A state where the winter season dominates, this season in Shimla is known as the season of "Long moon-night." The whole city radiates the shine of the ice. A gathering of dark clouds tells us of the approach of snow generally a slight fall first, followed by a heavier one when the snowflakes sweep down through the fine-needles bending long branches to the ground. The following morning sees the town as a fantastic fairyland of white beauty.

To  enjoy  the  true  essence  of  Shimla , board  the  toy  train on the

narrow-railway link which binds Kalka with Shimla. This important rail-link was built in 1924 and its "toy trains" still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and beautiful rail-road stations. Half-way through the journey, after Solan, the lights of Shimla flow in the distance, looking like glimmering jewels studding the dark green of the mountains. The train takes six hours, and at every stop on the journey are smiling faces giving a warm welcome.

History of Shimla

Shimla derives its name from Shayamla, which is another name for Goddess Kali. Shimla was discovered when the Britishers discovered it in 1819. Till then it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. Soon after the British came to this place many Europeans started making houses here. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence Shimla was the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.

Shimla in itself is a very small town and is extremely well maintained and neatly kept city. In the central part of the town is Mall, which almost divides the city in two parts. In the center of the city is the famous scandal point, which was immortalized by Rudyard Kipling.

Just below the ridge is the Tibetan market where one can purchase foreign items. Shimla has got a big but very unorganized bus stand on the cart Road. A lift has been provided from the Cart Road to the eastern Mall road. This lift carries people from lower to upper Shimla. Unnamed and steep lanes and steps connect the rest of the town.