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You can plan your weekend trips to Shimla, which is a popular tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Tourists come to this cute hill town for its beautiful views, snow-capped mountains, and exciting activities. There is no problem going to this hill town twice or three times. It has always been a popular choice for tourists. Here is a list of the best places in Shimla that you can visit to make the most of your time in this cold Himachal city.
1. The Ridge, Shimla
The Ridge could be called the center of Shimla because of its location and number of tourist spots. This Shimla visitor spot is a wide street that goes from east to west along Mall Road and links it to the well-known Scandal Point. Many people love going there, because they can see the beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges that rise against the blue sky and surround this paradise. There are many long-standing British businesses in the area that invite tourists to do some shopping and eat to feel good. The Ridge is the place where people in the area meet and hang out. It is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and stores.
- Best Places to Visit: Cathedral, Mall Road, Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Kali Bari Temple
- Top Things to Do: Stroll down The Ridge, visit the shops, cafes, and restaurants, and watch a cultural performance or play at Gaiety Theatre.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (22 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (2 km)
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
2. Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Shimla
It is the highest spot in Shimla and is covered with alpine trees. From there, you can see the snow-covered Shivalik Ranges and the sister town of Sanjauli. At 8000 feet above sea level, on Jakhoo Hill, an old Hanuman temple is proud to have the world’s largest statue of this Hindu god (9 feet 8 inches). It draws devotees and tourists because it contains stories and secrets. Based on local stories, the temple is built on the exact place where Lord Hanuman stopped to rest on his way to bring the Sanjeevani Booti to Lakshman to help him recover from his wounds in the War of Lanka.
- Best Places to Visit: Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Rashtrapati Nilayam (The Retreat), Scandal Point, Ridge, and Rashtrapati Nilayam
- Top Things to Do: Hike, jump over to the Jakhoo Temple, see sights, take pictures, visit the local shops, and take in the beautiful views.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (22 km)
- Nearest Train Station: 4 km from Shimla Railway Station
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (4 km away)
- Timings: Every day from 7:00am to 8:00pm
3. Mall Road, Shimla
For lovers looking for places to visit in Shimla, the Mall Road is a must. Any other way you look at it, this hill station spot is cool and popular with people of all ages. This is a great place to get a feel for Shimla’s tourist side, because it has so many bars, restaurants, showrooms, department stores, and shops selling souvenirs and unique crafts. You can buy various items here, including jewelry, books, and beautifully crafted wooden items. In the same area, you can also visit the Kali Bari Temple, the Town Hall, the Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point, among other places of interest.
- Best Places to Visit: Point of Scandal, Ridge, and Lakkar Bazaar
- Top things to do: shopping, dining, scenic walks, horseback riding
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (22 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (4 km away)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (4 km)
- Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
4. Kufri, Shimla
Kufri is another must-see place in the area. It’s about a 40-minute ride from the city center. This small hill station is at an elevation of 8607 feet and has a magnificent view. of the snow-covered mountains nearby. But Kufri isn’t just a place to see sights in Shimla. It is also a center for adventure, with places to learn and play fun winter sports like skiing and ice skating. It’s also known as the winter sports capital of India because of this. Since Kufri gets a lot of snow in the winter, it’s one of the best places to visit in Shimla in December.
- Best Places to Visit: Kufri Fun World, Mahasu Peak, Indira Tourist Park, Fagu Valley, and Green Valley are some of the places to visit in the Himalayas.
- Top Things to Do: Hiking, skiing, taking scenic walks, and horseback riding
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (24 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (18 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (16 km)
5. Green Valley, Shimla
Green Valley lives up to its name. It is a beautiful natural valley close to Shimla and Kufri. The valley is covered in trees and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and thick woods of pine and deodar. The Green Valley is one of the best places to go on a vacation in Shimla, because it is quiet and away from all the tourists. There you can see nature at its most beautiful. Because it is so beautiful, the area is also a choice for Bollywood film locations in India, and it has been used in many Hindi movies. Green Valley is a place to visit any time of the year, but the summer is the best time.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (30 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (ten kilometers away)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (11 km)
6. Viceregal Lodge
You were planning a trip to the historic site, where the choice was made to split India into Pakistan and East Pakistan? After that, you need to find your way to Shimla and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The building was built as a home for Lord Dufferin, who was Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. It is now one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla and Manali. Before Shimla started using electricity, this huge building was known as the Viceregal Lodge. It had an electric link as early as 1888. After India had gained its freedom, the president spent the summers there. The place was called Rashtrapati Niwas before it became a place for advanced research and study. The building stands out because of its grand Victorian style and design.
- Top Things to Do: Tours, Serene Environment, Lectures and Seminars
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (28 km away)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (12 km away)
Timings
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (1st July to 30th April)
- Monday through Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (1st May to 30th June).
- Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee
- ₹ 40 per person for Indians
- ₹ 85 per person for foreigners
- ₹ 20 per person for Garden Visit
- The entry fee is waived for students from government schools with their teachers in groups
7. Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
People visit some churches because they are religious or historic, while others are popular because they are beautiful to look at. But some temples do well in both areas. One of these places is the Kali Bari Temple in Shimla! Thought to have been built in 1845, the temple is both a work of art in architecture and a place of worship. The temple is for Goddess Kali, as the name suggests, and it has a beautiful statue of her inside. It’s a great place to spend some quiet time connecting with your inner self, and it’s close to Mall Road. Goddess Kali is called Goddess Shyamala here, which is interesting to know. It is said Shimla got its name from Goddess Shyamala.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (20 km away)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (2 kilometers).
- Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm; every day
8. Mashobra
If you want to experience something exciting while you’re in Shimla in December, make sure this place is on your list. Mashobra, a small town in Shimla, becomes a winter sports fan’s dream during the winter months. There is a sparkling bed of snow covering the lush green area, which makes it a great place to ski. Mashobra is one of the less busy places to visit near Shimla. It has a cool vibe and plenty of fun things to do, but no crowds. You can glide down the slopes on your skis, have a snowball fight with your sweetheart, or build a snowman with your kids. This place has it all.
- Best Places to Visit: Safari Park, Craignano Nature Park, Mahasu Peak, Wildflower Hall, Tattapani Hot Springs
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (30 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (12 km away)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (10 km)
Read Another Content: Skiing Destinations In India
9. Annandale, Shimla
Would you like to play golf or cricket in a beautiful place? Then Annandale will be fun to explore. Annandale is a flat area at the base of Shimla’s hills, used as a playground since the time of the British. These days, many people go there to play sports like polo, cricket, and racing. Annandale is in the western part of Shimla. It is in a deep valley surrounded by oak and deodar trees. Beautiful scenery is another reason to go there. It’s one of the best places to visit in Shimla in November. Do not miss the chance to visit the Annandale Army Heritage Museum while you are here. There are many things to do in this area because of it.
- Best Places to Visit: Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Annandale Golf Club, Annandale Ropeway, and Annandale Helipad
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (23 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (6 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (3 km)
- Timings: 24×7; every day
- Army Museum Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
- Entry fee: No entry fee
10. Shaily Peak
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Shimla is Shaily Peak. To get to the top, you’ll have to walk through the Naldehra Hills. However, the view makes the effort worth while. Make sure you stop by the temple to Sage Manu while you’re here. This is the world’s only temple dedicated to this Sage.
- Things to Do: Trekking, nature walks, photography, enjoying panoramic views, visiting the temple, and taking a dip in the hot springs
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (34 km away)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (29 kilometers)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (27 km)
- Timings: All day until sunset
11. Lakka Bazaar
You should visit the Lakka Bazaar if you want to shop at cute stores and meet friendly neighbors. The market is at the base of Jakhoo Peak and is a fun place to spend a few hours.
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (23 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Shimla Railway Station (2 km)
- Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla ISBT (2 km)
- Timings: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
12. Summer Hill
Summer Hill, located about 5 kilometers from Shimla’s main city center, is one of the seven hills that comprise the charming hill station. Known for its quiet surroundings, stunning landscapes, and pleasant weather, Summer Hill offers a refreshing retreat from the bustling city. It’s also renowned for its lush greenery, colonial-style architecture, and being home to Himachal Pradesh University.
- Timings: All through the day
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Visit in Shimla
1. What are the must-visit places in Shimla?
Some must-visit places in Shimla include:
- The Ridge: Famous for its stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
- Mall Road: Great for shopping and dining.
- Jakhoo Temple: This temple offers panoramic views of Shimla and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- Kufri: A small hill station near Shimla, ideal for adventure and snow lovers.
- Christ Church: Known for its Neo-Gothic architecture, Christ Church is the second-oldest church in North India.
2. When is the best time to visit Shimla?
The best time to visit Shimla depends on what you prefer:
- Summer (March to June): Perfect for sightseeing and escaping the heat.
- Winter (November to February): Great if you enjoy snow, with many people visiting for winter sports.
3. How can I reach Shimla?
- By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (23 km away) is the nearest airport.
- By Train: The Kalka-Shimla toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a scenic ride.
- By Road: Shimla is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
4. Is Shimla safe for tourists?
Yes, Shimla is considered one of the safest hill stations in India. However, tourists should follow general safety precautions, especially in crowded areas.
5. What are the adventure activities to do in Shimla?
Some popular adventure activities in Shimla are:
- Trekking: Routes like Jakhoo Hill and Chadwick Falls are popular.
- Skiing and Ice Skating: Available during winter in Kufri and at the Shimla Ice Skating Club.
- Camping: There are many places around Shimla offering camping experiences.
6. What are the best places to shop in Shimla?
- Mall Road: The most popular shopping spot for handicrafts, woollen clothes, and souvenirs.
- Lakkar Bazaar: Known for its wooden handicrafts and antiques.
- Tibetan Market: A great place for Tibetan jewelry, woolens, and trinkets.
7. Are there historical places to visit in Shimla?
Yes, Shimla has several historical attractions:
- Viceregal Lodge: Once the residence of the British Viceroy of India, now a museum.
- Gaiety Theatre: A beautiful colonial-era building still hosting performances.
- Christ Church: This is an iconic structure dating back to 1857.
8. Can I experience snowfall in Shimla?
Yes, snowfall usually occurs in Shimla from late December to February. Kufri, a nearby town, also experiences heavy snowfall.
9. What are the best places to stay in Shimla?
Shimla offers a range of accommodations:
- Luxury Hotels: The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall.
- Mid-range hotels: Hotel Willow Banks, Honeymoon Inn.
- Budget Hotels: Hotel Shingar, Hotel White.
10. Are there nearby destinations worth visiting from Shimla?
Yes, nearby attractions include:
- Kufri: A small hill station known for its natural beauty and adventure sports.
- Mashobra: A peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
- Chail: Gets its name from its palace and highest cricket ground in the world.
11. Is the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla worth it?
Absolutely! The Kalka-Shimla toy train is one of the most scenic train rides in India. It passes through 102 tunnels and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
12. What are the best religious places to visit in Shimla?
- Jakhoo Temple: A Hanuman temple on Jakhoo Hill, offering stunning views.
- Tara Devi Temple: Situated on a hilltop, it’s a popular pilgrimage spot.
- Kali Bari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, located near the Mall Road.
13. What kind of food is popular in Shimla?
Shimla offers a wide variety of cuisines, including:
- Local Himachali food: Don’t miss trying Dham, Chana Madra, and Siddu.
- Cafe and Street Food: Mall Road has many cafes offering local and international dishes.
- North Indian food: widely available in most restaurants.
14. Are there festivals or events held in Shimla?
- Shimla Summer Festival: Held in May/June, this festival features cultural programs, music, and food stalls.
- Ice Skating Carnival: Held in winter at the Shimla Ice Skating Rink.
- Christmas & New Year Celebrations: Shimla is a popular spot for celebrating these festivals due to its beautiful winter ambience.
15. How many days are enough to explore Shimla?
A 3- to 5-day trip is sufficient to explore Shimla and nearby places like Kufri and Mashobra. However, if you wish to delve deeper into trekking, adventure sports, or simply relax, you can extend your stay.
