Shimla
A Hill Town Best Explored Slowly
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is often approached as a short holiday destination. However, staying here for more than a few days changes how the town feels. I spent over a week in Shimla during September, choosing to stay within the town rather than rushing to nearby spots.
September brings pleasant temperatures, but occasional rain. While I initially planned to explore villages around Shimla, the weather made hill travel unpredictable. Instead of forcing plans, I decided to stay put — walking familiar routes, revisiting the same places, and letting the town unfold naturally.
That decision shaped the entire experience.
Mall Road – More Than Just a Tourist Street
Mall Road became the backbone of my stay. I walked here every single day — sometimes early morning, sometimes late evening, often both.
What stood out was not just the cafés or shops, but the everyday rhythm. Benches along the road offer space to pause. People come here not only to shop, but to walk, meet, sit, eat, and simply pass time. I spent hours sitting quietly, watching life move without needing to participate.
Mall Road slowly stopped feeling like a tourist attraction and started feeling like a neighborhood.
Long Walks That Define Shimla
One of my most repeated routes was a long walk from Mall Road to IIAS and back to Mall Road, easily covering 5–10 km in a day.
This walk takes you away from the busy stretch and into quieter, greener surroundings. Walking through the hills, away from traffic and shops, gives a completely different experience of Shimla. It’s calm, reflective, and physically grounding — something you miss when using vehicles.
Stay – Shalom Backpackers, Shimla
I stayed at Shalom Backpackers Shimla, which matched the pace of my trip.
The hostel offers a relaxed atmosphere with enough common space to unwind without feeling forced into socializing. Its location allows easy access to Mall Road while still being slightly removed from the noise. It’s a good choice for solo travelers planning a longer, slower stay.
Find a Hostel in Shimla That Fits Your Travel Style
Food in Shimla – Simple, Old & Familiar
Food became a daily highlight, especially the kind that blends naturally into walks rather than planned restaurant visits.
Local & Traditional:
- Himachali Rasoi
Tried Kangri Dham Thali and Sidu — filling, traditional, and rooted in local flavors.
Everyday Mall Road Food
- Trishul Bakery – pastry stop, simple and familiar
- A surprisingly expensive pani puri on Mall Road — still worth experiencing once
- Indian Tea House – filter coffee and tea, perfect for cooler evenings
- Street-side momos — quick, hot, and comforting
- Aloo paratha breakfast for ₹50–60 on Mall Road — affordable and filling
- French fries while walking
- Puff from an old bakery store — one of those places that feels unchanged for years
Many food stalls on Mall Road are decades old. Trying something from each of these long-standing spots feels like participating in Shimla’s daily routine rather than just eating out.
Cafés & Comfort Food
- Hideout Cafe
Their chocolate truffle pastry is a must — ask them to heat it slightly. In the cold evening, it becomes a perfect dessert. - The Brew Estate
Pizza and their in-house brewed beer — ideal for unhurried evenings.
Temples & Quiet Places
Jakhu Temple
I chose to walk up to Jakhu Temple, which turned the visit into a rewarding experience. The forested trail, steady incline, and fresh air make the walk more memorable than the destination itself.
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi felt calmer and less commercial. It’s a good stop if you’re looking for quiet surroundings and time away from crowds.
Colonial Heritage
Indian Institute of Advanced Study
IIAS offers open lawns, colonial architecture, and silence — a place where walking slowly feels natural.
Rashtrapati Niwas
The President’s House reflects Shimla’s historical importance and is worth visiting if you enjoy heritage spaces without crowds.
Christ Church Shimla
Christ Church became one of the places I returned to repeatedly. Located right on Mall Road, it’s impossible to miss — yet easy to overlook if you’re rushing.
I spent time sitting near the church, especially in the evenings. The contrast here is striking: steady movement around Mall Road, and quiet stillness once you pause. The yellow-lit structure, the open space in front, and the surrounding benches make it a natural place to sit without needing a reason.
It’s not about spending time inside the church alone, but about the calm it creates in an otherwise active part of town.
Shopping Streets
- Lakkad Bazaar – wooden items, walking sticks, small souvenirs
- Lower Bazaar – everyday local market, good for observing daily shopping habits
These areas feel more local compared to Mall Road and are best explored slowly on foot.
Choosing Not to Explore Nearby Villages
Shimla is surrounded by beautiful villages, and I did consider visiting a few of them. However, frequent rain during my stay made road travel uncertain. Rather than pushing through unfavorable conditions, I chose to limit my movement.
Staying within Shimla allowed me to:
- Walk instead of drive
- Avoid weather-related disruptions
- Spend time outdoors safely
- Experience the town more deeply
Sometimes, not expanding your radius leads to a more meaningful experience. Shimla offered enough within walking distance to make every day feel complete.
Rinkal
Rinkal is a passionate traveler from Ahmedabad who loves exploring hidden gems, savoring local foods, and sharing adventures with fellow wanderers. Rinkal’s goal is to inspire others to travel on a budget while truly experiencing the essence of each place.
Leave a Reply