This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Shimla.
The hill station of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India (also known as Simla), the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is picture perfect as it abounds in natural beauty. The British were the first to "discover" this lovely hill station and immediately fell in love with it and made it their summer capital. When seen from the snow-clad Himalayan mountains, this little hill station -- which lies in between beautiful lakes and lush green pastures -- looks like an excerpt from the mind of a highly imaginative painter! What makes the hill station of Shimla unique is that it retains its Colonial charm and creates an ambiance that is found nowhere in India, no matter which part of the year you visit. The summers here are warm, with cool and pleasant evenings, while the winters are quite cold and the temperatures can go as low as zero degrees Celsius. Needless to say, then, hostels in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, cater to the different needs of travelers during both seasons.
Shimla is a photographer's paradise with great locations that make for picture-perfect shots. One of them is the Mall Road of Shimla, which is located at the heart of the town and is one of the busiest commercial places in the city. It was built by the British during their Colonial rule in India and has some interesting historic buildings. Another good place to visit is the Shimla Ridge, which is the heart of all cultural activities of the city. It is situated along the Mall Road and connects most major places like the Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, and Jakhoo Hill.
If you are looking for a cozy picnic spot at Shimla, be sure to stop off at Annandale. It is a major tourist attraction and is located around two kilometers from the heart of the city, not far from most hostels in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. You can relax and unwind here and spend as much time as you would like to, without anyone making you leave. Glenn is another good picnic spot located about four kilometers from the heart of the city. It is made up of thick deodar trees and is a calm and tranquil place. The British used it as their playground for cricket, racing, and polo. Apart from these spots, add the Prospect Hill, the State Museum and Library, Summer Hill, and the Viceregal Lodge to your travel itinerary when you visit Shimla.
Shimla is home to several types of accommodation to cater to different needs. Hostels in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, are the most affordable and practical means of accommodation for travelers who want to enjoy the region's scenic beauty and just need a comfortable place to sleep at night. Prices of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India hostels are often reasonable even at peak times, though it is advisable to book in advance to get the best rooms and prices.
Written by local enthusiast for Shimla hostels
Joy Barboza