Shimla with children

catherinew

Hi,

Thanks all on this forum for the great info already on travel/hotel options.

We'll be in Shimla in early August for about 4 days with our four children (aged from 14 to 6) to cool off a little (and get wet!?) before we go home after our trip round India.

Does anyone have any suggestions for things they would be particularly interested in doing - I can't imagine shopping is for them , are there some gentle walks we can all do to places that would hold their interest, etc. etc.

With thanks

Catheirne

Haze

Hi Catherine!

My two (then aged 3 & 5) loved Shimla when we were there last year. There are lots of walks and the one they enjoyed most was to the Hanuman Temple. Perhaps because they're big Hanuman fans to start with.

They also really enjoyed the opulence of the Cecil Hotel and got quite a giggle out of being addressed 'madam' by the staff there who were very kindly humouring two little girls. Or three, if you include me.

In any event, enjoy your stay in Shimla. We wish we were there with you.

Hazel

puchoo

There are a lot of walks as such in Shimla, but depends partly on where you are staying...

In terms on getting wet, yes its is rain time in Shimla in August!

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Cheers!

Sidharth

puchoo.wordpress.com

catherinew

Thanks. Is it easy enough to get info on walk routes etc. when we are there? Looking forward to it, even if it is wet!

Catherine

puchoo

No it wont be , unlike other places its not easy to get info on walks, things to do, tourist spots all laid out on a map... there is a tourist center just before shimla where you can stop and take a look at what material they have...

If you could specify where you are staying i might be able to suggest somethings..

catherinew

Thanks. After staying in budget accom on the rest of our trip we are 'splurging' out and are staying at the Cecil. Not sure what they will think of our raggedy bunch when we turn up! So walks from that side of Shimla would be great.

Thanks

Catherine

KABAARY

When you get there, buy "Shimla On Foot - Ten Walks" by Raaja Bhasin from one of the bookshops.

Excellent choice ! And in the quieter part in the restricted area. Viceregal Lodge is real close by. If you are up to a longish walk, go down and see the Army Museum in Annadale...an excellent walk and I really liked the small museum (so did my elder son actually but then he is very into soldiers and stuff).

puchoo

Good location , its towards the beginning of Shimla and relatively quiet given the traffic restrictions in place.

From the Cecil you can do a few things.

1. Viceregal Lodge - Small walk , about 10 mins either way.

2. The Mall - 20 minutes back either way at a decent pace, the amount of time you spend on the mall is additional , a walk up and down the mall can take anything from 20 minutes to 1 hour each way.

3. The Ridge and further on to Jakhu Temple - This is the 'monkey' temple which has been mentioned earlier as well. From the ridge its an uphill walk , not too difficult - mind the monkeys on the way.

4. Annadale as mentioned..

Will get back with some more options as well.... incidentally have you booked Cecil already?

catherinew

Thanks! Yes, Cecil already booked.

Catherine

puchoo

Cool , so you can do any or all of the above. The Cecil frontdesk is also quite helpful , most of the guys are locals and will be able to suggest places you can go to as well.

Infact , if you can , go to a place called Potters Hill for lunch. Its a camping site in the middle of a reserve forest outside of Shimla. Its a nice walk to the site and there are a few walks leading away from the site as well.