Weather and Climate of Shimla

Summer in Shimla ranges from April to June, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 28°C and a minimum of 15°C. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. Winter here lasts from November to February, with temperatures rising to a maximum of 8°C and a low of 0°C or even low.
Winters are cold due to the chilly winds from the upper Himalayas. Heavy woolens are recommended for this season. Around Christmas, Shimla experiences snowfall. The best time to visit is between April to mid-July and mid-September to the end of October, which is the peak season. Avoid the monsoon months, from mid-July to mid-September, when the roads get slick and the highway slippery. Shimla receives an average annual rainfall of 166 cms.

Geography of Shimla(Then and Now)

Shimla is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Shivalik ranges are to the far south, the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges cut through it; the Himalayas fall to the north east of Shimla. Sub-tropical forests, maize fields and orchards give way to pine, cedar and snow as you move to the higher slopes.








Cars and taxis are not allowed on the upper slopes. They stop at Cart Road, which is the main thoroughfare in Shimla. Buses and taxis stop here. The Mall runs east-west and ends at Scandal Point. The Ridge Road joins Scandal Point to Christ Church. The central shopping area of the Mall has a promenade packed with clubs, restaurants and bars. From the top of Scandal Point you can get good views of the town and Christ Church.

Geography of Shimla

Shimla is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Shivalik ranges are to the far south, the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges cut through it; the Himalayas fall to the north east of Shimla. Sub-tropical forests, maize fields and orchards give way to pine, cedar and snow as you move to the higher slopes. Cars and taxis are not allowed on the upper slopes. They stop at Cart Road, which is the main thoroughfare in Shimla. Buses and taxis stop here. The Mall runs east-west and ends at Scandal Point. The Ridge Road joins Scandal Point to Christ Church. The central shopping area of the Mall has a promenade packed with clubs, restaurants and bars. From the top of Scandal Point you can get good views of the town and Christ Church.

Cultures and languaages of Shimla

Shimla has a multilingual, cosmopolitan character. People speak and understand both Hindi and English. Punjabi and Pahari languages are also spoken and understood in and around Shimla.

Himachali art and crafts are truly fascinating; it is incredible how ancient practices and traditions have continued since time immemorial. The history of India is a story of unbroken traditions that have continued for over 5000 years. For centuries, Indian handicrafts have been distinguished for their aesthetic and functional value.

India is a land abundant in raw materials that have lent themselves to the creative hands of the Indian craftsmen. From expensive materials like ivory, gems and marble; to cheaper ones like clay, cane and bamboo and wood, Indian handicrafts have an amazingly captivating beauty. Another thrilling factor is the numerous processes that these materials go through before they take final shape. Processes like the 'chikan' work and 'phulkari and bagh' work on cloth; certain types of polishing and metal casting or even the filigree work on metals is unique to Indian art.

History of Shimla

Shimla came into existence in 1819, after the Gurkha War, when a thickly wooded spot, then known for the temple of goddess `Shyamala' was discovered by the British. Its climate commanded itself to British officers on leave and remained a summer village of tents for about three years. It was only in the year 1822 that Captain Kennedy constructed the first double storey building here known as the Kennedy House. Lord Amherst, the first Governor General who visited Shimla, in 1827 stayed at the Kennedy House. It was during Lord William Bentinck's time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The old Dak Bungalow of Shimla was demolished to provide a site for the Bentinck Castle, which is today the famous Grand Hotel. Soon Shimla became the summer capital of the British Indian Government. Lord Bentinck's successor Lord Auckland, chose a residence on the northern eastern spur of the Shimla range which was known as the Auckland House. The Auckland House, one of the oldest houses of Shimla, was a scenario of brilliant balls and theatricals.

The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. The summer exodus of the officials from the plains, however, ended after 1947. Shimla continued to serve as a temporary capital of the east Punjab until the new city of Chandigarh was completed. It has remained the capital of Himachal Pradesh ever since 1966