History
Shimla was developed by the British in 1819 after the Gurkha War. At that time it was known for the temple of Hindu Goddess Shyamala Devi. The Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy built the first British summer home in the town in 1822.also known as Simla.Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples .
It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west.
The important hills are Jakhu(8050 ft), Prospect Hill (7140 ft), Observatory Hill ( 7050 ft), Elysium Hill (7400 ft), and Summer Hill (6900 ft).
The construction of Hindustan Tibet road was started in 1850-51 commencing from Kalka and first lap was upto Shimla. The Road upto Shimla came to be used for wheeled traffic by 1860. A 560 feet long tunnel was constructed beyond Sanjauli.
In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.
| Humidity (at Hqr.) | 89%(Max.) 51%(Min.) |
| Rainfall | 1252.6 mm ( Average) |
| Temperature | 33.3ºC(Max.) -3.1ºC (Min.) |
Distances
| Nearest Railway Station | Shimla (1 Km from Mall Road Shimla ) |
| Nearest Airport | Jubbarhatti Airport (14 Kms from Bus Stand Shimla.) |
Best Season Shimla can be visited throughout the year, as each season has its charm. The snowfall during the winters attract many tourists and accommodation can prove to be difficult. In the summers one can escape from the scorching heats of the plains and can enjoy the cool breeze at Shimla and in its vicinity. In summer, Shimla has the attraction of excellent walks and treks against the backdrop of the scenic beauty of wooded ravines, flowers and pines. Mall of Shimla becomes alive once again with tourists strolling and shops tastefully decorated and various exhibitions, craft fair etc. organised at locations on the mall.
In winters, it is home to winter-sports and an ice-skating carnival. Today, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a favorite for filmmakers who wish to incorporate its scenic romanticism in their movies. Shimla is a stark example of the diversity that India offers to tourists.
Best Time To Visit April To August & December To JanuaryShopping
The best shopping area in Shimla are The Mall, Lower Bazaar , Tibetan Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar. There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood, and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, Wooden articles and Toys, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickles, jams and squashes. The Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its Wooden Crafts and Articles can be purchased from this area. There are many Emporium's and Showrooms on the Mall from where one can buy Himachali Shawls, Pahari Cap, Pullovers handicrafts and toys etc. The day today items can be purchased from the shops in the lower bazaar. The Tibetan Market is famous for imported goods mainly electronics goods and fancy items.
Prime Attractions
Himachal State Museum & Library : The museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays.
It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state as well as outside it. It has also got a library, which houses many historical books and manuscripts. Visiting hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM and it is closed on Monday and gazetted holidays.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens : On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas".
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens : On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas".
This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six-story building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been
converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum.
converted into Institute of Advanced Study and is further 2-km from State Museum.
Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies : Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge, it was built in 1888. The style of architecture is English Renaissance, the masonry of the walling is light blue limestone and the wrought stonework is done in sandstone in a beautiful light gray tint. It has magnificent lawns. The entry in the institute is by ticket and only on Sundays the grounds are open for the public.
Shimla's landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.
The Mall : Most of Shimla's landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the ‘Scandal Point' of Kipling's Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected.
This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. This is especially pleasant in the evenings when the views and lights are wonderful. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood-crafts and souvenirs.
Prospect Hill : Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi 15-minutes walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road.
The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area.
Summer Hill : At an altitude of 1,283m, 1 KM from boilaeuganj.Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings.
The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shimla lived in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here. HP University is also situated over here.
Potter Hill : Situated at a distance of 1 Km from Summer Hill is very beautiful Picnic spot with all the natural beauty. Ecological Park is situated here
Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters.It is a secluded picnic spot.
Glenn : Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters.It is a secluded picnic spot.
Annandale : Beyond the Glen is Annandale, another picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playgrounds of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the Britishers.Surrounded by deodar trees, this glade has an ancient temple on the edge.
Elysium Hill : On the road leading through Lakkar Bazaar, houses the famous Auckland House, the former residence of Viceroy Lord Auckland. It is a well-known girls’ school now. Nearby is the Stirling Castle, now an orphanage for the Tibetan children and a center for the Tibetan exiles who have settled locally.
Recreation : Shimla has three cinema halls, near to Mall and Hindi movies are played mostly. One can visit the Roller Skating hall on the left side of the Lakkar Bazaar (open for all) and can do roller skating on melodious music. Mall has few Billiard Rooms. There are shops offering variety of Video Games. In the Tourist Season various entertainment programs are organised such as Summer Festival in June, Ice skating in Dec-Jan and Winter Carnival. Most of the time one or the other exhibition or craft fare is held around mall area.
Religious Places
Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral : Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla.
The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows . You can discreetly have a look inside the church, or attend English-language services every Sunday during the tourist season . The town's other important churches are St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall
The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows . You can discreetly have a look inside the church, or attend English-language services every Sunday during the tourist season . The town's other important churches are St. Michael's Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is just off the Mall
Jakhu Temple : Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level near the highest point of Shimla ridge.
It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple.. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.
It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple.. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.
Sankat Mochan : On Shimla-Kalka road at a distance of around 5 KMs is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple.
Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Temple has beautiful campus and Langar is held every Sunday.
Tara Devi : On Shimla-Kalka road this holy place is accessible by rail, bus and car (11-km). From the station / road - one can visit the temple on foot around 5 km walk among dense forests.
Temple is accessible through motorable road also and its around 20 KMs journey from the town. Situated on top of a hill that faces Shimla, the temple offers panoramic views of Shimla town and surrounding hills. A thick forest of oak and rhododendron surrounds it. It is famous picnic spot.
Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Temple has beautiful campus and Langar is held every Sunday.
Tara Devi : On Shimla-Kalka road this holy place is accessible by rail, bus and car (11-km). From the station / road - one can visit the temple on foot around 5 km walk among dense forests.
Temple is accessible through motorable road also and its around 20 KMs journey from the town. Situated on top of a hill that faces Shimla, the temple offers panoramic views of Shimla town and surrounding hills. A thick forest of oak and rhododendron surrounds it. It is famous picnic spot.
Kali Bari :
The temple is situated near to The Mall and its 5 minutes walk from The Mall.The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Temple faces heavy rush during Diwali and Durga Puja as many Bengalis visit this temple.
The temple is situated near to The Mall and its 5 minutes walk from The Mall.The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Temple faces heavy rush during Diwali and Durga Puja as many Bengalis visit this temple.
Sites Nearby
Rampur (80KM) : On the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples.
In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir Buddhist Temple,
Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.
In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir Buddhist Temple,
Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.
Wild Flower Hall (13KM) :
On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, 13 km from Shimla, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. A major fire damaged it in 1993. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era.
On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, 13 km from Shimla, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. A major fire damaged it in 1993. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era.
Mashobra (10KM) :
Situated on Shimla-Naldehra road at a height of 2149 mt. . A place of unique beauty, Mashobra is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks and the pines. Featuring beautiful gardens spattered with the daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines, it is a popular weekend resort, dotted with delightful villas and innumerable picnic spots. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing From here, a track leads down to Sipur, which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. A fair is held here every April/May. About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano.
Situated on Shimla-Naldehra road at a height of 2149 mt. . A place of unique beauty, Mashobra is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks and the pines. Featuring beautiful gardens spattered with the daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines, it is a popular weekend resort, dotted with delightful villas and innumerable picnic spots. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing From here, a track leads down to Sipur, which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. A fair is held here every April/May. About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano.
Kufri (16KM) :
Kufri, at distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region.
Kufri, at distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region.
Narkanda (64KM) :
Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.
Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.
Fagu (22KM) :
Fagu Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
Fagu Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.
Chail (43KM) : Chail is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala)
The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. As per legend, this is where goddess Shakti destroyed the mythical demon king, Bhasmasur. It is a highly revered place of pilgrimage. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of delicious fruits.
Tattapani :
51 km from Shimla, is a spot well known for hot sulfurous springs. Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) is also worth visiting. One can enjoy fishing.
Naldehra :
Naldehra, at an altitude of 2050 m and 23 km from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani road, houses the oldest and the highest golf course in India. In the middle of the course is a temple, Mahunag Mandir. It was a favorite pastime spot of Lord Curzon.
Naldehra, at an altitude of 2050 m and 23 km from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani road, houses the oldest and the highest golf course in India. In the middle of the course is a temple, Mahunag Mandir. It was a favorite pastime spot of Lord Curzon.
Kotgarh : Kotgarh It lies 82 kms from Shimla and is the apple heartland of Himachal. It was here that Satyanand Stokes, an American missionary, first sowed the apple seed brought from back home and pioneered the apple cultivation revolution in Himachal. Today Kotgarh continues to be one of the most intensive apple growing areas in the country with acres of orchards lining the slopes of this untouched dreamland. .The beautiful house with all modern amenities that one can
think of takes one by surprise. Situated in the midst of countless acres of rolling orchards, The River View Cottage offers twin bedded luxury accommodation in the lap of solitude. The view of the Sutlej River during the day and the enchanting lights of this beautiful valley at night are a photographer's delight.The house also has a library to offer where one can read the Stokes family history, it being closely associated with the history of Himachal itself. In the evening one can explore Mr. Singha's impressive wine collection and savour some interesting apple wines too ! The meals offered also include tasting some unique Pahari cuisine specially prepared under Mrs. Singha's expertise. If the explorer's instinct overtakes you, there are various options of fascinating one-day excursions and soft-treks around Kotgarh.
think of takes one by surprise. Situated in the midst of countless acres of rolling orchards, The River View Cottage offers twin bedded luxury accommodation in the lap of solitude. The view of the Sutlej River during the day and the enchanting lights of this beautiful valley at night are a photographer's delight.The house also has a library to offer where one can read the Stokes family history, it being closely associated with the history of Himachal itself. In the evening one can explore Mr. Singha's impressive wine collection and savour some interesting apple wines too ! The meals offered also include tasting some unique Pahari cuisine specially prepared under Mrs. Singha's expertise. If the explorer's instinct overtakes you, there are various options of fascinating one-day excursions and soft-treks around Kotgarh.
KOTI (104 Km) 1400 m: Motorable on Shimla-Rohru highway. Famous for ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on the right bank of the Pabber river. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber here.
Adventure & Trekking
There are very few places in the world as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh with its geographical diversity. Shimla is situated in the Shivalik range of Himalayas with combination of low lying hills to gigantic mountains. Shimla district is full of thickly populated pine trees and small rivulets, rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum. And the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities is enormous. There are day-hikes by the thousand, and trek routes follow trails that last couple of days or can even extend over few weeks. These vary from gentle walks over easy terrain, to grueling expeditions. There is skiing, heliskiing and ice-skating. there is the thrill of paragliding and the test of stamina with mountain-cycling. You can go camping and fishing and play golf or take a safari by car, jeep or on motorcycle. All you have to do is make up your mind and select your own activity. No special training is required for most things, age is no consideration and all you need is reasonable level of fitness. Equipment, training and instructors are available. And then, all this comes at a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere in the world.
Trekking Routes :
Shimla to Kullu over the Jalori Pass (3300 m)
Shimla to Kullu via Bashleo Pass (3250 m)
Shimla- Rohroo- Sangla
Sarahan to Sangla.
Shimla to Hatupeak
Shimla to the Shalipeak,
Shimla to Churdhar
Shimla to Chail,
Shimla to Junga
Shimla to Tattapani
Fishing :
Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both Brown and Rainbow Trout are found in the Upstreams of Pabbar river in Rohru, 110Kms from Shimla. There are several spots ideal for fishing. Chirgaon has a trout hatchery and other sites are - Seema, Mandil, Sandsu, Tikri and Dhamvari all are within 5 to 25 km of Rohru .. Mahseer Fishing is available at Tattapani 46 km from Shimla. The licenses for fishing at Pabbar can be had from the Officer of Fisheries stationed at Chirgaon.
No fishing is allowed during the following seasons:
Mahseer : 1st June to 31st July (General water)
Trout water :1st November to 31 January.
Trout water :1st November to 31 January.
Skiing :
Skiing is possible at Narkanda and Kufri (January–mid-March). HPTDC organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkanda. One can get himself registered with the HPTDC for the course and all the facilities of equipment, lodging and boarding are provided.
Skiing is possible at Narkanda and Kufri (January–mid-March). HPTDC organises ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkanda. One can get himself registered with the HPTDC for the course and all the facilities of equipment, lodging and boarding are provided.
Golf :
At Naldera, 23 km. from beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, at the turn of the centuary. He was so enchanted by the spot that he named one of his daughters 'Naldera' after the spot. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage some - what increases. The links are maintained by Himachal Tourism and accommodation is available at Hotel Golf Glade. There are other hotels in the private sector near Naldera.
Ice Skating :
The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening depending upon the frozen ice on the ground . The hanging balloon on the Municipal Building adjacent to scandal point works as signal , wheather the skating is going to held on that day or not.
Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at the rink.
Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances enliven every season.
Camping :
The best way of enjoying a tour to Himachal Pradesh is setting up a camp to explore the vast beauty of nature. you can put up your own tent or take shelter under the roof offered by any of several camps that are situated in various parts of Himachal Pradesh. These camps offer accommodation, catering and lot of other activities.Most of these camps offer best quality services. Himachal Tourism has camps in Distt. Shimla at Mashobra and Baldian near Shimla.
most Attraction
On July 2nd 2008 UNESCO’s world heritage committee has decided to add Kalka–Shimla Railway to world heritage list & in a function at Kalka on 9th Nov 2008 this railway line was officially declared by UNESCO as world heritage site.
Each train can take 210 passengers and in a day around 1000 passengers mostly tourist use this train to visit Shimla. The ticket in the trains varies from Rs 19 to Rs 280-/ . There are deluxe , honeymoon , chair car , rail car compartments in the trains.
The train route passes through beautiful valley and hills and it almost moves in up word direction (climbing) through out its journey ending at Shimla the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Most of the time during the journey from Kalka to Shimla the valley falls in right side of the train.
The best train in this line is Shivalik Deluxe Express which starts in the early morning from Kalka. You can reach Kalka in the morning by traveling in different trains if you don't want to stay for a night at Kalka.
Shivalik experess is connecting train for the Howrah ( Kolkata ) to Kalka Mail which reaches Kalka station at 04.45 AM. This train passes through Delhi ( old Delhi ) railway station, so this is the convenient train to reach Kalka from Delhi to catch Shivalik express. This train starts from Delhi station for Kalka at 22.00 hours but its arrival time at Delhi is 20.40 hours. During its more than an hour stay at Delhi station the train is cleaned and prepared for its next phase of journey to Kalka.
The coaches are equipped with reversible cushioned chairs, foldable table for serving food, wall-to-wall carpeting and wide glass windows. Windows can be opened. Toilet is there in each compartment. The train starts climbing the hill within five minutes of starting the journey. With a speed of not more than 25 Km / hour the train will take you to Shimla the summer capital of erstwhile British India.
Shivalik express does not have any official stops between the journey, only it stopped at BAROG where food packets were loaded to the train. All attendants loaded there food packs based on the number of passengers traveling in the compartment. If you need you can book extra breakfast before the Barog station on payment. The attendant will take a note before loading the food packs if you are a vegetarian. The breakfast is complementary in the up journey ( to Shimla ) and dinner is included in your ticket in down ( to Kalka ) journey.
Train Gauge - Narrow (762mm)
Track Length - Over 96 Km
Project Launched in - 1901
Project Completed in - 1903 Train Service Commenced - November 9, 1903
Bridges - Over 800
Longest Bridge - Near Dharampur (70 m)
Tunnels - 103 (1 not in service)
Longest Tunnel - Barog (1.1 Km) Maximum Height - above 2000 m above sea level
Curves - 900 (70% track is in curves)
Train - After 1965, hauled by Diesel Engine
Maximum Number of Coaches - Seven
Services - seven coach train and rail car
Heritage Sites - Four on last count Now in UNESCO world Heritage List
some videos by yogeshsarkar
most Attraction
Toy train :
The train route passes through beautiful valley and hills and it almost moves in up word direction (climbing) through out its journey ending at Shimla the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Most of the time during the journey from Kalka to Shimla the valley falls in right side of the train.
The best train in this line is Shivalik Deluxe Express which starts in the early morning from Kalka. You can reach Kalka in the morning by traveling in different trains if you don't want to stay for a night at Kalka.
Shivalik experess is connecting train for the Howrah ( Kolkata ) to Kalka Mail which reaches Kalka station at 04.45 AM. This train passes through Delhi ( old Delhi ) railway station, so this is the convenient train to reach Kalka from Delhi to catch Shivalik express. This train starts from Delhi station for Kalka at 22.00 hours but its arrival time at Delhi is 20.40 hours. During its more than an hour stay at Delhi station the train is cleaned and prepared for its next phase of journey to Kalka.
The coaches are equipped with reversible cushioned chairs, foldable table for serving food, wall-to-wall carpeting and wide glass windows. Windows can be opened. Toilet is there in each compartment. The train starts climbing the hill within five minutes of starting the journey. With a speed of not more than 25 Km / hour the train will take you to Shimla the summer capital of erstwhile British India.
Shivalik express does not have any official stops between the journey, only it stopped at BAROG where food packets were loaded to the train. All attendants loaded there food packs based on the number of passengers traveling in the compartment. If you need you can book extra breakfast before the Barog station on payment. The attendant will take a note before loading the food packs if you are a vegetarian. The breakfast is complementary in the up journey ( to Shimla ) and dinner is included in your ticket in down ( to Kalka ) journey.
Train Gauge - Narrow (762mm)
Track Length - Over 96 Km
Project Launched in - 1901
Project Completed in - 1903 Train Service Commenced - November 9, 1903
Bridges - Over 800
Longest Bridge - Near Dharampur (70 m)
Tunnels - 103 (1 not in service)
Longest Tunnel - Barog (1.1 Km) Maximum Height - above 2000 m above sea level
Curves - 900 (70% track is in curves)
Train - After 1965, hauled by Diesel Engine
Maximum Number of Coaches - Seven
Services - seven coach train and rail car
Heritage Sites - Four on last count Now in UNESCO world Heritage List
| From KALKA (Station Code KLK) To SHIMLA (Station Code SML) | |||||
| Train No | Train Name | Dep Time | Arr Time | Type of Seat | Remark |
| 101 | Rail Motor | 5.10 | 9.35 | FC - First Class | Temporary Train |
| 1KS | KLK SML Pass | 4.00 | 9.15 | FC - First Class | Regular Train |
| 241 | Shivalk Dlx Exp | 5.30 | 10.15 | CC - Chair Car | Regular Train |
| 251 | KLKA SIMLA Exp | 6.00 | 11.00 | FC - First Class 2S-Second Sitting | Regular Train |
| 241 | Shivalk Dlx Exp | 5.30 | 10.15 | CC - Chair Car | Regular Train |
| 255 | HIMALYAN QUEEN | 12.10 | 17.20 | CC - Chair Car | Regular Train |
some videos by yogeshsarkar
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