shimla

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh , home to a number of buildings, temples and churches. The city is very famous among the tourists for its beauty and attractions, it offers.

Shimla hosts one of the biggest events in South Asia that is, the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya. The city is also known to have the largest natural ice-skating rink in South Asia.

Shimla’s incredible forests, valleys, beautiful lakes, pleasant climate, and colonial ambiance come together to make this hill station a charming place.

With a wide range of attractions, the place never fails to live up to its reputation. Some of the best places to visit in Shimla are:

• The Ridge
• Jakhoo Hill and Temple
• Mall Road – known for its cafes, restaurants, showrooms, departmental stores and a lot more
• Kalka-Shimla Railway
• Kufri
• Christ Church

Shimla, also known as the "Queen of the Hills" is one of India's most popular hill stations, having a large number of historical places . Some of them are:

• Viceregal Lodge
• Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (It was constructed by the British and inaugurated in 1925)
• Annadale Ground
• Shimla Railway Board Building
• Shimla Main Square

Shimla is not just famous for snowcapped Himalayan peaks but also a place with a number of religious places that were constructed during British Raj. Some of them include:

• Kali Bari Temple (Located very close to the Mall Road)
• Tara Devi Temple
• Christ Church
• Bhimakali Temple
• Shyamala Devi temple

Shimla is home to a number of museums that are of great historical importance. While visiting this mesmerizing city, one should never miss to pay a visit to below listed museums:

• Shimla State Museum
• Army Heritage Museum
• Baba Bhalku Railway Museum
• Johnnie's Wax Museum

Shimla is very famous for its shopping spots among the travelers, for souvenirs and things like local handicrafts, wood artifacts, Tibetan jewellery,Himachali woollen caps, shawls and clothes and hand-woven carpets. Some of the best places to shop in Shimla are:

• The Mall
• Himachal Emporium (Known for budget-friendly locally made handicrafts)
• Tibetan Market
• Lower Bazar
• Minchy’s
• Lakkar Bazaar (The bazaar is popular for wooden decorative items and souvenirs)

The city of Shimla celebrates various fairs and festivals throughout the year. Some of the festivals that are celebrated with great joy and happiness are:

• Rhyali Festival
• Shimla Summer Festival
• Baisakhi
• Christmas
• Diwali
• Lohri
• Navratri

The city of hills has a delectable cuisine with many mouth-watering dishes which are perfect for the mountainous climate, and are a must-try here such as:

• Madra
• Dhaam
• Sidu
• Thukpa – A Tibetan inspired noodle soup, prepared with ginger garlic paste, chili etc. and served with different sauces
• Babru
• Chha Gosht
• Mash Daal
• Chicken Anardana

Shimla has a wide range of restaurants which serve the local delicacies as well as foods from other cuisines like North Indian, South Indian, Chinese etc. Some good restaurants and eateries in Shimla are as listed:

• Ashiana (Serves Continental)
• Cafe Sol (Serves Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean)
• Cecil Restaurant (Serves North Indian, Continental)
• Himachali Rasoi (Serves Fast Food)
• Guptajee's

If you are planning a trip to the city of hills, below listed hotels can be considered for a comfortable stay:

• Combermere (From INR 6100 onwards)
• Hotel Willow Bank (From INR 6100 onwards)
• Landmark (From INR 4300 onwards)
• Clarkes Hotel (From INR 8300 onwards)
• Hotel Marina (From INR 3400 onwards)
• Radisson Hotel (From INR 5000 onwards)
• The Oberoi Cecil (From INR 11000 onwards)

Shimla has several pubs and nightclubs where one can have interesting nightlife experiences or hangout; Some of the best pubs and bars in Shimla are:

• Sixteen 69 Lounge Bar
• Himani Bar & Restaurant
• The Pub
• Lobby Lounge – The Oberoi Cecil
• Rendezvous Bar & Restaurant
• Devicos Bar
• Topaz Restaurant & Bar
• Cloud Nine Bar

English and Hindi are the dominant languages spoken in Shimla but Punjabi is also spoken by sizeable minority. Other than that, Pahari language is also spoken by the local residents.

Hindi:

• Welcome - Svagat
• How are you? - Aap kaise hai?
• What's your name? - Aapka naam kya hai?
• I don't know - Mujhe nahi pata
• I don't understand - Mein samjha nahi
• Thank you - Dhanyavad

Punjabi:

• Hello - Sat sri akaal
• How are you? - Tussi kiwen ho?
• I am fine - Main theek haan
• What is your name? - Tuhada naan ki hai?
• My name is - Mera naan haga
• Where are you from? - Tusi kithe dey ho?