Once an erstwhile capital of Britishers, Shimla is now a popular hill station in India for most tourists who love exploring the snowfall. This shimmering capital of Himachal Pradesh is worth visiting for its winsome natural beauty, which has never ceased attracting tourist footfalls, even during winter. Now, this may come as a surprise, as how can one imagine visiting this capital hill city even during the biting cold season. Well, it is when the beauty of this place is at its peak during this season. Missing it out will make you repent later.
Shimla: Why is it still a popular hill station in India?
Being one of the best holiday destinations in India, the capital city is well connected with all modes of transport, be it through road, air, or train. It is not only an ideal retreat for those who want to experience peace in nature but also welcomes adventure junkies to indulge in various sports activities for a thrilling experience. Apart from admiring its picturesque beauty, people love to explore the snow-capped mountains, lakes, colonial houses, & marketplaces.
Historical significance
Shimla is undoubtedly a popular travel destination everyone would love to explore for myriad reasons, but are you familiar with its historical significance regarding how it got its name? If not, let us reveal to you that the name Shimla originated from Shyamala Devi, the name of the Hindu goddess Kali.
Famously called as Queen of Hills, this capital city of Himachal had also been a colonial retreat at the time of British rule. When you visit here, you will spot old buildings & huge houses where senior authorities of the British empire had lived in it. The blend of British encounters & Indian culture brings a distinct identity of this place.
Why visit Shimla during winter?
It might seem weird for some people who are not used to the cold to visit Shimla during the winter. However, they are unaware of the fact that the natural beauty of this hill station is elevated more in the cold season, which is why it is a favourite among many honeymooners.
Moreover, you get a pollution-free environment where you can breathe fresh air, suitable for older members & kids. Adding more reasonable grounds, the hill city welcomes you to indulge in recreational activities, becoming part of the Winter Carnival it organises, playing snow-based games like snowball throwing or making snowman figures. These are the top things to do in Shimla for a thrilling vacation. The best time to visit Shimla in winter is from November to February.
Peaceful retreat
Nestled in the lap of Himalayan ranges, Shimla is an ideal retreat for peace seekers who can experience meditating & soaking themselves into spirituality. And this is all possible when you visit its famous divine sites including Jakhoo Temple, Kali Bari Temple, Tara Devi Temple, & Hatkoti Temple.
Adding thrill to Shimla trip with adventure sports
Please don’t limit your Shimla tour to exploring its picturesque beauty and visiting various tourist attractions & temples. Before you bid a final goodbye to this beautiful Himachal city, you should not miss out on the adventure sports here. These include:
- Ice skating: Take full advantage of your Shimla trip with ice skating in the Shimla Winter Carnival. There are many ice skating rings to notice here to play the sport. This sport can only be played during the winter, from October to February.
- River rafting: This water sport is another attraction for adventure seekers. The safety equipment needed for it comes included in the package you take. If you are a beginner, it will be done under the guidance of rafting experts. The ideal time is from October to February.
- Mountain biking: If you are expecting a more thrilling adventure, there is mountain biking in Shimla from September to October. It can be done by couples, youngsters & adults. While rolling your pedals, you will come across scenic vistas dotted with greenery.
- Paragliding: If you dream of flying like a bird, fulfil it with paragliding from October to November. While experiencing this airy ride, you can witness the beauty of the place with an aerial view.
Top tourist spots in Shimla
For a wholesome thrilling trip, there are some of the top places to visit in Shimla. These include:
- Mashobra
- Annandale
- Kufri
- Johnnie’s Wax Museum
- Visceral Lodge
- Chadwick Falls
- Mall Road
Best hotel in Shimla to choose for your comfy staycation
If you want to make your visit to Shimla hassle-free, especially if you are coming with family, let us suggest a top-notch luxury resort in Mashobra, jüSTa Cliffend Resort & Spa. Since Mashobra is a small town nearby to Shimla, it will be an advantage for you to experience the beauty of this capital hill city. The resort features 28 well-designed spacious rooms with world-class amenities for a comfortable stay. It also lets its guests have a relaxing & truly unique experience with its outdoor swimming pool & Sixth Sense spa.

In terms of dining, the Sabor restaurant here provides a wide range of Indian, Continental, and other international cuisine options. You can even choose from a long list of dishes, snacks, and beverages from its menu. The dishes here are prepared with freshly grown herbs, ensuring good food quality. To enjoy a hot cup of brewed tea, there is Kaafal Cafe, a perfect spot for beverage lovers. Adding more to your dining excitement, you can visit the Air Bar to sip your favourite cocktail or mocktail.
Conclusion
After getting a brief overview of factors that make Shimla a popular hill station in India, you might not wait long to pack your bags & get ready to embark on a thrilling & chilling vacation in this beautiful hill town of Himachal. Apart from enjoying the top tourist attractions, adventure activities or having fun at its Winter Carnival, remember to savour the popular delicious foods in Shimla. Your journey will become an album of memories with all these things in your Shimla itinerary.