Shimla

Shimla is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh with mild summers, snow in winter, pine-covered slopes and many buildings kept from the colonial period. The Kalka-Shimla railway climbs up to the town. Delhi, about 365 km away, is the usual starting point, and Chandigarh is the closest large city. Jakhoo hill, the highest point, has a temple to Hanuman on top.

The State Museum, opened in 1974, shows old paintings and jewellery. The Mall is the main street of shops, clubs and eateries, and Lakkar Bazaar sells clothing and local crafts. Some old buildings now serve new purposes, such as Wildflower Hall, which is a hotel. Local dishes include Sidku, a sweet of wheat flour, jaggery and poppy seeds, and Patandey, made from a thin wheat batter and eaten with ghee.