This is one of the best hotels in India, so if you are coming to Shimla and stay here, you’ve hit the jackpot. Owned by the Oberoi group and set in the fomer summer residence of Lord Kitchener (he of the piercing eyes and pointing finger of ‘Kitchener Wants You’ poster fame), it still manages to feel special. Situated on a wooded hilltop five miles out of town, it has outdoor and indoor pools and spa, and forest trails from the 22-acre property. Rooms are faithful to the colonial period with teak floors, open fireplaces and hand-woven rugs. A highlight is the superb food and al fresco dining terrace, with far-reaching views of the Himalayas.
This delightful north Indian hill station, one of the country’s smallest cities, attracts holidaymakers from all over India and beyond. As well as a pleasant, cooler climate in summer – and occasional snow in winter – it’s clean and green. Situated at 7,100ft, access is by twisting roads or the popular narrow gauge ‘toy train’. The most well-known landmark is the main street, Mall Road: a pedestrian-only walkway, with a variety of shops and restaurants on one side and views across the valley to the other. Everyone comes here, night or day to ‘promenade’.
The ruling British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and echoes of the colonial past show in its buildings, some of which are now hotels. Shimla offers a wide range, from opulent luxury to the more basic; in town or on the outskirts – offering more space and usually better views; modern or historic. Decide on your ‘must haves’ and choose from our favourites.