Rainy Day in Shimla? Here’s How the Jakhu Ropeway Saved Mine

Waking up to grey skies and steady rain wasn’t exactly how I pictured my day in Shimla. Like most tourists, I had imagined Mall Road strolls, café hopping, and sun-drenched views. But Shimla had other plans. The monsoon had rolled in quietly, soaking the hills and turning the town into a misty painting.

I almost stayed in.

But then someone at breakfast mentioned, “If it rains in Shimla, ride the ropeway—you’ll thank me later.”

And they were right. That spontaneous decision led to one of the most unforgettable rides of my trip.

There’s something different about Shimla in the monsoon. The streets are quieter, the trees darker and richer in green, and the fog? It wraps around you like a soft blanket. The usual chaos of summer tourism fades, and the town begins to feel like it’s telling its story only to you.

• Every step feels slower—every sight, somehow more poetic.
• But the best way to witness this transformation? From above.

The Jakhu Ropeway in Shimla is a short cable car ride that links the Ridge to Jakhu Hill, home to the famous Hanuman temple. Under normal circumstances, it’s a tourist favorite for the bird’s-eye view. But in the rain, it becomes something else entirely.

The moment the gondola rose above the trees, it was as if the entire town had disappeared. Mist covered the houses, the forest shimmered in the rain, and I felt like I was floating through clouds.

Everything outside the window looked soft and surreal. It wasn’t just a ride—it was a five-minute escape into silence.

At the top of the ropeway, Jakhu Temple sat hidden behind moving curtains of mist. I had seen photos of the massive Hanuman statue before—tall and bright against the sky—but here, it played hide-and-seek with the clouds. One moment it stood tall, the next it vanished into the fog.

The temple grounds were nearly empty. The usual troop of monkeys had taken shelter, and only a handful of visitors wandered about with umbrellas. That rare stillness made it easier to feel the energy of the place.

I spent longer than expected there, just watching the clouds drift past the trees. The rain had softened everything—no noise, no rush.

If you’re visiting Shimla during the rainy months and thinking of skipping the ropeway, don’t. Here are a few things that helped me make the most of the experience:

• Wear a light rain jacket. You’ll need it at the top.
• Keep your phone dry. Some of the best shots I took were through the fog.
• Go early. Mornings have heavier mist and fewer people.
• Stroll. The temple path can get slippery, but that just adds to the charm if you’re careful.

And honestly, don’t rush the ride. It may only last five minutes, but the moments are longer when the city disappears behind a curtain of rain.

For those who want to plan, here’s the latest on Jakhu Ropeway ticket prices:

• One-way: ?300
• Round trip: ?500
• Kids under 3: Free

It’s best to book online through the official site if you want to avoid lines, especially on weekends or holidays.

Would I plan my next Shimla trip around the monsoon? Maybe not. But would I ride the Jakhu Ropeway in the rain again if I got the chance? In a heartbeat.

There’s something about that ride—the floating silence, the sudden views, the feeling that the city has slowed down just for you. Even if you don’t believe in magic, five minutes in that mist-covered cable car might change your mind.

Rain usually pushes us indoors. But in Shimla, it pulls you into a different kind of adventure. So if the sky turns grey and you hear the first drops on your hotel window, don’t cancel your plans. Head to the Ridge, grab a ticket, and glide through the clouds instead.

The ropeway ride during rain didn’t just save my day—it became the best part of my trip.