How to get to Sunnymead

 

By Air

No flights operate out of Shimla’s Jubbarhatti airport and so the closest airport is the new Chandigarh International Airport at Mohali (130 km/3.5 hours from Shimla).

 

By Road

Shimla is easily accessible by road from Delhi (360 kms/8 hours).  An 8 lane National Highway 1 (Grand Trunk Road) gets you to Ambala, from where you continue along the National Highway 22 (Hindustan Tibet Road) to Shimla, bypassing Chandigarh. This highway is littered with fabulous pit stops proclaiming clean loos and hot parathas, in that order. It’s relatively easy to get long distance taxis from both Delhi and Chandigarh.

 

By Train

The loveliest way to get to Shimla is on the “toy train” or the narrow gauge train from Kalka. This historic train was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008.

 

The two good trains on this track are-

Shivalik Deluxe Express (Train no. 52451) from Kalka (Departure 05:30) - Shimla (Arrival 10:15)

Himalayan Queen (Train no. 52455) Kalka (Departure 12:10) – Shimla (Arrival 17:20)

 

The above trains connect with trains from Delhi..

Howrah Delhi Kalka Mail (Train no.12311) Delhi (Departure 21:25)- Kalka (Arrival 04:30)

Kalka Shatabdi (Train no. 12011) New Delhi (Departure 07:40) - Kalka (Arrival 11:45)

 

The return rail journey to Kalka from Shimla is at 10:35, arriving in time for you to make the onward connection to Delhi.

 

 

Getting Around Shimla

 

 

By Car

Shimla has a number of restricted and sealed roads therefore, it is far better to get a local taxi rather than battle traffic and no-go zones. Day trips will generally require a taxi, so get in touch with the local taxi operator union (Mangat Ram) at +91-9816169021.

 

On Foot

Central Shimla (including the Mall and the Ridge) and its extension all the way to the Vice Regal Lodge is mostly pedestrianized and about 3 kms or a 45 minute walk.  The other option is to take a cab from Sunnymead to the two-stage elevator or Lift, connecting The Mall with Cart Road (ticket prices are Rs.10/- per person) and then walking back following Raaja Bhasin’s book on the ten walks of Simla.

 

Guided Tours & Travel Agents

The best guided walks are conducted by the noted local historian Raaja Bhasin, author of Simla: The Summer Capital of British India. E-mail or call Raaja in advance to make sure he's available (tel. +91-177-265-3194; mail@raajabhasin.com).

 

Even though Shimla is overflowing with travel agents and trekking companies, the two reliable companies we use are Great Escape Routes and Safeway Tour and Travels .