Shimla, the capital of the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. Once the summer capital of the British in India, today Shimla is a pleasant, sprawling town, set among cool pine-clad hills with plenty of traces of colonial charm. The splendid views of the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf at Naldehra, and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimla an attractive destination throughout the year with many tourists opting for a dramatic journey over loops and arches on the toy train from Kalka.

One peculiarity of Shimla is that there are only two roads in the central part, drastically reducing vehicular pollution. The higher mall runs east-west, reaching its highest point at Scandal Point, the de facto centre of the town. The Mall area, known as the Ridge, runs from Scandal Point up to Christ Church. Cart Road circles the southern part of Shimla.  The rest of Shimla is connected by a mass of lively bazaars and alleyways