
An important religious site dedicated to Goddess Kali (Shyamala), known for its Bengali heritage and its connection to the origin of Shimla's name.
The Kalibari Temple in Shimla is a place of great religious importance, dedicated to the goddess Kali, known here as Shyamala. It is from this name that the city of Shimla is believed to have derived its own. The temple was originally built in 1845 by Bengali devotees, and their cultural influence is still evident. The main sanctum houses a striking dark-blue idol of the goddess, which draws many worshippers daily. Located a short walk from the main Mall Road, the temple complex offers a quiet atmosphere away from the city's activity. Visitors first encounter a flight of stairs leading up to the main temple area. The structure itself is simple, painted in blue and white, reflecting its Bengali origins. Inside, the environment is deeply devotional, especially during the morning and evening aarti (prayer ceremony) when hymns are sung. Besides the main shrine, the complex also includes a small hall for religious gatherings. From the temple's courtyard, you can get clear views of the surrounding hills and parts of the city, making it a spot for both spiritual reflection and appreciating the mountain landscape.
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Kalibari Road, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Air
The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (SLV) at Jubbarhatti, about 23 km away, with limited connectivity. The major nearby airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), which is 120 km away (3-4 hours by road).
Train
Shimla is connected by the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearest broad-gauge railway station is in Kalka (KLK), 90 km away, which is well-connected to major Indian cities.
Road
Shimla is well-connected by road via NH5. Regular bus services, including deluxe and volvo buses, operate from Delhi (350 km), Chandigarh (115 km), and other nearby cities. Taxis are also readily available.
Local Transport
The temple is located near The Mall, which is a pedestrian-only zone. You can hire a local taxi to the restricted entry point and walk from there. From most central hotels, the temple is easily reachable on foot.
Nearby restaurants near Kalibari Temple
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