This post continues the progression of our trip to India in December 2025 – my husband’s first India experience – picking up from our arrival in Shimla on the iconic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
Shimla, Queen of Hills, was founded by the British in the late 19th century as the summer capital of the British Raj. After the hurly-burly trip north from Delhi, words can’t express the meditative, elevating and inspiring beauty of Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas. I will let my photos tell most of the story.
We spent our time in Shimla hiking and enjoying nature, both in the area around the Oberoi Wildflower Hall (once the residence of Lord Kitchener, former Commander of the British Army), and the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary where we trekked 14 km (round trip). We learned that when a tree falls it is left to be absorbed into the hills, as shown below.
At Chail we saw birds and monkeys – Rhesus Macaques – moving too fast through the forest cover for this photographer. We also saw Hanuman Langars around the area, looking very much at home even at roadsides.
Shimla’s hills are covered in conifers for as far as the eye can see, hence the name: the Green Valley.
Temperatures in December were perfect for activities outdoors; of course I would love to see Shimla in the snow (January – February). Really any time of year is the right time for the incomparable beauty of Shimla.
Our trip continued from Shimla to Chandigarh, the capital of not one but two Indian states – Punjab and Haryana; a story for another day.