Weekend getaway to Shimla from Chandigarh

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is adorned with lush green stretches and snow-clad Himalayan peaks. It covers an area of around 25 square kilometers with an elevation of 7238 feet. Shimla is known for its deodar, oak, and pine forests. If you’re in Chandigarh, then a short getaway to Shimla can be a great plan. There are quite several ways to get to this stunning hill station.

Chandigarh to Shimla by air

The aerial distance between Chandigarh and Shimla is approximately 56 km. Top airlines such as Air India, Spice Jet, and Indigo are operational for this route. You can book from reliable websites Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, yatra, etc. Jabbarhatti airport is the nearest to the city situated at a distance of 20 km.

Chandigarh to Shimla by train

One can reach Shimla by train via Kalka. If time is not a constraint during the time of your traveling, then the route between Kalka and Shimla where trains operate can be an option for you to commute. The common trains to travel from Chandigarh to Kalka are HWH DLI KLK mail that departs at 3:55 and arrives at 4:35. The average fare for a sleeper class is INR 140. Next is the Balmer which departs at 5:18 and reaches at 5:55 with an average duration of 37 minutes. Available train options for traveling from Kalka to Shimla are Kalka-Shimla queen express. This train departs at 6:20 AM and reaches Shimla at 11:35 PM with an average duration of 5 hours 15 minutes. Other options are Shivalik DIX express and Himalayan queen express.

Chandigarh to Shimla by cab

The most convenient and easiest way to travel from Chandigarh to Shimla is by road. The driving distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is 114 km. This option is the fastest of them all. The average duration to cover this route takes around 4 hours via NH5 highway. Unlimited cab services providers are considered to be operating for this route. The fares usually depend upon the type of car and the number of passengers. It is recommended to go for cabs via online booking websites rather than opting for local taxi providers as they might charge you unreasonable prices that you won’t be aware of if you’re a first-time traveler. You can search for a Chandigarh to Shimla cab on online websites like GozoCabs, Savaari, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, etc. GozoCabs offers one of the cheapest prices for the Chandigarh to Manali route starting at INR 1549.

Places to visit in Shimla

The Ridge

Located right in the center of Shimla and alongside Mall Road, The Ridge is a favorite place of the photographers. The Ridge is an all-in-all place where you can get everything starting from artifacts to food stalls. It is also considered the only social hub of Shimla. The town is adorned by tall gothic structures reflecting its rich history and heritage.

Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Mall Road

Just along the lines of The Ridge, is situated the Mall Road bustling with shops, restaurants, clubs, banks, etc. The place also houses famous tourist attractions like the Kali Bari and the Scandal Point. The Mall road feels like a city within a city well-known for its busy commercial area. This spot is perfect for strolling on a pleasant evening along with groups, friends, and families. The charm of this place is one of a kind and celebrates the true spirit of a hill station. It is mostly popular for its handicrafts and woolen clothes, also wooden articles which you might like to buy and collect as souvenirs. No vehicles are allowed over here except for the emergency ones. The place attracts a large crowd and the tourists usually get spoilt for their choices because of the kind of variety it offers.

Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Green Valley

One can find this stunning mountain range on the way to Kufri from Shimla. Most of the pine and deodar of Shimla can be found over here amidst which one can witness yaks wandering through the valley making it a soothing site to experience. Though being a bit underdeveloped, nonetheless this spot doesn’t fail to pull a large number of tourists because of its scenic beauty.

Time required: 1 day

Entry Fee: Free

Jakhoo Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman with the world’s tallest statue of the deity, rising above sea level with a height of 8000 feet and situated amidst the Shivalik range, this temple is considered to be the highest point in Shimla and is visible from most parts of the city. Situated around 2 km away from The Ridge, this place is abundant in deodar trees and monkey population.

Timing: 5 AM to 12 PM
4 PM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Ropeway: INR 250 for adults

INR 200 for children aged between 3 – 12 years

Free for children below 3 years

Shimla Christ Church

This church reflects architectural brilliance and is a place of unfiltered devotion. Also, this counts as the oldest church in all of northern India. This particular church, during the winters, looks like a magnificent castle and reminds one of the British colonization in the country. The church is currently a religious place only and is open all throughout the week for service. Also, it is a popular tourist attraction owing to the fact that it got featured in several Bollywood movies.

Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Scandal Point

As the name suggests, the intriguing story and the scintillating scenic beauty of this place pulls a huge amount of crowd and are one of the most talked-about tourist spots. A perfect place for a mountain lover as one can witness a crystal clear view of the gigantic peaks covered with lush green spruce and fir. This place lies at the point where Mall road and Ridge road intersects and where stand tall the statue of our freedom fighter LalaLajpat Rai.

Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: Free