The Mall is definitely the lifeline of the town. It is the main street of Shimla. Mall Road centers all the tourist activities. Time has changed and to encourage tourism, the colonial buildings are overrun by cheesy shops and boutiques. Today, it houses many showrooms, restaurants, cafes, emporiums, and shops. Local people and tourists love here doing lots of shopping!
Traveler Tips:
• If you are visiting Shimla during summer, keep light cotton with you at the sun is scorching at day time. But the evenings may require light jackets with drops in temperature.
• If you are visiting Shimla during winter, carry heavy jackets and thermals with you. Boots and gloves are essential to avoid snow.
• If you are not comfortable on windy roads, keep motion-sickness pills with you.
• Keep sunglasses and sunscreen lotions in both seasons.
Things to do:
Tourists love to spend hours of time just strolling around the Mall. You will enjoy the hustle-bustle of the tourists and locals there. The Mall Road, Shimla is a great place in the town to catch the magnificent views of the entire snow-covered valley and hilltops beneath it.
Enjoy the local street food and softies.
Are you a shopaholic? Are you an expert in bargaining things? You can find a range of vendors on the street sides who are selling several funky apparel, junk jewelry, gadgets, latest accessories, footwear, and many more good-looking and useful items.
Tourists also love watching the sunset here from a vantage point. Take some selfies in the sunset background and keep it framed forever!
History:
The British government first established the concepts of summer gateways or hill retreats in colonial India. And, then, the small hill town Shimla was the blue-eyed kid! Due to its majestic appearance and cool climate, it was declared as the authorized summer capital of British India. At a height of 2205 meters, Shimla was much sought-after break from the heat-melted plains. The scenario is similar to dates. Continuing from its colonial past, Shimla is still covered with dense oak and pine forests. And, this hill town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are reflected in the Mall Road, Shimla.
Festival:
Shimla exhibits its cultural tradition through various colorful festivals and fairs. All of them are celebrated here at different times of the year and encourage more tourist visits.
Best time to visit:
The Mall Road, Shimla is popular among the tourists in all the three seasons of the year.
Summer (March- June) – During summer the temperature here remains around 25°C. June is the hottest when the maximum temperature bar strikes 30°C.
Monsoon (July – October) – Rains on the hills has always attracted visitors. During August, the Mall remains wettest.
Winter (November – February) – During winter weather remains cold and crisp here. During December, the Mall remains covered with snow and become the wonderland!
How to Reach?
• By air – Jabarhatti airport is nearest to Shimla. But due to altitude restrictions, commercial planes do not fly here. You need to fly to Chandigarh airport (115 km away) and then hire any private or public transport to reach here.
• By road – Shimla is well-connected through roadways with Delhi and Chandigarh. Hire any bus services run by Himachal Road Transport Corporation or hire private cabs to reach here.
• By train – Kalka – Shimla toy train is definitely the most charming way to reach here. Kalka is connected through railways with Delhi and Chandigarh.
Nearby Attractions:
There are various tourist hot spots nearby the Mall Road including Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre and Kali Bari Temple.
The Mall Road, Shimla remains most crowded during the winter season. The crowd includes mostly families and honeymooners in maximum numbers. You will surely enjoy dining, shopping, and sightseeing here in any season.