Against the backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Himalayas, Shimla is much more than attractive colonial buildings. Much more than the dozens of Bollywood songs set in Mall Road or its oldest boarding schools. The upper reaches around the Shimla region offer natural snow skating as well as the MTB Himalayas (Southeast Asia’s largest mountain biking race). Shimla is owned by the 16th century “Arya Astha Sahasrakas Pragya Paramita” Tibetan script (on the bizarre Maria Brothers antique booksellers) and the Jakhu Temple Shrine with the footprints of Lord Hanuman. Here are 10 phenomenal places to visit in Shimla.
Originally part of the state of Nepal (before it was declared the British Summer Capital of India), pleasant summers and snow-capped winter make Shimla a favorite weekend with tourists all year round. Expect a tattoo artist around every corner, but don’t take any food after midnight. The mythological ghost stories (Chudail Bawdi, for single men whose cars slow down for a woman in a white sari) and magnificent cultural heritage make the trip more memorable. On its way that the UNESCO Heritage Railway route to Shimla has sights and sounds like never before.
1. Kufri
Located at an altitude of 2622 meters above sea level, Kufri is a popular place that attracts tourists with its natural beauty. This icy mountain offers many spectacular views and many adventure activities. It is one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
2. Summer hills
Summer Hill is a remote suburb of Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,123 meters. It is on a hill 5 km west of Shimla Ridge and is part of a seven-hill cluster. Recently, Summer Hill offered a residence to Mahatma Gandhi, who had stayed in Princess Amrit Kaur’s Georgian mansion during her visits to Shimla. Also known as Potter Hill, these pine and deodar-laden slopes have many quaint habitats, such as those belonging to the family of the famous painter Amrita Shergill.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
3. The Ridge
The Ridge of Shimla is known for organizing many government functions and fairs. It is the main venue for all major events as well as celebrations in Shimla. The Summer Festival which is the most famous festival is held here on the ridge.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
4. Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak of Shimla and has an ancient temple and a huge statue of Lord Hanuman which attracts a lot of tourists. The place is filled with fresh air and trees giving positive vibes, so those who want peace and tranquility visit Jakhoo Hill.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
5. Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple is a sacred incarnation of Goddess Tara and is believed to have been built 250 years ago! But the beauty of the place is such that even after so many years, it shines just as much back then. The temple is one of the best places to visit in Shimla in late June and is beautifully placed in a lush green environment.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
6. Shimla State Museum
The State Museum is located 2.5 km west of Scandal Point on Inverarm Hill. The museum has a grand collection of ancient historical statues, coins, paintings, and photographs collected from across the state and the country. It also has a library, which houses around 10,000 books, magazines, and magazines. The sculpture gallery houses metal, wood, and stone sculptures. The painting section showcases Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings, religious paintings, contemporary paintings, and Mughal paintings. Apart from these rare artifacts, the museum also has a unique collection of Himachali dolls. Art and history lovers should visit the museum while visiting Shimla.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
7. Kali Bari Temple
The beauty of the temple and its rich cultural architecture attract many believers each year to offer their prayers. Interestingly, this temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Studies, commonly known as Shimla, which is named after the goddess Shimla. When you are in Shimla, take a walk here and witness a good journey.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
8. Chadwick Falls
The clear water of the Chadwick waterfall is deep below a gorge at a height of about 86 meters. The beauty of the place enhances the surrounding hills as well as dense green trees of pine and deodar. After traveling all over Shimla you have a busy itinerary, you can come back here and relax. This place will give you enough ‘time’.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
9. Mall Road
When you talk about popular attractions, you do not need to introduce Shimla Mall Road. Mall Road is one of the famous shopping areas for locals and attracts tourists. Whenever you need to buy something in Shimla, just take a road tour! Shops sell everything from clothes to bags and more!
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
10. Christ Church
Christ Church is the second oldest church in India and it displays peace and joy to many! Most people go to church to spend some solitary time and pray in solitude. Apart from providing peace and relaxation to the people, this church also shows beauty. For the best experience, you should visit this place between morning and evening prayers.
10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla
Related Post – Experience India’s Most-Wanted Hill Station – Manali
Frequently Asked Questions About Shimla
Q. Which is the best time to visit Shimla?
A – March to June: This is a popular tourist season in Shimla as the weather is quite pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The temperature is comfortable and usually varies between 15 °C and 30 °C. If you are into adventure sports then this is the ideal time to try paragliding, trekking, camping, and rafting.
Q. Why is Shimla so famous?
A – One of the most stunning hill resorts, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. Situated at an altitude of 2,205 meters, it used to be the summer capital of British India with a well-planned architecture. This capital city of Himachal Pradesh is famous for The Mall, Ridge, and Toy Train.
Q. Is it snowing in Shimla?
A – Shimla receives heavy snowfall in December and January, making it an ideal destination for snow lovers and winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Although winter starts in November. The average maximum is in the low-twenties, while the minimum drops below 15 degrees.
Q. Is Kufri worth seeing?
A – This picturesque destination has a variety of sightseeing spots, each of which is worth visiting. During winters, the hills in Kufri serve as a popular spot for skiing. The highest peak of Kufri – Mahasu Peak is covered with dense forests and is another tourist destination.
Q. What is the best way to go from Delhi to Shimla?
A – The fastest way to reach Shimla is by air, which takes you around 4 hours 15 minutes from Delhi. Take Indigo from New Delhi to Chandigarh, then take Tata Indigo from Chandigarh to Shimla. There is no direct flight connection between Delhi and Shimla.
Q. How far is Shimla from Delhi by car?
A – The distance between Delhi to Shimla is 355 km.
Q. Is there any train between Delhi and Shimla?
A – Although there is no direct train service from New Delhi (NDLS) to Shimla (SML), travelers can travel from New Delhi to Shimla via the Delhi-Kalka line and then the Kalka-Shimla line. In other words, the train journey from New Delhi to Shimla can be completed in two different phases.
Q. What is the distance between Chandigarh to Shimla?
A – 3 hr 45 min (115.4 km) via Kalka – Shimla Rd and NH 5
Q. Which are the best hotels in Shimla?
A – Below are the best hotels in Shimla
Combermere – In The Heart Of Shimla
Hotel Willow Bank – Achieving Nirvana
Landmark – Amongst The Ranges
Clarkes Hotel – Reminiscent Of History
Hotel Marina – A Stay To Remember
Radisson Hotel – Pride Of Shimla
The Oberoi Cecil – In The Lap Of Luxury
Fairmount – True Life Of Shimla
Snow Valley Resorts – The Grandeur Of Shimla
Hotel Diplomat – A Memorable Stay
Summit Le Royale – Enjoy The Comfort
Mayor Hotel – A Relaxing Stay
Hilltop Hotel – Get Wonder View From Its Top
Hotel Dalziel – A Trip To Be Remembered
Q. What is the distance between Shimla to Manali?
A – Shimla to Manali Distance is 248 Kms.
Q. Which is the best train from Kalka to Shimla?
A – Shivalik Express: Toy train to Shimla. The best way to reach Shimla is to travel by toy train from Kalka. The railway track is smaller in width between Kalka and Shimla and is known as the Meter gauge track opened by the British Government in the year 1903.
Q. What is the price of the toy train from Kalka to Shimla?
A – 300 for rail motor, Rs. 500 for Shivalik Deluxe, Rs. 70 for Shimla Kalka Express, and Rs. 260 for Himalayan Queen; And take a toy train ride to Shimla to pass through the lush greenery and misty views.