Kipling Trail
Walk to the Venue of Gymkhana
The Price for Kiping Trail is
Rs. INR 5000/-
- The price mentioned is for 1 – 4 people traveling together. For Extra Person INR 700/- per person.
∗ 5 star Rating
We named it Kipling trail because Rudyard Kipling used this downhill trail to reach the venue of the Gymkhana.
Rudyard Kipling arrived in Shimla in the 1880s and lived here for a couple of years. He was the first one to carry Shimla out of India through his stories. It was actually his father who had been invited from Lahor to Shimla to make some stained glass windows for the Christ Church. The family lived in a house called North Bank and this was the place where Rudyard wrote his two main books – Plain Tales from the Hills and Kim.
We start this walk from his house and walk to Annandale Ground. The most interesting stories of the past of Shimla come from Annandale ground. This is a vast and circular piece of land that has been the venue of all types of public functions, once upon a time. A small area on the ground has also been converted into a Military museum.
- A well-conversed English Speaking Guide/ Local Explorer with complete knowledge of Cemeteries.
- Water
- Light refreshment.
- The price shown on the right side is only for the Walk.
- Rest everything is optional.
- The Explorer / your local friend from Shimla Walks will report to your hotel in time.
- The best views and photos can be covered during daylight.
- Most part of this tour is covered through the traffic road. A car is essential for this trip.
- The vehicle will not be allowed inside the market, will cover the market by walking through the shops.
- Monkeys in Shimla, Rhesus Macaque, and black-faced Langoors are almost everywhere. Langurs are shy and friendly both but the Macaques can be aggressive. If there is a Macaque near you, then avoid having eye contact with him. You can click the photo from a distance but not from close proximity.
- During the monsoon month, July – September there can be torrential rains. Kindly carry a rain cover with you.
Program
09.30 AM : Drive to Rudyard Kipling's House
Initially, Rudyard Kipling and his parents lived in a house called Tendrils, for some time and then they moved to Northbank. There, Kipling penned his two famous books, Plain Tale from the Hills and Kim.
Village Khyatoo
Kipling used this trail leading to the Gymkhana through this village. This is set up on an extended ridge towards north of Shimla but downward side.
The views are amazing from here. As you walk through the narrow lane of this area you will have beautiful glimpses of Shimla’s life. There is much difference between seeing the same people up at the Mall and here.
Army Heritage Museum
As you enter the gates of Annandale ground, the pathway is adorned with huge ballistic missiles and military guns, and to the right, you will see a building that has been converted into an Army Heritage Museum. The credit goes to Lieutenant General Kuldip Singh Jamwal who supervised the setting up of this amazing heritage museum which has been opened to the general public at large since 2006. This is open every day, except Mondays and government holidays. The museum describes the history of the Indian Army.
A Temple
Opposite the entrance gate of the ground, a small hill temple built, which is dedicated to a local deity, Dhanu Devta, it is a good example of hill architecture. After this, we continue walking for another three kilometers on the forest road to return to Shimla.
General information
Time
- 09:30AM to 02:00PM
Closed on
- Mondays
- Every Public Holiday in India
What to see
- Kipling’s House
- Remote Villages
- Local Lifestyle
- Army Heritage Museum
- Helipad and a local Temple
Group Size
- Private Walk
Call or WhatsApp
- +91 7018703170
Geographical Information
Altitude
- Start from: 2,295 m
- Descend to: 1,800 m
- Finish at: 2,295 m
Weather
- Spring: March-May
- Monsoon: July – September
- Autumn: October – November.
- Winter: December – February.
Click here to check the weather forecast.
Temperature
- The warmest month of the year is June, with an average temperature of 20.9 °C | 69.6 °F.
- January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 5.6 °C | 42.1 °F.
Inclines and Declines
- Descend and Ascend.
- Forested Road.
Traffic on road
- No Traffic on this walk.
Other Information
Do not forget
- Camera.
- Credit / Debit Cards.
- Walking Shoes.
- Sunglasses.
- Sun Screen.
- Umbrella on a rainy day.
- Rain Cover.
- Sun Hat.
- Personal medicine (if any)
- Warm Jacket in Winter.
Transportation
- Required.
Pets
Not Allowed
Toilets
- Army Heritage Museum has Toilets
Wheelchair
- No
