How To Reach Shimla
A Guide to Reaching Shimla
Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” beckons travelers with its colonial charm, majestic Himalayas, and refreshing mountain air. Reaching this quintessential hill station can be just as delightful as exploring it, offering scenic journeys and diverse travel options. This guide equips you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect route to Shimla.
Choosing the Perfect Travel Mode
Shimla, despite its hill station status, boasts excellent connectivity by air, rail, and road. The ideal mode for you depends on your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
By Air:
Shimla has two airports – Jubbarhatti Airport, located 23 kilometers away, and Chandigarh Airport, the nearest major airport, situated 113 kilometers from Shimla. However, Jubbarhatti Airport has limited operations due to weather conditions. Daily flights connect Delhi to Shimla via Jubbarhatti, with a flight time of approximately 90 minutes. Consider Chandigarh Airport as a more reliable option, with frequent flights from major cities. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Shimla (around 3.5 hours).
By Train:
Shimla isn’t directly connected by a broad-gauge railway line. The closest railway station is Kalka, 96 kilometers away. The iconic Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique and scenic journey on a narrow-gauge track. The train winds its way through 103 tunnels and over countless bridges, showcasing breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, with several trains operating daily. You can also opt for the luxurious Shivalik Express with fewer stops or the Rail Car, a single-coach train offering a charming experience.
By Road:
Shimla enjoys excellent road connectivity with major North Indian cities. Direct buses ply from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, and other destinations. The journey from Delhi can take up to 7-8 hours, while Chandigarh offers a shorter trip of around 3.5 hours. Opt for overnight luxury buses on longer routes for a comfortable journey. Taxis are readily available from all major cities and offer flexibility, especially for a group trip.
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Things To Do In Himachal
Explore More About Himachal
Reaching Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India known for its stunning landscapes and beautiful mountainous regions, can be done via various modes of transportation, including air, rail, and road. The specific method of travel will depend on your starting location and personal preferences. Here are the common ways to reach Himachal Pradesh:
By Air:
- The nearest major airport is the Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti Airport), located approximately 23 kilometers from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Flights from major Indian cities like Delhi and Chandigarh connect to Shimla.
- Alternatively, you can also opt for the Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport), which is about 50 kilometers from Manali. Flights operate to this airport from Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Rail:
- The major railway station in Himachal Pradesh is Kalka Railway Station, located in the town of Kalka. It is well-connected to various parts of India. From Kalka, you can take the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a scenic narrow-gauge railway that takes you to Shimla.
- Another option is to reach Chandigarh Railway Station, which is a major rail hub and has good connectivity to other parts of the country. From Chandigarh, you can take a taxi or bus to reach different parts of Himachal Pradesh.
By Road:
- Himachal Pradesh is well-connected by road to major cities and states. You can opt for a bus, taxi, or self-drive.
- If you are coming from Delhi, you can take the NH44 route that connects Delhi to Shimla, passing through Chandigarh and Kalka.
- If you are coming from Chandigarh, you can take NH5 which leads to Shimla or NH205 for Kullu and Manali.
- There are numerous state-run and private buses that operate from nearby states and cities to different destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
By Train and Bus Combined:
- Some areas of Himachal Pradesh, like Manali, do not have direct train connectivity. In such cases, you can reach Chandigarh by train and then take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your destination within Himachal Pradesh.
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh, India, is during the months of March to June and September to November.
Popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu, Spiti Valley, Kasol, McLeod Ganj, Kasauli, and Dalhousie.
The best way to reach Himachal Pradesh is by air to Shimla or Dharamshala, or via road or train routes.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh offers excellent trekking opportunities with diverse trails, beautiful landscapes, and varying difficulty levels for adventurers.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh has direct flights to Kangra Airport and Bhuntar Airport, connecting to major Indian cities like Delhi.
Yes, Himachal Pradesh offers affordable accommodations, local cuisine, and budget-friendly activities, making it a great destination for budget travelers.
- Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern part of India, known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant natural beauty.
- It is often referred to as the “Land of Gods” due to its numerous temples and religious significance.
- Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its colonial architecture and as a popular hill station.
- The state is renowned for its adventure tourism, offering activities like trekking, skiing, paragliding, and rafting.
- Himachal Pradesh is home to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse flora and fauna.
- The region is also known for its apple orchards, making it a significant producer of apples in India.
- It has a unique tradition of “Devi Devta” or local gods and goddesses, and every village typically has its own deity.
- Himachal Pradesh is the second least populous state in India, making it one of the least densely populated states in the country.
- The state boasts a rich cultural heritage with a blend of Tibetan, Hindu, and Buddhist influences, particularly in places like Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj.
- Himachal Pradesh has a significant influence of Buddhism, and places like Spiti and Lahaul are known for their Buddhist monasteries and culture.
