Shimla – The Top Most Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Ensuring all your uncertainties are cleared before planning a trip to Shimla or any other hill station is highly advisable.

This FAQs article aims to address all your inquiries about Shimla, facilitating a delightful and unforgettable journey. Feel free to use the comment section to ask your questions, and we’ll strive to respond promptly.

FAQ1. Are there any hostels in Shimla?

You can enjoy an affordable trip if you’re open to staying in hostels. However, reviews advise against hostels for family accommodation. Here’s the list –

i) Thira Hostel
ii) Idyllic Hostel
iii) YMCA Hostel
iv) Abuzz OC
v) Aapo Aap Homestay

FAQ2. Are Cars allowed on Mall Road ?

Cars are not allowed on Mall Road. There are several entry points to Mall Road. Your cabs can drive you up to a particular point beyond which you will have to walk to reach Mall Road.

Entry point involving straight walk-

• From Indira Gandhi Medical College–Private vehicles are allowed beyond IGMC up to Manchanda Opticals. From this point onwards there is a level walk up to Ridge/Mall Road. You will pass through the famous Lakkar Bazaar.
• Entry from AG Office- Cabs can reach up to AG Office or Railway Board Building. Further, you will have to walk towards Scandal Point while passing through Indian Coffee House.
• Entry from DC Office- This route, I find the best & shortest. But this is a very busy road and because it is a RESTRICTED road, it demands a quick alight.

Entry point involving climb-

• Entry from Lakkar Bazar Bus Stand– Get down just before Lakkar Bazar Bus Stand. Follow an upclimb to reach Scandal Point. This route is not recommended when there are senior citizens along.

• Entry from Cart Road via Metropol (Vidhayak Sadan). This is an easy route for almost 30-40% of the tourists. Usually, the cabs are parked in the Parking & Commercial Complex which is just in front. Take the stairs to reach Mall Road via Metropol (Vidhayk Sadan).

Entry from Cart Road Via lift

The entry from Cart Road via Metropol covers 30-40%, and the balance 60-70% of tourists reach Mall Road using HPTDC Lift. This is very convenient when there are senior citizens along.

Please note that there are fixed timings for the operation of the lift. During the peak tourist season, they do extend the closing time. Better to check the closing time to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

 

FAQ3. How is Johnnie’s Wax Museum in Shimla?

Johnnie’s Wax Museum in Shimla was the inaugural wax museum in Himachal Pradesh, featuring approximately twenty life-sized statues. Presently, the museum is no longer operational and has been substituted by a Red Tape showroom.

Those who hadn’t experienced Madame Tussauds wax museum found delight in visiting Johnnie’s Wax Museum. They cherished taking photographs with wax figures of personalities like Messi, Harry Potter, and MK Gandhi, among others.

FAQ4. Where is Sagar Ratna Restaurant Located in Shimla?

Sagar Ratana Restaurant used to be situated above Syndicate Bank (now Canara Bank). It catered to both locals and tourists seeking vegetarian food, particularly South Indian cuisine.

However, the restaurant ceased operations in 2018. As of now, Sagar Ratana no longer exists in Shimla.

FAQ5. Where is Kamats Restaurant Located in Shimla?

Kamats Restaurant commenced operations in 2018 at the same location where Sagar Ratna used to be situated. However, Kamats Restaurant ceased its operations in July 2019 due to the onset of COVID-19.

FAQ6. Can I find snow in Shimla in the month of April?

There is a slight chance of encountering snow in April. Nonetheless, you may come across patches of snow in shaded areas such as Kufri and Narkanda. Typically, the winter season in Shimla concludes in March.

While remnants of snow might persist in some higher altitude regions, it’s not assured. For a better chance of experiencing snowfall, it’s advisable to visit Shimla during the winter months, particularly from December to February.

FAQ7. What are the cab charges for local sightseeing in Shimla?

The cost of cab services for local sightseeing varies from Rs 800 to Rs 2000, depending on the number of places you intend to visit.

Cab owners or agents can be found on Mall Road or Ridge, offering day trip packages. Alternatively, you can book cabs through Taxi Unions.

FAQ8. Where do we park our car if we plan a day’s visit to Shimla?

Planning a day’s visit to Shimla means you don’t require accommodation to stay and you don’t have private space to park your car. You can make use of the commercial parking lots to park your car.

Here is the list of parking lots available in Shimla-

Sl No	Location	Contact Person	Capacity	Distance From Tuti Kandi Bye Pass
1	Tuti Kandi Bye Pass	Sh Suresh Sharma (9816027328) Sh BL Khachi (9418670849)	700	0 Km
2	Railway Parking	Sh Gagan (9857666786)	120	3 Km
3	Lift	Shimla Tolls Pvt Ltd (8351088279)	590	4 km
4	MC Parking Near Metropol	Sh Devender (9625072813) Sh Prem Singh (9418109421) Sh Besaria (8679909407)	190	4 Km
5	HPDTC Parking Near HHH	Sh Vikram (8627885503) Sh Pradeep (7018938545)	120	4 Km
6	Chotta Shimla	Chotta Shimla Project Pvt Ltd (787167579)	250	7 Km
7	Sanjauli	Sh ID Sharma (9816030838)	250	7 Km Via LakkarBazaar 10 Km viaChotta Shimla
8	Snow View Parking	Sh Pawan (9218600015)	43	4 Km
9	New ISBT Parking	Sh Ashok (9805091612)	100	2.5 Km

FAQ9. Which river flows in Shimla?

The river Sutlej flows near Shimla and is one of the major rivers. One can enjoy water activities like rafting, and boating at Tattapani, about 40km from Shimla. Tattapani is also a place for hot water springs and water sports.

Suggested Read: Hotel Hot Springs & Heath Care At Nature’s Jacuzzi , Tattappani

FAQ10. What are the outdoor activities in Shimla?

The following outdoor activities are available at the following places in and around Shimla-

• Annandale Ground
• Green Valley
• Jakhoo Hill
• Adventure Parks in Kufri
• Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Suggested Read: Adventure Parke in Shimla

FAQ11. What are the top attractions to visit in Shimla?

• Jakhoo Temple
• The Mall Road
• Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies
• Kufri Hills

Suggested Read: All time Favourite Places To Visit in Shimla

FAQ12. Where is Hotel Taj in Shimla?

Taj Resort & Spa is a five-star property situated in the village Theog, away from Shimla on Shimla-Narkanda Road. Theog is about 30km (59min) from Shimla city center. On the way, you will pass through Kufri and Fagu which are famous destinations for enjoying the snow.

FAQ13. How to reach Mall Road when HPTDC Lift is closed?

There are specific timings for the operation of the HPTDC lift that takes you to Mall Road from Cart Road. Another way to reach Mall Road is to follow the path via Metropol (Vidhyak Sadan), and RBL Bank.

Also, read FAQ No 2.

FAQ14. Is KFC available in Shimla?

Surprisingly, the most sought-after tourist destination, Shimla does not have KFC now. KFC opened for some time near the HPTDC Lift but later got closed.

FAQ15. Is Zomato available in Shimla?

Yes, Zomato has commenced operations in Shimla. However, the delivery hours are not that long and you are advised to order your food well in time.

FAQ16. Do we have McDonald’s Restaurant in Shimla?

Well, finally we have McDonald’s Restaurant in Shimla. It’s a brand new restaurant and 2nd in the entire Himachal Pradesh. The location of the restaurant is very apt, next to the Church on the Ridge towards Jakhu Roapway.