Why You Should Be Visiting Shimla, the Queen of Hill Station, Shimla, India

A popular Indian holiday destination, especially for Delhiites, Shimla provides the perfect break from the city heat. Nicknamed the Queen of Hillstation’s and previously the ‘Summer Capital’, it is perfectly placed up in the hills of the Himachal region. The first thing I noticed about Shimla was the cool breeze and the rare occasion in Indian summer season where I felt, dare I say it, COLD. I was loving the goosebumps on my arms and the cool breeze in my hair, I had surely found nirvana!

The ‘Summer Capital’ was a nickname given to Shimla all those years ago and with good reason. When I left Delhi, it was a scorching 43 degrees celsius. Sweat rolling down my back and two showers a day is just part of everyday life and I jump from A/C to A/C trying to avoid the sun. But now, it was almost like summer in the UK…with more monkeys, curry and chai of course!

Although the hotel prices go up three fold in the summers months and the quality of those hotels is not the best value – the real money you’re paying for is the beautiful views of the mountains. When I arrived, it started to rain. I don’t know about you, but there is something so mystical about the rain hitting the mountains and that fresh smell from the ground after. Maybe it’s just me! Luckily, this let up after 10 minutes and the clouds made way for beautiful sunshine! This was pretty much a standard weather forecast in Shimla each day, so come prepared for all seasons. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).