Shimla & Naldehra — A Journey Through the Queen of Hills and Her Hidden Gem
From the bustling Mall Road and the iconic Ridge of Shimla to the serene golf course and whispering pines of Naldehra — a complete travel guide to two of Himachal Pradesh's most enchanting destinations.
There is something about the mountains that makes you forget the world below. The crisp air that fills your lungs, the deodar trees that stand like ancient sentinels, and the winding roads that promise adventure around every bend — Shimla and Naldehra offer all of this and more. Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer of the Himalayas, this journey through the Queen of Hills and her hidden gem will leave you enchanted.
Shimla — Where History Meets the Mountains
Nestled at an altitude of 2,205 metres in the lap of the Himalayas, Shimla has been captivating travelers since the British declared it their summer capital in 1864. Today, it remains one of India's most beloved hill stations — a place where colonial architecture meets Himalayan grandeur, and every street tells a story.
The Ridge & Mall Road
No visit to Shimla is complete without a stroll along The Ridge — a large open space in the heart of the city that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The yellow neo-Gothic Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India, stands here as a silent witness to centuries of history. As the sun sets, the Ridge transforms into a golden amphitheatre where locals and tourists gather to watch the sky paint itself in shades of amber and crimson.
Just below the Ridge, Mall Road winds through the city like a lifeline — lined with colonial-era buildings, quaint cafés, bookstores, and shops selling everything from Kullu shawls to Himachali pickles. The car-free promenade makes it perfect for leisurely walks, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from roadside cafés is an irresistible invitation to sit and watch the world go by.
Must-Visit Places in Shimla
- Jakhoo Temple — Perched at the highest point of Shimla (2,455m), this ancient Hanuman temple offers the most spectacular 360° views of the city and snow-capped peaks beyond
- Christ Church — The second oldest church in North India, featuring stunning stained-glass windows that glow like jewels in the afternoon light
- Scandal Point — Named after a legendary elopement tale from the Raj era, this is where The Ridge meets Mall Road
- Lakkar Bazaar — A charming wooden market famous for hand-carved walking sticks, toys, and artefacts crafted by local artisans
- Green Valley — A lush, deep valley visible from the road to Kufri, often draped in mist and home to dense deodar forests
- State Museum — Houses an impressive collection of Pahari miniature paintings, ancient sculptures, and Himachali folk art
Best Time to Visit
March to June for pleasant weather and clear skies. December to February for snowfall — roads can be tricky but the snow-covered landscape is absolutely magical. Avoid monsoon season (July–September) as landslides are common.
Naldehra — The Tranquil Escape
Just 22 kilometres from Shimla, hidden among towering deodar and pine forests, lies Naldehra — a destination so peaceful that even time seems to slow down here. While Shimla buzzes with tourists and traffic, Naldehra whispers with the wind through the trees and the distant call of Himalayan birds. It is, in every sense, the antidote to the crowds.
India's Oldest Golf Course
Naldehra is home to one of the oldest golf courses in India, established in 1905 by Lord Curzon, who was so enchanted by the beauty of this place that he named his daughter after it. The 9-hole course is set amidst thick cedar forests at an altitude of 2,044 metres — playing a round here feels less like sport and more like meditation. Even if you don't play golf, the course grounds are open for walks, and the views from the hilltop are reason enough to visit.
The silence of Naldehra is not empty — it is full of answers.
— A local saying
Things to Do in Naldehra
Planning Your Trip
| Detail | Shimla | Naldehra |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 2,205 m | 2,044 m |
| Distance from Chandigarh | 115 km (4 hrs) | 137 km (4.5 hrs) |
| Best for | Heritage, Shopping, Food | Nature, Peace, Golf |
| Stay duration | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Accommodation | Hotels, Hostels, Heritage stays | Forest lodges, Boutique resorts |
| Budget (per day) | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 | ₹1,500 – ₹6,000 |
How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti (23 km from Shimla), with daily flights from Delhi. From the airport, Shimla is a scenic 40-minute drive, and Naldehra is about an hour further.
By Train: The Kalka-Shimla toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage route — a 5-hour journey through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges. It's slow, it's winding, and it's absolutely worth every minute.
By Road: Shimla is well-connected by road from Chandigarh (115 km), Delhi (350 km), and Manali (260 km). Suryawanshi Tours & Travels offers comfortable cab services from all major cities with experienced hill-road drivers.
Final Thoughts
Shimla and Naldehra together offer the perfect contrast — the energy and charm of a historic hill station paired with the stillness and beauty of an untouched forest retreat. Whether you're sipping chai at a Mall Road café, watching the sunset from The Ridge, or losing yourself in the pine forests of Naldehra, you'll find that these mountains have a way of staying with you long after you've left.
So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and let the mountains call you home. 🏔️
The mountains are calling and I must go.
— John Muir