Shimla or Darjeeling ?

Am in the planning phase of an India trip. Sticking to the north. Have 1 month and DON'T want to be racing around the whole time from place to place so I am currently trimming down my initial "places to visit" list.

Question: In a choice between Shimla and Darjeeling, which would be the better place to go.

Looking for relaxed (by Indian standards) atmos, a few day/half day walks, scenery etc.

Would appreciate input from all, particularly those who have recently been to both.

Thanks

Tracy

shimla is nothing too special. i've been twice, last in 98. there are only 1&1/2 pages in the new LP ov things to do there- & in my opinion thats pushing it. whereas darjeeling(never been, excited to be going in oct/nov.), has 4+ pages ov some groovy looking things to do.

I would say Darjeeling. Personally I find Simla pleasant but a day or two is enough. D'jeeling is more atmospheric I reckon ( especially if you're looking for the faded Raj experience) and there's more going on in the area. You could go on to Sikkim for a week or so - a really interesting and beautiful destination.

You don't say where you are flying into India. From Mumbai or Delhi it's a bit of a hike to D'jeeling unless you're planning on flying. And Simla is handy for all those travellers' hangouts like Manali, Kullu and Dharmsala.

I guess it all comes down to what you are looking for on your trip. If you want to stick to the well worn backpackers circuit go to Simla then on thru Himarchal Pradesh. If you want to get a bit further away from the apple pie and cheesecake brigade go east.

Happy travellin'

Annie T

Thanks for the input guys, helped alot

Obiviously Darjeeling is better than Shimla. Aftre Darjeeling you may take atrip to Eastern Himalaya. If you like to treak you may visist Sandakphu- Phalut. Otherwise you may visist Sikkim.