Last Updated on September 26, 2026 by Sleepless
Updated September 2026: Scroll to the end for 2026 toy train fares, how to get to Shimla, approximate hotel and café prices, and the best time to visit.
This Shimla travel blog covers my 4-day trip: where I stayed, the cafés I loved, the day trips and practical 2026 prices. A few months ago I wanted a break and I thought of going to Shimla to escape the heat and dust of Delhi NCR. While Shimla is not what it once used to be and it’s true that unrestricted construction has changed the face of the place, I still think it has its charm.
You can read about my visit to the Hatu Peak and Tani Jubbar Lake here .
I wanted to stay on the Mall road so I decided to splurge this time and chose the Oberoi Cecil. It was this property from where Vicky Oberoi, the founder of the Oberoi Group of hotels started his business journey.
Perched majestically on the slopes of Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil stands as a testament to colonial grandeur and timeless luxury. Built in 1884, this heritage hotel has welcomed royalty, viceroys, and discerning travelers for over a century, offering them an experience where Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication.
With its Tudor-style architecture, meticulously manicured gardens, and sweeping views of the Himalayas, The Oberoi Cecil isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a experience. This iconic property captures the essence of old-world charm while delivering impeccable Oberoi service that defines luxury hospitality in the Queen of Hills. The service during our 3 day stay was absolutely impeccable and faultless and the food in its restaurants were some of the best I have eaten.
Here is a video about some of the places we visited.
Some of the nice places in Shimla we visited were:
Jakhu Temple & Ropeway.
Perched at 8,054 feet atop Jakhu Hill, Jakhu Temple is Shimla’s highest and most revered spiritual landmark. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this ancient temple draws devotees and travelers alike with its towering 108-foot statue of the monkey god—visible from nearly every corner of the city. The journey to the temple, whether by the scenic Jakhu Ropeway or a steep forest trek through dense deodar trees, rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges and the town below.
Legend has it that Hanuman rested here while searching for the Sanjeevani herb, making this spot not just a vantage point but a place steeped in mythology. Be prepared for playful monkeys who consider this hilltop their domain, adding a touch of adventure to your spiritual visit. My daughter’s glasses were snatched by a small monkey and he/she broke it even before we could think of getting it back from him.
Cafe Shimla Times.
Tucked away on Mall Road, Cafe Shimla Times is more than just a cafe—it’s a cultural hub where locals and travelers converge over great food, live music, and stunning mountain views. This cozy, rustic-chic spot captures the bohemian spirit of Shimla with its warm wooden interiors, vintage decor, and an inviting terrace that overlooks the valley. Known for its eclectic menu featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas to local Himachali flavors, the cafe has earned a loyal following among those seeking authentic experiences beyond typical tourist haunts.
Regular live music evenings transform the space into an intimate performance venue, where acoustic melodies blend with mountain breezes. Whether you’re stopping by for morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, or an evening of soulful tunes, Cafe Shimla Times offers a slice of local life with a side of Himalayan charm.
Incidentally, this cafe is situated in Hotel Willow Banks where a the very popular hindi movie Jab We Met was partially shot.
Peterhof
Nestled within the heritage Peterhof Hotel on Mall Road, the Peterhof Restaurant is a culinary gem that combines colonial charm with exceptional dining. This intimate restaurant, with its warm wooden interiors, vintage decor, and crackling fireplace, creates the perfect ambiance for a memorable meal in the mountains. The menu showcases a delightful mix of Continental classics, Indian favorites, and local Himachali specialties, all prepared with fresh ingredients and attention to detail.
Savor a hearty breakfast before exploring Shimla, enjoy a leisurely lunch with valley views, or indulge in a candlelit dinner as the mountain air turns crisp, Peterhof Restaurant delivers an experience steeped in heritage and hospitality. The attentive service and cozy atmosphere make it a favorite among both hotel guests and locals seeking a refined dining experience in the Queen of Hills.
Cafe 1873
Perched elegantly on Shimla’s iconic Mall Road, Cafe 1873 is where colonial heritage meets contemporary café culture. Named after the year Shimla became the summer capital of British India, this stylish establishment pays homage to the town’s rich history while serving up modern culinary delights. With its prime location offering sweeping views of the valley and mountains, large windows that frame the Himalayan landscape, and a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance, Cafe 1873 has become a favorite haunt for both tourists and locals.
The menu features an impressive selection of freshly brewed coffees, artisanal teas, delectable pastries, and a range of international and Indian dishes that cater to every palate. Whether you’re settling in for a lazy afternoon with a book, catching up with friends over coffee, or simply watching the world go by on Mall Road, Cafe 1873 offers the perfect blend of comfort, cuisine, and captivating views that make every visit memorable.
Here are some of the pics I took during that trip, do let me know what you think in the comments below.
Where to stay in Shimla
If you are planning your own Shimla trip, these five researched options give you a useful spread from landmark luxury to quieter hillside stays. The prices below are rough planning ranges for a double room per night and can change sharply with season, weekends, taxes and inclusions.
Luxury stays
- Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla — a forested Mashobra retreat for grand views, polished service and a special-occasion stay. Roughly ₹35,000–₹60,000+ per room/night.
- Chapslee — an intimate heritage homestay with period interiors and a personal atmosphere. Roughly ₹20,000–₹35,000+ per room/night.
- WelcomHeritage Elysium Resort & Spa — a comfortable modern base near the city with spa facilities and family-friendly rooms. Roughly ₹10,000–₹18,000 per room/night.
- Radisson Hotel Jass Shimla — a practical full-service choice with central access, valley views and dependable conveniences. Roughly ₹9,000–₹16,000 per room/night.
- Radisson Kufri Shimla — a quieter option outside the crowded core, useful for mountain air and easy access to Kufri. Roughly ₹10,000–₹20,000 per room/night.
Five more budget-to-midrange stays
For travellers watching the room budget, these five additional properties are worth comparing. The ranges are approximate per room per night for two people; season, room type, taxes and breakfast can change the final quote.
- Snow Valley Resorts Shimla — a drive-in hillside resort at Ghora Chowki with a terrace, family rooms and published standard-room tariffs around ₹5,800–₹8,900.
- Hotel Surya Shimla — near Victory Tunnel and Mall Road, with mountain views, rooftop dining and practical family suites. Plan roughly ₹6,000–₹10,000.
- Hotel Silverine — a three-star-equivalent property below the Mall with parking, valley-facing rooms and an in-house restaurant. Plan roughly ₹6,000–₹10,000.
- Hotel Hilltop — a straightforward budget base close to the Mall, railway station and bus stand; its published room prices start around ₹1,350 for standard rooms and ₹1,950 for deluxe rooms.
- Hotel Pineview — a long-running budget hotel about a ten-minute walk from the Mall, with parking and a vegetarian restaurant. Plan roughly ₹3,000–₹6,000.
Confirm the live tariff, taxes, breakfast plan, cancellation policy and access arrangements directly with each property before booking.
Where to eat in Shimla
These five additions cover Himachali food, café time, an old Shimla institution and a polished hotel dining room. Allow roughly ₹600–₹1,500 per person at the first four and ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person at Café Valley Vue; check current menus and opening hours before setting out.
- Himachali Rasoi — choose this for local dishes such as siddu, madra and rajma, with a homestyle feel. Typical spend: about ₹600–₹1,000 per person.
- Wake & Bake Cafe — a good all-day stop for coffee, pancakes, baked treats and a relaxed Mall Road break. Typical spend: about ₹700–₹1,400 per person.
- The Devicos Restaurant & Bar — a lively central choice for North Indian and international comfort food, drinks and evening atmosphere. Typical spend: about ₹900–₹1,800 per person.
- Goofa Ashiana — an old Shimla favourite for Himachali and North Indian dishes in a distinctive cave-like setting. Typical spend: about ₹600–₹1,200 per person.
- Café Valley Vue at Radisson Jass Shimla — a polished hotel dining room with a broader menu, comfortable seating and valley views. Typical spend: about ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person.
Rates are indicative research ranges rather than live quotes. Confirm current availability, taxes, cancellation terms, menus and opening hours directly with each property before booking or visiting.
Seven places to visit within three hours of Shimla
Shimla also works well as a base for short drives into the surrounding hills. Drive times are approximate in normal conditions; weekend traffic, weather and roadworks can make these journeys longer. Check local conditions before setting out.
- Kufri (about 45 minutes) — the easiest mountain escape from Shimla, with the Himalayan Nature Park, forest walks, seasonal snow and views from the ridge.
- Mashobra (about 45 minutes) — a quieter deodar-and-apple landscape for slow walks, the Presidential retreat area and peaceful cafés.
- Naldehra (about 1 hour) — visit the famous 18-hole golf course, then follow the forest paths through tall deodars for a scenic half-day.
- Chail (about 2 hours) — a relaxed former summer retreat with the Chail Palace, forest roads and the atmospheric Kali Tibba viewpoint nearby.
- Fagu (about 1 hour 15 minutes) — a high, quiet hamlet with orchard country, wide Himalayan views and a good stop on a Kufri–Theog drive.
- Narkanda and Hatu Peak (about 2½–3 hours to Narkanda) — combine the old apple belt with the forested climb to Hatu Mata Temple and expansive Sutlej Valley views. Allow a full day if you go up to the peak.
- Tattapani (about 2½–3 hours) — head down toward the Sutlej for hot-water springs, riverside scenery and seasonal rafting or boating. Start early and check river and road conditions.
These timings are planning estimates from central Shimla, not guaranteed journey times.
Shimla Travel Blog Tips: Prices and Practical Info – September 2026
Here are current approximate prices (September 2026) and tips to go with the stays, cafés and day trips above. Rates in Shimla swing a lot between peak season (May, June and Christmas to New Year) and the off-season.
Getting There
- Kalka–Shimla toy train (a UNESCO World Heritage railway): About 5–6 hours through 100+ tunnels. Fares range from about ₹65 (second class) to ₹320–510 (Rail Motor Car and Shivalik Deluxe) and about ₹630 for the Vistadome glass-roof coach. Book early for the Vistadome.
- By road from Delhi: About 350 km (7–9 hours). A taxi one way costs roughly ₹7,000–10,000, and Volvo buses about ₹1,000–1,800.
- By air: Shimla’s small airport has very few flights. Most people fly to Chandigarh (about 3 hours’ drive away).
Approx. Costs
- The Oberoi Cecil (where I stayed on the Mall): About ₹15,000–25,000+ a night. Wildflower Hall (Mashobra): About ₹13,000–40,000. The budget and mid-range stays listed above cost ₹1,350–10,000.
- Cafés on the Mall (Cafe Shimla Times and similar): About ₹800–1,500 for two. Cafe 1873 at the Cecil: About ₹1,500–3,000 for two. Dhabas and local food (siddu, chana madra and more): About ₹150–400 per person.
- Jakhu Ropeway: A short, inexpensive ride. It’s much easier than the steep walk up, and watch your glasses and phones around the monkeys!
Best Time to Visit
March to June is pleasant for sightseeing, and October and November bring crisp, clear Himalayan views. For snow, go in late December to February, but expect traffic jams and road closures. The monsoon (July to September) brings landslide risk, so check road conditions.
I hope this Shimla travel blog helps you plan your own trip to the Queen of Hills. If you have questions, leave them in the comments below.
