With its sights of snow-capped peaks Shimla is the bucket list of travel destinations of many a travel enthusiast. It’s cool climate is the prime reason that makes it such a popular holiday destination. However, to the un-acclimatized traveler, it might get a little difficult. Here is what you need to know when you start making plans to travel to Shimla. Reaching Shimla Perched in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Shimla is located in the northern region of India. Although it is surrounded by lofty mountain ranges, Shimla is well connected via all modes of transport. Shimla can be reached: By Air : Shimla’s Jubbarhatti airport is located about 23 km from the city center. Jagson airlines operates regularly in this area. By Rail : Reaching Shimla by rail is a treat to the eyes. The nearest railway station to Shimla is Kalka which is a 96 km from Shimla and takes 6 hours to reach via a mountain train. There are four such trains plying to and fro from Shimla which need to be reserved 30 days in advance. However, if you want to travel via the Shivalik Deluxe Express, you will need to make reservations 60 days in advance. Passengers on this train are served breakfast on their way to Shimla and Dinner on their way back. The route has one of the most stunning views and take you through 103 tunnels. This rail route has been granted the status of a UNESCO World heritage site. By Road : Shimla is well connected to the neighboring cities with properly maintained roads which are a pleasure to drive across. Best Time to Travel to Shimla Although the climate of Shimla is always the inviting kind, it is recommended that you do not travel during the monsoons. During the monsoons, the place is prone to landslides and poses a certain degree of risk with roads too becoming slippery. The best time to travel to Shimla would be from October to November and March to May when the skies are clear. Winter is also a great time to visit Shimla as the snow opens up more opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and ice-skating. However, getting around can be difficult at times and the place gets very crowded with tourists thronging the place especially, given that it is the holiday season. What to pack The winter temperatures of Shimla can drop to 10 degrees to even -5 degrees. So, make sure you have enough warm clothing and socks. You must also pack a wind protector jacket, woolen gloves and a cap. If you are not used to cold climates, we suggest that you carry a lot of woolen clothing. If you are travelling during the snowfall season, Amazing India Travels recommends that you rent a pair of gum boots. You can get them from the road side vendors as well. It is always recommended that when travelling to Shimla, you carry a pair of boots with rubber soles, so that walking in the snow is easy and you have a good grip of the road. In summers, Shimla has a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 15 to 5 degrees. Don’t forget to carry a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 20 and a moisturizer along with Dark polarized sunglasses preferably with retainers. For summers, cotton clothing will also do; however, you cannot leave back your winter clothes as the nights are still pretty cold. Needless to say, whenever you are travelling, it is always advisable that you carry appropriate proofs of identity. Explore Shimla with Amazing India travels Amazing India Travels offers you customized travel itineraries for every kind of traveler. Our well-experienced crew will make sure, that you make the most of your travel to Shimla.