is a cricket pitch, encircled by tall forest trees. It claims to be the highest arena in the world dedicated to the cult of this curious game, in which the Indians show such marked proficiency.

Shimla, the Queen of the Hills, is best approached on the Kalka- Shimla Railway, now over 100 years old. During colonial era, Shimla was developed as summer capital of the British administrators who were eager to escape the punishing heat of Indian summers. Shimla is connected with all major cities of India by all modern means of transportation. A tourist can reach Shimla by flight, train, car & bus .

To Reach Shimla by Air: Shimla has a well-equipped airport, known as Shimla Airport or Jubbarhatti Airport. It is about 20 km away from Shimla city center. There are several daily flights to Shimla in operation from New Delhi & Chandigarh. On arrival at Shimla airport, either hire a cab or hop on to a bus to reach Shimla.

To Reach Shimla by Train: Kalka, the nearest railhead to Shimla, is located near Chandigarh. Several trains from Delhi and other parts of India terminate at Kalkaji railway station, about 90 km from the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Kalka Mail from Kolkata & Shatabdi express from Delhi can be boarded to reach Kalka. On arrival at Kalka, hire a taxi to reach Shimla. Another pleasant way of travelling to Shimla is to board Toy Train from Kalka in the morning to reach Shimla by late afternoon.

To Reach Shimla by Road: National Highway 22 (NH-22) connects Shimla from Chandigarh. Shimla is reached easily by car, taxi, cab or bus from all major cities of India like Kalka (90 km), Chandigarh (120 km), New Delhi (370 km), Agra etc.