Looking for some real European-style white Christmas and New Year? Then head to Shimla, the onetime summer capital of the country and one of the famous hill stations of North India.
Shimla sometimes pronounced as Simla is the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh and is situated at a height of 2000metres above sea level. It was the summer capital of India during the erstwhile British Raj and during the sultry Indian summers, the whole Government moved to the picturesque hills of Shimla. The British had developed this town significantly and their influence can be still seen in the numerous colonial structures strewn all around the city. The city can be reached from all the major cities of the country by roads, railways and airways. The nearest airport is at Jubbarhatti 12kms away and it caters to domestic flights only. The railway line from Kalka to Shimla is a scenic route and the train journey is highly recommended by travelers as a once in a lifetime journey. Shimla is nestled in the mighty Himalayas and therefore enjoys pleasant summers and cold winters. Though it is primarily a summer destination but the winter celebrations and new years in Shimla are rapidly gaining a popular reputation. The winters can be quite cold with snow fall and minus degree temperatures but that doesn”t deter revelers. Visitors can enjoy a white new years in Shimla complete with celebrations and snowfall. A much sought after destination in Shimla during winters is Kufri that is situated on the outskirts. Children can enjoy on the snow, join in a no holds barred snow fight or enjoy ice skating on Asia”s only natural ice skating rink. Couples can take a trip on horseback over the snow and enjoy the peace and quiet on a snow trail. You can go shopping on the Mall that is the main shopping street and you can look for handicrafts at Lakkar Bazar. The Tibetan Market is a good place to shop for good quality woolen garments and other items. After the day is done you can sit down and enjoy a cup of steaming hot tea at any of the cafes in the Mall.
Quality Hotels in Shimla
Hotel Shingar is among the best 2 star hotels in Shimla and is located near the Mall road. It enjoys a customer recommendation of 80% which means 8 out of 10 would love a second visit and that makes it one of the popular Shimla hotels. It offers well furnished rooms that have an attached bath room and running hot water. It also provides a multi cuisine restaurant, 24hr room service and a travel desk. The rooms cost Rs.2778.
Hotel Sangeet is one of the popular budget hotels in Shimla that enjoys wide recommendation among guests. Located near the Mall road, it has received a customer recommendation of 77% which means 8 out of 10 people would like to try out this place again. It provides well furnished and well equipped rooms that cost Rs.1000.