The quaint hill station of Himachal Pradesh Shimla has been a popular vacation destination ever among the travelers seeking to take a rest once drained of the hectic city life. Planning to take a road trip to Chandigarh and Shimla is not only about destination but also viewing the picturesque beauty of the winding mountainous roads, pine trees and the clean Indian Himalayan air. The scenery also changes slowly as you go farther away, the hills and country are quiet and smooth.
If you are planning a chandigarh to shimla trip with family, friends or for even a romantic break, then consider having knowledge of distance between the chandigarh to shimla, travelling time and best routes to take for a smooth journey. This guide will help you get all the information regarding the journey including the right distance, routes to take, vehicle options available at Droom rental that meet your requirements, and some useful tips for making your trip more exciting and adventurous.
Also Read: How to Plan a Road Trip
What is the Chandigarh to Shimla Distance by Road?
The road distance between chandigarh – shimla is about 110-115 kilometers, depending on the route that you follow. The drive is about 3.5-4.5 hours on average but it may take more or less depending on traffic and weather.
It is possible to divide the journey into two major parts:
- Highway roads in Chandigarh to Kalka.
- Fire lines of hill scenery roads between Kalka and Shimla.
The pine and deodar forests around it are beautiful to see as you approach Shimla. The last part of the trip is also breathtaking, giving amazing scenery of valleys and mountains, and the ride is great.
Most tourists have been using Droom booking services to hire a car when making this trip, and this enables them to enjoy the ride and make possible stops at the beautiful places en route.
How to Reach Shimla from Chandigarh
People can use various alternatives when planning how they can get to Shimla via Chandigarh. The mode of transport depends on your budget, the comfort you feel, and the time you have.
Self-Drive or Private Cab
You can have a flexible self-drive vacation option between Chandigarh and Shimla from Droom rental. While driving you can take breaks, make food stops in the locality, and appreciate the beautiful sightseeing of the trip.
Train Option
Chandigarh to Shimla cannot be connected by a direct train. Nevertheless, tourists have an option of accessing Kalka, 25 kilometers distance to Chandigarh, followed by the Kalka-Shimla toy train. This is a splendid railroad trip journey that consists of stunning tunnels, bridges and mountain scenery.
Bus Services
There are buses that can run at regular intervals between Chandigarh and Shimla that the tight budget travelers can choose. This is a cheap mode of transportation since there are both the government and the privately owned buses that run their daily services.
Best Chandigarh to Shimla Route Alternatives
The appropriate selection of the route is one of the factors that contribute to the overall enjoyment of your road trip. The most frequent and convenient routes are:
Route 1: Chandigarh – Panchkula – Kalka – Shimla (NH-5)
It is by far the most commonly traveled, and the least distance path. The road takes a starting point at the Shivalik hills after Kalka and crosses through some picturesque spots such as Dharmpur and Solan before reaching Shimla.
Route 2: Chandigarh – Baddi – Shalaghat – Shimla
It is another frequently taken path and an impressive surrounding with beautiful sceneries. The road cuts through scenic orchards and hill-views; it’s slightly less commonly used compared to NH-5.
Recommended Route
To a majority of the travelers, the NH-5 via Kalka – parwanoo-Solan -occurs to be the best choice since it is less in distance and good in terms of road conditions. The road length between Chandigarh and Shimla is approximately 112 kilometers long, and this distance is convenient when traveling with families and first time visitors.
Driving Time and Road Conditions
The driving time between Chandigarh to Shimla includes an average of 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Nevertheless, the time of traveling may be a little bit long during weekends or high tourist seasons.
The road networks are usually of a high quality where the initial part has good highways and the latter part has well-maintained hills roads. Unless drivers are in the process of turning or climbing steep mountains, they should still be careful enough to negotiate sharp curves and steep integrals.
Hiring a vehicle via Droom rentals may make the journey easier since those who are not used to driving in mountainous areas may not.
Also Read: Car Driving Safety Tips on Mountains Road
Best Time to Visit Shimla
Shimla is a destination that can be visited all year round, however, the destination also becomes seasonal.
March to June (Summer Season)
This is the season that is most popular in Shimla. The climate is good and the temperatures are between 15°C to 30°C and therefore it is ideal to do sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Monsoon Season (July-September)
The site is green and is wet during the monsoons. Nevertheless, there are rare landslides and slippery pathways which can impact travelling.
October until November (Autumn Season)
Shimla is a serene place to visit during this period due to clear skies, cool weather and lesser number of people.
December -February (Winter Season)
Shimla also receives snowfall during the seasons of winter making it a perfect honeymoon place for snow lovers.
Exciting Tourist Attraction Sites of Shimla
Shimla has both the elements of colonial atmosphere, scenic beauty and some cultural roots. Among places that must be visited, there are:
The Ridge
The Ridge is situated in the center of Shimla and has several cultural events and spectacular sceneries of the mountains around.
Mall Road
The most lively part of Shimla is the Mall Road, as it is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants where people can taste local food and do shopping.
Kufri
Kufri is located a short distance away from Shimla and is the destination of adventure sports like skiing, horse riding, and snow sports in the winter.
Jakhoo Temple
This temple of lord Hanuman is situated on Jakhoo hill hill giving Beautiful views of Shimla and its valleys.
Useful Tips to Remember for Chandigarh to Shimla Road Trip
In order to enjoy your journey and have no problems during it, remember these pieces of advice:
- You should leave early in the morning in order not to experience traffic.
- Stop in between the trip to be restful.
- Take your time on twisted mountainous roads.
- Bring warm clothes, water and necessary medicines.
- Check the weather before travelling.
A comfortable and flexible travel can also be achieved by planning your trip at Droom rental and having a reliable vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the distance between Chandigarh and Shimla by road?
Chandigarh and Shimla distance along the road is about 110 or 115 kilometers.
How far is it between Chandigarh and Shimla and how much time would be required to take?
The trip typically requires an average of 3.5 and 4.5 hours with regard to traffic and weather.
What is the most appropriate way between Shimla and Chandigarh?
The most preferred one is the Chandigarh – Kalka – Solan – Shimla route as it is shorter and falls in better road condition.
Can one drive safely between Chandigarh and Shimla?
No, it is not so that the roads are normally dangerous and of poor condition, though, careful drivers are expected when driving in curves in the mountains.
Is it possible to reach Shimla by train to Chandigarh?
No direct transmission, however, the traveler can go to Kalka and on it the toy train of the famous Kalka-Shimla.
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