White Weekend: Here's Our 2-Day Shimla Itinerary For A Magical Winter Holiday

Shimla has made headlines this week after reports of snowfall this Sunday, bringing joy to travellers. Not only did Shimla receive snow, but other picturesque tourist spots in the region, such as Kufri and Narkanda, were also blanketed in white. Many locals have noted that this is the first time since the 1990s that Shimla has experienced snowfall in early December. If you're planning a magical winter wonderland holiday, check out our two-day itinerary for Shimla. And make a point to ride the heritage Kalka-Shimla railway, one of the most picturesque train journeys in the country.DAY 1MorningStart your day with breakfast and filter coffee at the Indian Coffee House on Mall Road, where you can experience Shimla's history and culture. It has long been a gathering place for intellectuals, students, and locals, preserving the tradition of coffee and conversation. Established in 1957, this coffee house has a retro government office aesthetic and has welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including India's first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. You can sit inside and enjoy a view of the rolling hills while sipping your coffee. The old leather seats and blackboard contribute to the vintage ambience where locals gather over a newspaper and coffee to discuss the day's events. After breakfast, head to Mall Road, where the vibrant atmosphere is filled with charming shops, eateries, and captivating colonial-era architecture. Look out for the red, green, and grey Telegraph Building. A Telegraph Office stood here from 1886 to 1922, and it now houses the BSNL office. Thanks to the ban on motor vehicles, the Shimla Mall stands out as one of the longest open-air pedestrian promenades in the country, inviting you to indulge in a leisurely experience of dining, shopping, and strolling. The walkable section spans about 3 km from The Ridge to the Viceregal Lodge, while the entire Mall stretches an impressive 6 km from Chhota Shimla, a quaint suburb, to the Viceregal Lodge. Take a leisurely stroll along The Ridge, an ample open space in the heart of Shimla that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Before the English moved their administrative centre to Shimla, The Ridge served as the small town's main housing and market district. This spot has witnessed significant historical events, including a mass gathering addressed by Mahatma Gandhi in 1931. To honour this history, many statues have been erected in the area. The section of The Mall extending from The Ridge to Viceregal Lodge is the heart of Shimla's "Heritage Zone." Here, children can delight in horse rides and delicious ice cream while adults can relax at inviting bars and restaurants. AfternoonDiscover the beauty of Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, after St. John's Church in Meerut. This stunning structure, in operation since 1857, boasts cream-coloured spires that grace the skyline for miles as you approach Shimla. Don’t miss the enchanting Sunday morning service, where you can enjoy the uplifting music from the church choir and the historic organ. Just a short walk away, you'll find the quaint red-roofed stone building of the State Library, established in 1860, adding to the area’s charm. Also, take a moment to visit the iconic Bandstand, built in 1907.You can continue the colonial-era architecture trail with a visit to the Viceregal Lodge. Once the official residence of the British Viceroy of India, this building now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The Viceregal Lodge, designed by the talented British architect Henry Irwin, epitomises the English Renaissance architectural style reminiscent of the grand castles found in the Scottish Highlands. Inside, you'll be mesmerised by the intricate woodwork. The site's historical significance is profound—important discussions about India's partition took place within these very walls. Join a guided tour to fully appreciate its stunning design, beautifully landscaped gardens, and rich historical context.EveningExplore Lakkar Bazaar to pick up gifts and souvenirs. This vibrant market showcases a wide range of Himachali handicrafts, woollen garments, shawls, and jewellery. Make sure to sample the local snacks and sweets offered by various vendors. While at Lakkar Bazaar, don't miss Sita Ram and Sons. This iconic spot has been serving authentic North Indian street food for decades, attracting locals and tourists. You can also visit other popular places such as Nagsons Paitpooja, Himchi Bar and Restaurant, Woodstreet Cafe, for an evening snack or dinner.DAY 2MorningStart your morning with a trek to Jakhoo Hill, the tallest hill in Shimla, rising to 7,500 feet. At its summit, you'll find the famous Jakhoo Hanuman Temple and a gigantic statue of the deity. Alternatively, you can take the ropeway to reach the hilltop. Several viewing points and benches provide stunning views of both the sunrise and sunset. Behind Jakhoo Hill, Elysium Hill offers expansive views of Shimla below. Lord Auckland chose Elysium Hill for his residence, Auckland House, which now operates as a school.Next, have a hearty breakfast at Hide Out Cafe near the Fire Station on Mall Road. Try a cappuccino or honey tea, and some fluffy banana bread. Check here for other cafe options.You can also visit Gorton Castle, an example of beautiful and intricate Neo-Gothic architecture built in 1904. Surrounded by tall, dense Deodar trees, the scene looks like something straight out of a storybook. Today, the castle serves as the office of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh.AfternoonVisit the colonial-era Bantony Castle, just a few meters from Scandal Point on the city's iconic Mall Road. This charming wooden château looks like something out of an Enid Blyton novel. Built in the 19th century, the 19,000-square metre estate was once the summer palace of the Maharaja of Sirmaur. Named after Lord William Bentinck, the former Governor-General of India, this two-story monumental castle was designed by T.E.G. Cooper during the First World War. Today, it is a state-of-the-art digital museum showcasing various aspects of the state's history, traditions, and lifestyle.You could also spend your afternoon at Chadwick Falls, a serene location approximately 7 kilometres from the city centre. This hidden gem is positioned at an altitude of nearly 1,586 meters above sea level, just a few minutes away from Summer Hill. Nestled within tranquil woods, the waterfall is a must-visit attraction during your Shimla tour. Surrounded by dense forests, Chadwick Falls offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.Another site to explore is the Himachal State Museum on Mall Road. It boasts an impressive collection of 8th-century stone images, various paintings, a room dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, and a library with over 9,000 books. It’s a fantastic place to learn about the region's cultural and historical aspects.EveningReserve the last evening for some serious shopping in Shimla. The local markets in Shimla can spoil shopaholics with countless options. Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, and Ram Bazaar are some of the famous markets where you can find almost everything, from trendy clothing to handcrafted souvenirs. Check here for our guide to what to pick up and where. While in Shimla, be sure to explore bakeries for baked goods to take home.If you’re hungry after shopping, there are plenty of options. For a relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting Wake and Bake Cafe. This popular spot among young people is where you can easily spend hours without realising it. If you’re looking for traditional Himachali cuisine, head to Himachali Rasoi and try dishes like Sidu, Chana Madra, Dham, and various thalis.How to Reach ShimlaTo experience the charm of Shimla, you have various convenient travel options. The nearest airport, Jubbarhatti, is 23 km away. You can easily take a taxi or bus to reach the enchanting city upon arrival. Or try the airport at Chandigarh and drive down from there. If you prefer train travel, the nearest broad gauge station is Kalka, which connects you to major cities. Ride the scenic toy train from Kalka to Shimla—an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Manali, as Shimla is well-connected by highways.