Shimla Tour tour package.
Relive colonial charm in the summer capital
Why travellers book this route.
This package is designed for travellers looking for a smooth, well-planned route with comfortable stays, clear pricing and a travel team that understands the destination.
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About the Journey
Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj and the current capital of Himachal Pradesh, is affectionately called the 'Queen of Hills.' Set on a ridge surrounded by thick pine and deodar forests, this elegant city offers a charming blend of Victorian architecture, mountain beauty, and a cool climate. At an altitude of 2,205 meters, Shimla features the iconic pedestrian Mall Road, the historic Christ Church, and the grand Viceregal Lodge. A 6-day package from Kanpur combines the heritage walks of Shimla with the scenic snow valleys of Kufri, the pine trails of Mashobra, and a ride on the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
History & Heritage
Prior to the 19th century, Shimla was a small village known as Shyamala, named after a form of Goddess Kali. The British took control of the region after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16). In 1822, Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy built the first British residence here. The cool climate attracted British officers, and in 1864, Viceroy John Lawrence officially declared Shimla the summer capital of British India. The entire administration moved from Calcutta to Shimla every summer. The city witnessed major historical events, including the Simla Conference of 1945 and the Shimla Agreement of 1972. The Kalka-Shimla railway, built in 1903, remains a testimony to British engineering.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance
Shimla is a historic administrative and cultural hub. The Viceregal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study) is where partition maps of India were drawn, making it a key site in modern history. The town's colonial architecture, from the Tudor-bethan styles of the Town Hall to the neo-Gothic Christ Church, represents one of the best-preserved British-era landscapes in Asia. The surrounding Shivalik forests are part of the eco-sensitive Himalayan watershed.
Top Attractions & Landmarks
The Ridge & Mall Road
The pedestrian-only heart of Shimla, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial buildings. The Ridge offers panoramic mountain views and houses the iconic yellow-colored Christ Church (1857).
Viceregal Lodge (IIAS)
The spectacular Elizabethan-style stone palace that served as the residence of the British Viceroy. Surrounded by lush gardens, its teak-panelled interiors house historic photographs.
Kufri
Located 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is a scenic hill station famous for its snow parks, yak rides, and the panoramic views from Mahasu Peak. It is a popular spot for winter snow sports.
Jakhoo Temple
A hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated at Shimla's highest point (8,000 feet). It features a massive 108-foot Hanuman statue and is populated by local monkeys.
Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
Enjoy a scenic ride on the historic narrow-gauge train as it winds through lush valleys, pine forests, and over 100 tunnels. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
Mashobra
A quiet, forested village located 13 km from Shimla, covered with dense orchards and oak trees. It houses the President's Retreat and offers peaceful forest walks away from the city.
Naldehra Golf Course
One of the oldest and most scenic 9-hole golf courses in India, situated amidst tall deodar trees at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Designed by Lord Curzon in the early 1900s.
Chadwick Falls
A secluded waterfall located 7 km from Shimla, cascading down 86 meters inside a deep glen of pine and oak trees.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive Kanpur to Chandigarh
Depart from Kanpur early morning, drive to Chandigarh (approx 9 hours). Check into your hotel and rest. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
Scenic Drive to Shimla
Drive from Chandigarh to Shimla (3–4 hours), climbing through the Solan hills. Check into your heritage hotel. Evening walk on Mall Road and the Ridge. Overnight stay.
Shimla Heritage Walk & Jakhoo Peak
After breakfast, visit the Viceregal Lodge. Hike or take the ropeway to Jakhoo Temple on the peak. Explore Lakkar Bazaar and have dinner at a Mall Road cafe. Overnight stay.
Snow Valley Tour (Kufri)
Spend the day exploring Kufri, enjoy horse riding to Mahasu Peak, and visit the Himalayan Nature Park. Return to Shimla for a quiet evening. Overnight stay.
Mashobra Pine Trails & Naldehra
Drive to the pine-forested Mashobra for a morning walk. Visit the historic Naldehra Golf Course. Enjoy a scenic ride on the Toy Train in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
Return Drive to Kanpur
Depart from Shimla early morning. Drive back to Kanpur via Chandigarh/Delhi, arriving late at night with sweet memories of the hills.
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Festivals & Culture
The Shimla Summer Festival (June) is a grand 5-day cultural event featuring folk dances, music concerts, and exhibitions. The Ice Skating Carnival (December–January) at the open-air rink features ice skating pageants, dances, and sports.
Food & Cuisine
Shimla's food is hearty and warm. Try Siddu, Madra, and Chha Gosht (spiced lamb cooked in buttermilk). The Mall Road features classic heritage cafes serving excellent coffee, pastries, English breakfasts, and traditional hot soup-noodles.
Shopping Souvenirs
Shop for beautiful wooden toys, walking sticks, local woollen shawls, Kullu caps, fresh Himachali apples, pine wood handicrafts, and colorful handmade carpets from the Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge.
Weather & Climate
Shimla is pleasant during summer (April to June, 15–28°C) ideal for walks. Monsoon (July to September) brings mist and rain. Winters (October to February) are cold (0–15°C) with snowfall occurring around late December and January, transforming the colonial town into a white wonderland.
How to Reach from Kanpur
By road, Shimla is approximately 820 km from Kanpur (usually covered with a Chandigarh night stay). The Kalka-Shimla railway connects Shimla to Kalka. Shimla Airport (Jubarhatti) has limited flights; Chandigarh airport is the major hub. Rudra Tours handles all road transfers in comfortable AC cabs.
Accommodation Info
Options include luxury colonial heritage hotels (like Cecil - Oberoi and Woodville Palace), boutique resorts in Mashobra, and comfortable mid-range hotels near Mall Road. Early booking is recommended for summer weekends.
Essential Travel Tips
- •Carry woollens even in summer as mountain winds can make the evenings cold.
- •Shimla Mall Road is a vehicle-free zone; be prepared to walk or use the municipal elevators.
- •Jakhoo Temple monkeys are notoriously active; avoid carrying loose bags or wearing glasses.
- •Book Toy Train tickets weeks in advance as seats are highly sought after during holiday seasons.
- •Respect the mountain ecology; do not litter or use single-use plastics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common queries regarding routes, planning, and logistics for this tour.