Places for Shopaholics in Shimla

If you stay in one of hotels in Shimla on Mall Road, you must certainly be able to see plenty of tiny shops, handicrafts outlets etc. Shimla is a wonderful vacation destination, but apart from that, it is also a shoppers’ paradise.

The summer months are ideal for tourists who descend here in hordes, and also for shopping. It is a wonderful opportunity to carry back some knick-knacks, curios and clothes. Some of the shopping opportunities if you are staying in one of the hotels in Shimla on Mall Road include: 

•   The Mall Road, at the heart of Shimla, is the centre of all activity. There are eateries, bistros, shops et al here. You can pick up shawls and winter wear from one of the shops here. You can also buy Himachali caps that are famous in Shimla, and gift them to friends and family back home. Mall Road is a street which is vehicle-free so that shopping is easy. This road is the principal shopping centre in all of Shimla. 

•   You could also make a trip to the Emporium of Himachal Pradesh on Mall Road, where you can pick up Kinnauri shawls or Kangra silk items, apart from souvenirs and handicrafts. 

•   Lakkar Bazaar, which is close to Mall Road, is home to a range of handicrafts, jewellery, traditional artefacts, carpets, wooden knick-knacks, etc. Woollens, shawls, both of the pashmina and Kullu variety, herbs, dry fruits are all easily available in Lakkar Bazaar. If you are staying in one of the hotels in Shimla on Mall Road, it is just a short walk away from your destination. 

•   Tibetan Market is another spot where you can pick up a lot of trinkets and knicks-knacks. You get anything from Tibetan carpets, rugs, scarves, stoles, bags, shoes and jewellery. This is a makeshift market and is usually set up near the Ridge. As you shop, you can get a taste of corn cobs slathered in butter, lime and salt in the cool climes of Shimla. 

•   Yet another bazaar or market you would love to pay a visit is the Lower Bazaar, which is also known as ‘Subzi Mandi’. The chaotic streets and alleyways have shops selling anything from walking sticks, wooden knick-knacks, fresh produce, quaint old bookshops etc. The market is located at a point lower than Mall Road. 

•   Want to pick up some delightful preserves and jams? Get a taste of fresh fruit-based preserves, jellies and jams at the Minchy’s outlet at Shoghi near Shimla. Even on the Shimla-Delhi highway, you can find plenty of stalls selling squashes, pickles, jams and wines to carry back home.

Time to visit Shimla

The best time to visit Shimla is during the summer months, but if you would like to experience snow, you should head there in the winter. Hotels in Shimla are usually booked in the holiday season, typically the summer months when schools are off, so plan ahead and book yourself in one of the hotels.