subject: Means To Reach - Delhi To Shimla [print this page] New Delhi has numerous monuments, archaeological structures and amusement parks to attract travellers. Old monuments like Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Purana Qila and Jama Masjid stand out as the major attractions in the city. Red Fort is an important heritage site in Delhi. The monument has Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Lahore Gate, Mumtaz Mahal and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh in its premises.
Among the other tourist destinations in Delhi include Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, ISKCON Temple, Jantar Mantar, National Museum, International Dolls Museum, National Zoological Park, National Railway Museum, Teen Murti Bhavan, Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung's Tomb, India Gate, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi), Birla Mandir, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Rajpath.
The distance from Delhi to Shimla, capital of Himachal Pradesh, is around 360 km. Located in the northwest Himalayas, Shimla is known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations'. It is situated in the midst of Himalayan cedars and pines at an altitude of 2205 metres above the sea level. Shimla is spread over an area of 18 sq km.
The word 'Shimla' was originated from 'Shyamali Devi', a re-incarnation of Goddess Kali. There is a Kali Bari Temple in the city. Shimla, also known as Simla, is dotted with structures from colonial era such as the Auckland House, Gaiety Theatre, Gorton Castle, Peterhoff House and Vice regal Lodge.
Among other major tourists destinations include Town Hall, Christ Church, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, State Museum and Art Gallery, Himalayan Nature Park, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chadwick Falls, Dorje Drag Monastery, Bhimakali Temple, Tara Devi Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple.
Shimla is connected with Delhi by air, rail and road. Nearest airport is at Jubbarhatti, (25 km from Shimla). Kalka, situated at 96 km from Shimla, is the nearest major railhead. The rail route from Kalka to Shimla on narrow gauge, laid in 1903, is a major tourist attraction. There is a regular train service between Kalka and Shimla. The trains take six hours to reach Shimla from Kalka.
Kalka is well connected with Delhi by train. Among the major trains are Howrah-Kalka Mail (No.12311), New Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express trains (Nos. 12005 and 12011), Bandra-Kalka Paschim Link Express (No.12925) and Delhi Sarai Rohilla Himalayan Queen Express (No.14095).
Road mode of transport is popular for travel from Delhi to Shimla. Regular taxi and bus services are available from Delhi and Shimla. The roadway passes through Sonipet, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra Ambala and Chandigarh. Both Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private operators run buses on this route. They charge a fare from Rs.400 to Rs.700 for the trip. Taxi cabs are also available on this route. Buses and cars take seven hours to eight hours to travel from Delhi to Shimla.
