To travel from Mumbai to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, you have several transportation options, including air, train, and road. Here’s how you can reach Shimla from Mumbai using these methods:
By Air:
- The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV), but it has limited connectivity and may not always be operational due to weather conditions. Hence, the most practical option is to fly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC), approximately 120 kilometers from Shimla.
- You can book a direct flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai to Chandigarh Airport.
- From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shimla. The journey takes around 3-4 hours by road.
By Train:
- There is no direct train connectivity from Mumbai to Shimla. The nearest railway station to Shimla is Kalka Railway Station.
- You can take a train from Mumbai to Kalka. Several trains like the Kalka Mail and Paschim Express connect Mumbai to Kalka.
- You can board the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla Toy Train from Kalka, which offers a scenic journey through the mountains to reach Shimla. The toy train journey takes around 5-6 hours.
By Road:
- You can also travel from Mumbai to Shimla by road. It’s a long journey covering approximately 1,800 kilometers and takes around 30-35 hours by car, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
- The route involves passing through states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
- You can either drive your vehicle or hire a taxi. Several private bus operators also offer services between Mumbai and Shimla.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you select, be sure to thoroughly plan your trip, considering things like travel time, cost, and weather. It’s also a good idea to see if there are any guidelines or limitations on travel because of the current pandemic or other issues.