Mall Road — Attraction in Himachal Pradesh

My recent trip to Shimla was an enchanting and unforgettable experience that truly captured the essence of the Himalayas. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of this hill station, and every day seemed like a page out of a fairy tale.

The journey to Shimla itself was an adventure, with winding roads offering panoramic views of lush valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. As I approached the town, the sight of charming colonial-era architecture nestled amidst the hills took my breath away.

One of the highlights of my trip was a stroll down Mall Road, the heart of Shimla's bustling life. Lined with shops, cafes, and local boutiques, this vibrant street offered a delightful mix of shopping, street food, and people-watching. The Ridge, with its open space and panoramic views, was the perfect spot to relax and soak in the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains.

You can visit Jakhu Temple, perched on the highest peak in Shimla. Tthe views from the top were simply awe-inspiring. The sight of the towering Hanuman statue against the backdrop of the Himalayas was a sight to behold.

Shimla's historical significance was evident during my visit to Viceregal Lodge, a magnificent colonial-era building that once served as the summer residence of the British viceroys. The guided tour offered fascinating insights into India's history, and the well-maintained gardens provided a tranquil escape.

One of the most exhilarating experiences was taking the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The slow chug of the train through numerous tunnels and over lofty bridges offered a unique perspective of Shimla's natural beauty, making it a journey to remember.

For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the Himalayan Nature Park was a must. Seeing Himalayan wildlife in their natural habitat was an educational and awe-inspiring experience. I was lucky enough to catch glimpses of rare species like the snow leopard and the Himalayan Monal, a colorful pheasant.

The local cuisine in Shimla was a true gastronomic delight. I relished the opportunity to savor traditional Himachali dishes, from hearty stews to delectable sweets. The warmth and hospitality of the locals added an extra layer of charm to my dining experiences.

In conclusion, my Shimla trip was a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. The serene landscapes, the bustling markets, the historic sites, and the delicious food made this journey an absolute treasure. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Shimla has something for everyone. This hill station's timeless allure and captivating vistas have left an indelible mark on my heart, making it a destination I wholeheartedly recommend to all travelers.

How to Reach Shimla? By Road: Distance: The distance between Chandigarh and Shimla is approximately 113 kilometers (70 miles), and the road journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Self-Drive: You can rent a car or use your own vehicle to drive to Shimla.

State Transport Buses: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates regular buses between Chandigarh and Shimla. These buses are comfortable and cost-effective, offering both ordinary and deluxe options.

By Train: While there isn't a direct train route from Chandigarh to Shimla, you can take a train from Chandigarh to Kalka, which is the nearest major railway station. From Kalka, you can board the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The toy train offers a scenic and memorable journey through picturesque hills and valleys. The total train journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is about 23 kilometers (14 miles) away from the city center. Flights from Chandigarh to Jubbarhatti Airport are available, and the flight duration is usually around 30 to 45 minutes. After reaching the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to...

This is one of the main attraction of Shimla. We literally spend 2 days on the Mall Road which has all the amazing Cafe and Pub. Do spend your evening at the Ridge which gives you the 360 view of Shimla. There are quite amazing cafe and pub with live music. Winters is the season to be in Shimla. Beautiful place

Mall Road is the major hangout point and shopping centre in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall road is located a level below The Ridge. The offices of municipal corporation, fire service and police headquarters are located here. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road.

Mall Road, Shimla Mall Road has a number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. A Himachal emporium that offers handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh like locally designed woolen clothes, branded clothes, pottery items, wooden products, and jewellery is also located here.Scandal point is where the Mall road joins Ridge road on the west side. The name arose from the commotion caused by the supposed elopement of a British lady with an Indian Maharaja. The story goes that the Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. This had led to the Maharaja being banished from entering Shimla by the British authorities.[2] He countered the move by setting himself a new summer capital – now famous hill resort of Chail, 45 km from Shimla.[3] The most prominent feature of the point today is a statue of the Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai (no relation to the scandal).[4] Next to Scandal Point is General Post Office.

The Kali Bari temple was built in 1845 by Bengalis who had come to Simla (summer capital of British India) as British servants from Calcutta (capital of India that time). It is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is believed that in an ancient temple of Shimla, the goddess Kali existed, near Jakhoo. In the temple a wooden image is worshiped locally.[The Town Hall Building constructed in 1908 by Scottish Architect James Ransome has been the centre of municipal activities since the beginning and it currently houses the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The building adds to the surrounding architecture, reminiscent of the pre-independence era. The large steps and the entrance to this building are a common site for pictures depicting the Mall at Shimla. A project was started in 2014 to restore the building to its original look and more than 8 crore rupees were spent in renovating this colonial...

Mall Road is the heart and soul of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is a lively and vibrant street that offers a variety of attractions for tourists and locals alike. Whether you want to shop, eat, relax, or explore, Mall Road has something for everyone. Mall Road was constructed during the British colonial rule and it still retains its charm and elegance. It is located a level below The Ridge, which is another popular spot in Shimla. The Mall Road is lined with many shops, showrooms, cafes, restaurants, and emporiums that sell everything from handicrafts, woollens, jewellery, books, souvenirs, and more. You can also find some of the best hotels and lodges on this road. The Mall Road is a pedestrian-only zone and no vehicles are allowed here. One of the main attractions of Mall Road is the Scandal Point, which is where the Mall Road joins the Ridge Road on the west side. It is named after a scandalous incident involving the elopement of a British lady with an Indian Maharaja1. Today, it is a popular place to enjoy the views of the mountains and the city. You can also see a statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, a freedom fighter, and the General Post Office here. Another attraction on Mall Road is the Gaiety Theatre, which was opened in 1887 and has hosted many famous personalities on its stage. It is a heritage building that showcases the cultural and artistic legacy of Shimla. You can watch various performances and events here or visit the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, which houses a museum, an art gallery, and an auditorium. If you are looking for some spiritual solace, you can visit the Kali Bari Temple, which was built in 1845 by Bengalis who had come to Shimla as British servants. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and has a wooden idol of her inside. The temple is also a good place to enjoy the panoramic views of Shimla. Mall Road also has some other landmarks such as the Town Hall Building, which houses the Shimla Municipal Corporation; the Christ Church, which is one of the oldest churches in North India; and the State Library, which has a collection of rare books and manuscripts1. I had a wonderful time at Mall Road and I would highly recommend it to anyone who visits Shimla. It is a place where you can experience the history, culture, cuisine, and beauty of Shimla in one go. It is one of the most iconic places in Shimla and a must-see for...