Shimla District lies between the longitude 77o-0″ and 78o-19″ east and latitude 30o-45″ and 31o-44″ north. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttaranchal in the south, Sirmaur, district in the west. The elevation of the district ranges from 300 to 6000 metres. The topology of the district is rugged and tough. Shimla district derives its name from Shimla town which was once a small village. Shimla district in its present form came into existence from 1st Sept,1972 on the reorganisation of the districts of the state.

The former summer capital of the British in India, and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has been blessed with all the natural bounties which one can think of. It has got a scenic location, it is surrounded by green hills with snow capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era creates an aura which is very different from other hill.Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old uildings, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall,packed with shops and eateries, is the main attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala’s escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks.Shimla is ideally located, and though there is an air service to the town, it is best reached by road that takes in the charms of the HIMALAYAN countryside at its best. There is a sense of nostalgia about SHIMLA, with its old bungalows and their gabled roofs and beautiful gardens.

Best Season to Visit
March to June
This is the best season to visit when plains are burning with high temperature. Climate during this period is quite pleasant in Shimla with temperature in the range 15 to 25 degree centigrade.

December to January
The weather is very cold during this period and its Snow time here with Snow flakes coming from sky, peaks around covered with snow. Tourist wanting to see snowfall and enjoy snow sports visit during this period. Temperature at night falls to 0 degree centigrade and during day time its around 15 degree centigrade. Warm clothing is required in this season and jacket is must to protect oneself from chilly winds. There is great rush of tourists during Christmas and New Year with all Hotels Showing full occupancy. Advance booking is recommended during Christmas period.

How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport from Shimla is Chandigarh Airport situated at a distance of about 120 kms from Shimla. The journey from Chandigarh to Shimla can be taken by road. Shimla also has a smaller airport situated at Jubbarhatti, 23 kms from the city which has limited functioning depending upon the seasonal/weather conditions.

By Train
Shimla is connected to Kalka (96 kms) on Meter Gauge and it takes around 6 Hrs from KALKA to reach SHIMLA. There are 3-4 trains daily from Kalka to Shimla and vice-versa. Shivalik Express is luxury Deluxe Train on this route with less halts and pantry facility. One can also travel through Rail car (one of its kind mainly running on this route in india only). The overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi reaches Kalka in the early morning and that is the time to catch connecting trains on the splendid narrow-gauge train to Shimla. There are 103 tunnels on the route with longest being 1.2 K.M. long.