Shimla Population 2026
Shimla has a population of 173,503, making it the #296 biggest city in 🇮🇳 India, located in Himachal Pradesh. It is about 73× smaller than Mumbai, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
173,503
Rank in India
#296
Coordinates
31.10°N, 77.17°E
~2,073 m elevation · Asia/Kolkata
Distance to capital (New Delhi)
276 km
171 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Himachal Pradesh
| City | Population | Rank in India |
|---|---|---|
| Solan | 40,283 | #1408 |
| Kālka | 34,134 | #1700 |
| Dharamsala | 30,764 | #1898 |
| Baddi | 29,911 | #1949 |
| Nāhan | 28,899 | #2037 |
| Mandi | 28,217 | #2101 |
| Sundarnagar | 25,338 | #2352 |
| Pāonta Sāhib | 25,183 | #2371 |
Cities near Shimla
FAQ
What is the population of Shimla?
Shimla has a population of 173,503 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #296 biggest city in India.
What region is Shimla in?
Shimla is located in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Is Shimla the capital of India?
No, the capital of India is New Delhi, about 276 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.