You are delighted to savor the land of Shimla’s majestic snow-capped mountains, breathtakingly lush flora, and picturesque lakes. Several locations on earth can legitimately claim to be more beautiful than Shimla. However, Shimla, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, has an unmatched glamour. There is a reason it is quoted as the Queen of Hill Stations.
17 places to visit in Shimla
Here is the list of the best 17 places you can visit during your journey to Shimla.
1). The Ridge, Shimla
In terms of location and tourism attractions, Ridge is the central hub of Shimla. This popular tourist destination in Shimla is a large, open boulevard that connects Mall Road to the renowned Scandal Point and goes along it from east to west. Its beautiful vistas of the snow-capped mountain ranges that border this paradise-like location and rise against the blue sky are what make it such a well-liked vacation spot.
The area is scattered with venerable British businesses that attract tourists to indulge in binge eating and feel-good shopping. The Ridge, cued with stores, bars, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, acts as the community social center. Due to its abundance of natural beauty and the Gothic buildings that characterize exquisiteness, this area is among the most photographed in the city. Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
2). Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Shimla
The highest point of Shimla and the best place to visit in Shimla, Jakhoo Hill, is covered in a canopy of alpine trees and provides picturesque views of Sanjauli, Shimla’s sister town, and the snow-capped Shivalik Ranges. An ancient Hanuman temple with the tallest statue of this Hindu deity in the world (108 feet) is located on Jakhoo Hill, located at an elevation of 8000 feet above sea level.
It draws both worshippers and tourists because of its traditions and mysteries. If the local stories are to be trusted, the temple is situated where Lord Hanuman once took a break while en route to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s rebirth during the Lankan War.Timings: 8:00am to 6:00pm; every day
3). Mall Road, Shimla
The Mall Road must be on your list of blissful attractions and places to visit in Shimla. Other than that, the area is a hotspot in this hill town that draws tourists of all ages. You may soak up the spirit of Shimla in all its touristy delights at one of the many cafes, restaurants, showrooms, department stores, and shops offering trinkets and rare handicrafts that are located here.
You can shop here for a variety of goods, including jewelry, literature, and elaborately crafted wooden objects. The Kali Bari Temple, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point are just a few of the nearby sights you can explore at the same time. Additionally, as the road is blocked off to traffic, taking a stroll here in the evening while admiring the natural splendor of the hills is a joy in and of itself.Timings: 9:00 am to9:00 pm; every-day
4). Kalka-Shimla Railway, Shimla
Shimla tourism’s main attraction is the train ride between Kalka and Shimla with good cause. This 1898-built narrow-gauge railway has now been included in the UNESCO list of India’s mountain railways as a World Heritage Site. The train ride from the Shivalik Range foothills at Kalka (Haryana) to Shimla gives breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills and villages as it winds through the incredibly gorgeous and rugged terrain.
Along the journey, it makes several stops at tourist attractions, including Solan, Dharampur, Summer Hill, Salogra, Taradevi, and Barog. You will travel through at least 864 bridges, 919 curves, and 102 tunnels during the voyage.Even while the train journey is not a location to visit in Shimla, skipping it will eliminate you from seeing some of Shimla’s most beautiful sights.
5). Kufri, Shimla
You can go to Kufri, another best location in Shimla, by taking a trip that takes about 40 minutes from the city center. This little hill station, 8607 feet above sea level, offers expansive views of the nearby snow-capped mountains. But Kufri is more than simply a tourist destination for Shimla.
It is also a center for outdoor activities that provides instruction and equipment for thrilling winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Because of this, it is considered India’s winter sports capital. Kufri tops the list of places to visit in Shimla in December since it regularly receives snowfall during the winter.
6). Christ Church, Shimla
One of the prominent landmarks in Shimla, Christ Church is the second oldest church in northern India and boasts of exceptional architectural beauty. It is a remarkable example of the neo-Gothic style of architecture. The historic church is located on the Ridge and traces its origin back to 1857. An enduring legacy of the colonial rulers, the silhouette of this imposing monument is visible from far away.
With stained glass windows, brass church bells, and arresting towers; it presents a picture of inimitable beauty. While the church looks majestic during the day, it turns into an enchanting sight when illuminated at night. Moreover, it houses the largest pipe organ in India. Even if you are planning a quick itinerary of the places to visit in Shimla in 2 days, do not miss out on this splendid attraction.
Do not skip this exquisite site even if you are making a quick schedule of the places to see in Shimla in two days.Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
7). Green Valley, Shimla
Green Valley, a stunning natural valley close to Shimla and Kufri, lives up to its name. The valley is steeped in vegetation, with snow-capped mountains and dense pine and deodar forests as a backdrop. One of the best places to visit in Shimla for a weekend getaway is the tranquil Green Valley, which is away from the touristy crowd and where you can see nature in all its magnificence.
The area, which is known for its pure beauty, is also one of India’s favorite Bollywood locales and has appeared in a lot of Hindi films. Even though Green Valley is open all year round, the summer is the ideal season to go.
8). Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Would you like to go to the historic site where the decision to separate India into Pakistan and East Pakistan was made in the days preceding the nation’s independence? You must then retrace your steps to Shimla’s Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The structure, which is one of the most well-known tourist places to visit in Shimla and Manali, was initially constructed as a home for Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. It was known as the Viceregal Lodge at the time, and electricity was connected to the spectacular building as early as 1888, long before the rest of Shimla began to use electricity in any capacity.
Before being transformed into a facility for advanced study and research, the area was used as the president of India’s summer retreat after the country’s independence and was known as Rashtrapati Niwas. Due to its grandiose Victorian-style architecture and grandeur, the building attracts attention.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (1st July to 30th April)Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (1st May to 30th June)Closed on MondaysEntry fee: ₹ 40 per person for Indians; ₹ 85 per person for foreigners; ₹ 20 per person for Garden VisitFree entry for government school students in groups with their teachers
9). Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
While some temples draw tourists because of their architectural splendor, others do so because of their religious or historical significance. However, some temples excel in both categories. One such location is the Shimla Kali Bari Temple. The temple, which is said to have been constructed in 1845, boasts both stunning architectural features and significant religious significance.
The temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali as her name suggests, contains a beautiful idol of the god. It is one of the best places to visit in Shimla and to spend some quiet time connecting with your inner self because it is close to Mall Road. It’s worthwhile to acknowledge that Goddess Shyamala, a local name for Goddess Kali, is also said to be the source of Shimla’s name.Timings: 6:00am to 7:00pm; every day
10). Himachal State Museum, Shimla
The Himachal State Museum, widely known as the Shimla State Museum, is housed in a colonial townhouse on Mall Road. It has a wide variety of items that were found in the valley, including miniature paintings, stone sculptures, coins, weapons, armor, dolls, jewelry, handicrafts, and numismatic products. The entirety of the items kept here is a testament to the rich cultural legacy of the state. The main draw at this location is a collection of bronze idols gathered from numerous temples located around the Himalayas. If you enjoy history, it is one of the best places to visit in Shimla and be rich in history and knowledge.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on MondaysEntry fee: ₹ 10 per person for Indians; ₹ 50 per person for foreigners
11). Tara Devi Temple
Whether you identify as religious or not, you must visit the Tara Devi Temple while you are in Shimla. This shrine, which is situated atop the Tara Parvat hill, is thought to be roughly 250 years old. The ruling deity at this place is Goddess Tara, a Tibetan Buddhist goddess who is one of Goddess Durga’s nine sisters.
The wooden divinity that was placed in the shrine, by local belief, was imported from West Bengal. Although the temple has a peaceful atmosphere, visitors have admired its exquisite architecture.Timings: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm; every day
12). Mashobra, Shimla
Make sure to include this location in your route map if you are seeking an exciting location and places to visit in Shimla in December. Mashobra, a little town in Shimla, transforms into a snow sports enthusiast’s dream come true during the winter months. A sparkling layer of snow blankets the lush green area, providing a significant skiing foundation.
Mashobra, a less congested location in the area, charms guests with a pleasant atmosphere and lots of enjoyable activities without the congestion. You can have all the fun you desire at this location, whether you want to ski down the slopes quickly, fight in the snow with your significant other, or make a snowman with your kids.
13). Chadwick Waterfall
Chadwick Waterfall, located within the Glen Forests, is among the most beautiful vistas and the best places to visit in Shimla that you might have ever seen from nature. The waterfall descends over a wide canyon after diving from a height of 86 meters. It makes for an alluring appearance when surrounded by the deodar and pine trees’ carpet of foliage.
The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is the finest time to go since Chadwick seems to have a life of its own and the water level rises. You can splash around if the thought of getting wet in the chilly water does not terrify you.Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
14). Annandale, Shimla
Are you interested in playing a game of cricket or polo in a relaxing environment? If so, you will enjoy discovering Annandale. Annandale a flat area in the mountainous foothills of Shimla, has been used as a playground since the period of the British emperors. Polo, cricket, and racing are just a few of the activities that are played there today. In the western region of Shimla, Annandale is surrounded by oak and deodar trees and is located in a steep valley.
The location is among the best places to visit in Shimla November and is renowned for its magnificent beauty. One of the top attractions in this area is the Annandale Army Heritage Museum, so be sure to visit it while you are here.
Timings: 24×7; every dayArmy Museum Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm; closed on MondaysEntry fee: No entry fee
15). Johnnie’s Wax Museum, Shimla
Johnnie’s Wax Museum, widely known as the Madame Tussauds Museum of Shimla, is home to numerous wax replicas of well-known historical and fictitious figures. In addition to monuments of Michael Jackson and Mahatma Gandhi, you can also witness James Bond, Harry Potter, and even Iron Man in this location. Among others: the museum features monuments of Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Steve Jobs. The best thing is that you may capture the occasion in a snapshot next to your favorite star, making it truly special. The wax mueseum is one of the most amazing places to visit in Shimla.
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; every dayEntry fee: ₹ 250 per personFree entry for children below five years of age
16). Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Shimla
The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is likely to catch your eye when you exit your hotel if you are near Mall Road. The cultural complex, a century-old building with an imposing Victorian-style construction, used to be Shimla’s most popular location for diverse social gatherings. Although a piece of the original architecture has been demolished, the building itself is still a magnificent sight. Prithviraj Kapoor, K.L. Sehgal, Rudyard Kipling, and other prominent performers had once given performances at the structure. The complex now includes an amphitheater, an art gallery, a multipurpose hall, and an exhibition hall.
It is a well-known hub for the performing arts, drawing tourists and artists from all over the world.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Monday to FridayEntry fee: ₹ 10 per person for Indians ₹ 25 per person for foreigners
17). Himalayan Bird Park
You may find a modest collection of exotic birds you will adore at the Himalayan Bird Park which is directly across from the Viceregal Lodge. Here, you can see peafowl, peacocks, and Monal pheasants in all their splendor. The area is incredibly green and peaceful; one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Timings: 10:00AM to 5:00PM, every day
Conclusion
Talking about places to visit in Shimla only makes me feel like visiting Shimla. The places, the atmosphere, the weather and the places to visit in Shimla can never disappoint you. So if you are planning to have a trip somewhere in summer don’t forget to keep shimla in your list.Places to visit in shimla can be numerous ones, top 17 places to visit in Shimla have been mentioned above. For any recommendations or for mentioning any place to visit in shimla has been left please do give your kind reviews!
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