What makes Mall Road in Shimla a must-visit tourist spot?

One of the main attractions of Shimla, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is the Mall Road, which is the main street of the state capital. It is a tourist destination popular for its colonial architecture, shops, restaurants and local boutiques. Moreover, the place offers picturesque views of the Himalayan ranges and lush greenery. The Mall Road in Shimla is a car-free zone where visitors can take leisurely strolls, explore local cuisines and shop for souvenirs.

See also: Places to visit in Shimla

 

How to reach the Mall Road Shimla?

The Mall Road in Shimla is well-connected by various modes of transportation.

By air: Shimla has an airport at Jubbarhatti, 22 kilometre (km) from the city centre. One can also reach Shimla via the Chandigarh airport, around 113 km away. Taxis and buses are available near the airport.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Mall Road is Kalka. One can take the toy train to Shimla from here.

By road: Shimla is well-connected by road networks to major cities of India. Regular bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh and other cities in the north provide easy connectivity to Shimla. You can also take a road trip to Shimla.

 

Mall Road Shimla: History

The Mall Road in Shimla has a rich history. It was established during the British rule. It has various attractions, such as the town’s library, the Gaiety Theatre, the Christ Church and the Shimla Market.

 

Mall Road Shimla: Attractions and things to do

The bustling walkway of Mall Road is flanked by several shopping outlets, restaurants, eateries, and historical sites.

Shopping

Shimla’s Mall Road is a shopping hub popular for woollen clothes, handmade crafts, jewellery, and antiques, souvenirs and gifts.

Eateries

The Mall Road in Shimla has a variety of eateries, cafes and restaurants, offering local Pahari cuisines, and other Indian and international delicacies.

Historical attractions

There are several historical attractions near Mall Road. These include:

• The Scandal Point provides stunning views of the lush valleys and mountains.
• The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a Victorian-style theatre where many Bollywood celebrities have performed.
• The Shimla Church is a neo-Gothic structure and one of the oldest landmarks in the city.
• The Ridge, located alongside Mall Road, offers views of the snow-capped Himalayan range.

Things to do at Mall Road Shimla

Tourists visit the Mall Road in Shimla to admire the colonial architecture and historical churches, experience panoramic views of the town and engage in a plethora of activities like shopping for local handicrafts, woollen clothing, etc., explore the roadside cafes, etc.

 

Timings and best time to visit Mall Road Shimla

The best time to visit Mall Road in Shimla is in summer. The Mall Road closes by 9 pm.

 

Parking at Mall Road

Parking near Mall Road can be challenging owing to the heavy tourist influx. Thus, it is advisable to park your vehicle a bit further and walk or hire a cab to the location. The Mall Road is accessible on foot only as vehicles are not allowed. The Shimla lift, operated by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, is accessible to tourists near Cart Road to take them up to Mall Road.

 

Accommodations near Mall Road

There are plenty of accommodation options near Mall Road, with hotels available in various ranges and preferences for tourists.

 

FAQs

What can we do at the Mall Road Shimla?

Tourists can go shopping, enjoy local food at restaurants or explore the architecture of buildings and views of the mountains.

Is Mall Road Shimla open throughout the year?

Mall Road Shimla is open to visitors throughout the year.

Can we drive on Mall Road Shimla?

Vehicles are not allowed on Mall Road in Shimla.

What is unique about buying from the Mall Road Shimla?

The Mall Road is a shopping paradise that offers handicrafts, woollen clothes, traditional jewellery and local food.

What is the best time to visit Mall Road Shimla?

The best time to visit the Mall Road in Shimla is from March to June and September to December.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]