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| How to Go Shimla from Kolkata |
Hey travel lovers! 🌍✨ Are you craving to escape the heat and chaos of city life and lose yourself in the snow-kissed hills of Shimla? ❄️🌲 Then pack your bags because this blog is all about how to go Shimla from Kolkata — step-by-step, in a super easy and practical way!
Shimla, the Queen of Hills, is one of India’s most charming hill stations. 🏞️ With colonial architecture, breathtaking mountain views, and cozy cafes overlooking the Himalayas, Shimla is a dream destination for every traveler. Whether you want to enjoy snow, go on a honeymoon, or just take a refreshing break — Shimla has it all! ❤️
Let’s dive into the complete travel guide from Kolkata to Shimla including ✈️ flights, 🚆 trains, 🚗 road trips, travel cost, best routes, and some secret local tips too!
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| How to Go Shimla from Kolkata |
🧭 Where is Shimla?
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, located in northern India at an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level. 🏔️ It lies around 125 km from Chandigarh and 350 km from Delhi.
If you’re traveling from Kolkata, Shimla is roughly 1,700 kilometers away — quite a long journey, but totally worth it once you see the beautiful Himalayan views! 🌄✨
🚆 Option 1: How to Go Shimla from Kolkata by Train
Travelling by train is one of the most affordable and scenic ways to reach Shimla from Kolkata. 🚆 Let’s break it down:
🛤️ Step 1: Kolkata to Kalka by Train
There is no direct train from Kolkata to Shimla. But you can easily reach Kalka, the gateway to Shimla.
Popular trains from Kolkata to Kalka:
- Howrah–Kalka Mail (Train No. 12311) – Departs from Howrah Junction at 7:40 PM and reaches Kalka next day around 4:30 AM (approx. 33 hours journey).
- Netaji Express (Train No. 12311/12) – Also runs via Delhi, ideal for connecting with Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
🕐 Duration: Around 33 to 36 hours
💰 Fare: ₹850 (Sleeper), ₹2,200 (3AC), ₹3,100 (2AC) approx.
🚞 Step 2: Kalka to Shimla by Toy Train
Once you reach Kalka, your real adventure begins! 🎢 The famous Kalka–Shimla Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage route and offers breathtaking views of pine forests, tunnels, and hills. 🌲🚂
Toy Train options:
- Shivalik Deluxe Express – Comfortable, AC, and scenic.
- Himalayan Queen – Budget-friendly option.
🕒 Duration: 5–6 hours
💰 Fare: ₹500–₹700 per person
📸 Tip: Book your toy train tickets in advance on IRCTC because they get sold out quickly during peak seasons!
✈️ Option 2: How to Go Shimla from Kolkata by Flight
If you want to save time, then flying is the best option! 🛫
🛫 Step 1: Kolkata to Chandigarh
There are daily direct flights from Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport) to Chandigarh.
Airlines available: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air.
🕒 Duration: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
💰 Fare: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 (depending on season and booking date)
🚗 Step 2: Chandigarh to Shimla by Road
From Chandigarh, Shimla is just 115 km away, and it takes around 3 to 4 hours by car or bus. 🚗
You can book:
- A private taxi (₹2,500 – ₹3,000)
- Himachal Roadways bus (₹400 – ₹700)
- Volvo or private AC bus (₹900 – ₹1,200)
💡 Tip: Choose an early morning drive from Chandigarh — the route via Kalka and Solan is filled with misty hills and pine trees. 🌲🌫️
🚗 Option 3: How to Go Shimla from Kolkata by Road (Self-Drive or Car)
If you love long road trips 🚘 and adventure, this one’s for you!
📍 Route Map:
Kolkata → Varanasi → Lucknow → Delhi → Chandigarh → Shimla
🛣️ Total Distance: Around 1,700 km
🕒 Travel Time: Around 30–32 hours (excluding rest breaks)
💰 Approximate Cost:
- Petrol/Diesel: ₹12,000 – ₹15,000
- Toll: ₹1,800 – ₹2,500
- Hotel & food stops: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
✅ Tip: Take breaks every 5–6 hours and book stays in Varanasi or Delhi if you plan a 2-day trip.
📅 Best Time to Visit Shimla from Kolkata
Shimla is beautiful all year round, but every season has its own charm:
- 🌸 March–June: Perfect for pleasant weather, sightseeing & adventure activities.
- ❄️ December–February: Snow season! Great for honeymoon & snowfall lovers.
- 🍁 July–September: Rainy season, ideal for budget travelers (fewer crowds).
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to experience snowfall, visit between late December and early February.
🏨 Where to Stay in Shimla
Shimla offers all kinds of accommodation — from luxury hotels to budget homestays.
🌟 Luxury Hotels:
- The Oberoi Cecil 🏨
- Radisson Hotel Shimla
- Clarkes Hotel (Heritage)
💰 Price Range: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per night
💼 Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Willow Banks
- Hotel Marina
- Snow Valley Resorts
💰 Price Range: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per night
💰 Budget Stays & Homestays:
- Hotel Gulmarg Regency
- Sunrise Villa Homestay
- Hotel Dreamland
💰 Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per night
🍽️ What to Eat in Shimla – Local Food Guide
Don’t forget to taste Himachali cuisine while you’re there! 😋
🥘 Must-Try Dishes:
- Siddu (Local steamed bread)
- Madra (Chickpeas in yogurt gravy)
- Dham (Traditional Himachali thali)
- Babru (Stuffed kachori)
- Chha Gosht (Mutton curry)
☕ And yes, don’t miss having hot Maggi noodles and tea while watching the mountain view! 🍜🌄
📸 Best Tourist Places in Shimla
Here are the top attractions you must visit:
- The Ridge – Iconic open space for photos & evening walks 🏞️
- Mall Road – Perfect for shopping 🛍️ & cafes ☕
- Jakhoo Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman 🕉️
- Christ Church – Historic beauty ⛪
- Kufri – Just 16 km away, great for snow fun ❄️
- Green Valley – Photography hotspot 📷
- Chail Palace – Peaceful day trip spot 👑
💰 Average Cost of Trip from Kolkata to Shimla
Category Estimated Cost (Per Person) Train (Both Ways) ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 Flight + Cab ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 Hotel Stay (3 Days) ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 Food & Local Travel ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 Sightseeing & Shopping ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 Total (Approx.) ₹10,000 – ₹25,000
💡 Tip: Budget travelers can easily plan a 4-day Shimla trip under ₹12,000!
🧳 Travel Tips Before Visiting Shimla
✅ Book your Kalka–Shimla Toy Train early (especially during holidays).
✅ Carry woolen clothes even in summer — evenings can be chilly.
✅ Keep power banks and warm socks for long walks.
✅ Avoid driving during heavy rain or snow.
✅ Use eco-friendly bottles and keep Shimla clean! 🌿
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| How to Go Shimla from Kolkata |
🌤️ Weather Overview
SeasonTemperature RangeActivitiesSummer (Mar–Jun)15°C – 30°CSightseeing, shoppingMonsoon (Jul–Sep)12°C – 22°CRain views, budget travelWinter (Oct–Feb)-2°C – 10°CSnowfall, honeymoon
🗓️ Ideal 4-Day Shimla Trip Itinerary from Kolkata
Day 1:
- Fly/train to Chandigarh or Kalka
- Travel to Shimla & check into hotel
- Evening walk at Mall Road
Day 2:
- Visit Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple
- Dinner at Cafe Sol or Himachali Rasoi
Day 3:
- Day trip to Kufri or Chail
- Horse ride, local shopping
Day 4:
- Visit Green Valley
- Return journey to Chandigarh/Kalka → back to Kolkata
❤️ Final Thoughts
So there you have it — your complete 2025 travel guide on how to go Shimla from Kolkata! 🏔️✨ Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or drive through the highways, the journey is as beautiful as the destination itself.
Shimla isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling — a mix of mountains, mist, and memories. 🌫️❤️
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for a Himalayan adventure! 🧳📸