Sunnymead
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Located off the main road into Shimla, near the new bus stand and about 20 minutes walk from the centre of town. Use Google Maps to find your way, or have the house send a driver to collect you.
Though not particularly close to central Shimla this is more a bonus than a hindrance, as you’re away from the masses and have easy access to the forest and walking tracks.
How to get there:
The best way to get here is by car from Chandigarh airport or Kalka railway station. Drivers can come and collect you if preferred.
By air:
Chandigarh, 3 hours away by car, is the nearest airport and can be reached via most main cities in India. You could also fly to Delhi and then drive though it’s a long way (9 hours).
By train:
Kalka is the nearest station and is about 2.5 hours by car. Also from Kalka you can take the mini/toy train up to Shimla; it takes longer than the car but it’s good fun and the views are great.
By road:
Head north from Delhi or Chandigarh and you can’t miss Shimla.
Distances & travel times:
airport: Chandigarh 125km / 3 hrs
railway stations: Kalka 100km / 2.5 hrs
When to go:
Of course, summer or winter is a matter of preference but both are excellent times to visit this part of Himachal Pradesh.
In summer – March to June – when cities like Delhi and Chandigarh get really hot, it is very pleasant up here. In the cold, winter months – November to February – after the heat and humidity of Mumbai in particular, there’s the fun of sitting by a warm fireplace, sheltered from the crisp cold outside. All that aside, June to September’s rains also have their unique appeal as the forest becomes shrouded in mist.
Getting around:
Local drivers/taxis can be called for transfers or trips further afield. Otherwise, you can walk into and around town or the surrounding countryside.