Things to Do in Shimla
Explore The Mall Road
Attractions: Shopping, cafes, restaurants, colonial architecture.
Facts: The Mall Road is the main street in Shimla, bustling with shops, eateries, and a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Visit The Ridge
Attractions: Panoramic views of the mountains, Christ Church, cultural events.
Facts: The Ridge is a large open space located in the heart of Shimla and is the social hub of the city.
Tour the Viceregal Lodge
Attractions: Historical architecture, beautiful gardens, guided tours.
Facts: Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, it was the residence of the British Viceroy of India and now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
Jakhoo Temple
Attractions: Hanuman temple, Jakhoo Hill, scenic views.
Facts: Located at the highest point in Shimla, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers stunning views of the city.
Kalka-Shimla Railway
Attractions: Scenic train ride, UNESCO World Heritage Site, picturesque views.
Facts: This narrow-gauge railway offers one of the most beautiful train journeys in India.
Christ Church
Attractions: Neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, historical significance.
Facts: Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India and a prominent landmark on The Ridge.
Places to Visit in Shimla
Kufri
Distance: ~17 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~1 hour by road
Attractions: Kufri Fun World, Himalayan Nature Park, skiing in winter.
Facts: Kufri is a small hill station known for its scenic beauty and winter sports.
Mashobra
Distance: ~12 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~30 minutes by road
Attractions: Trekking, camping, picnic spots, apple orchards.
Facts: Mashobra is known for its tranquil environment and lush greenery.
Naldehra
Distance: ~22 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~1 hour by road
Attractions: Naldehra Golf Course, horse riding, picnic spots.
Facts: Home to one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in India.
Tattapani
Distance: ~50 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by road
Attractions: Hot water springs, river rafting, adventure activities.
Facts: Tattapani is famous for its therapeutic hot springs and adventure sports.
Food to Try in Shimla
Channa Madra: A Himachali dish made with chickpeas and a variety of spices.
Dham: A traditional festive meal usually served during special occasions.
Sidu: A local bread made from wheat flour, best enjoyed with ghee or butter.
Babru: A Himachali version of kachori, usually stuffed with black gram paste.
Chana Bhatura: A popular street food item.
Fruit Wines: Shimla offers a variety of locally made fruit wines like apple and plum.
Where to Shop and What to Shop
Lakkar Bazaar:
What to Shop: Wooden handicrafts, souvenirs, woolen clothes.
Facts: Famous for its wooden articles and handicrafts.
The Mall Road:
What to Shop: Woolen garments, books, jewelry, handicrafts.
Facts: The main commercial street with a variety of shops.
Tibetan Market:
What to Shop: Tibetan artifacts, jewelry, carpets, and shawls.
Facts: A great place to buy traditional Tibetan items.
Lower Bazaar:
What to Shop: Everyday items, local produce, street food.
Facts: Known for its bustling atmosphere and affordable shopping.
Places Around Shimla
Chail
Distance: ~45 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~2 hours by road
Attractions: Chail Palace, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, world’s highest cricket ground.
Facts: Known for its serene environment and architectural heritage.
Solan
Distance: ~46 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by road
Attractions: Shoolini Mata Temple, Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, Kasauli nearby.
Facts: Solan is often referred to as the “Mushroom City of India” due to its extensive mushroom farming.
Kasauli
Distance: ~71 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~2.5 hours by road
Attractions: Manki Point, Gilbert Trail, Christ Church.
Facts: A small, quaint hill station with colonial-era charm and scenic beauty.
Narkanda
Distance: ~60 km from Shimla
Travel Time: ~2 hours by road
Attractions: Hatu Peak, skiing, apple orchards.
Facts: Narkanda offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and is a popular skiing destination in winter.
Shimla is a vibrant hill station with a rich colonial heritage, offering a range of activities from exploring historical sites to enjoying natural beauty. Nearby attractions like Kufri, Mashobra, and Chail enhance the experience, while the local cuisine and shopping opportunities provide a taste of Himachali culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a spiritual journey, Shimla and its surroundings have something to offer for every traveler.
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh in India, is a popular tourist destination known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate. Here are some of the best things to do in Shimla, along with relevant details:
Mall Road
Location: Located at the heart of Shimla, connecting Ridge Road and Scandal Point.
How to Reach: Easily accessible by walking, taxi, or local bus.
Attractions: Shopping for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and sampling street food. Enjoying the colonial architecture and scenic views.
The Ridge
Location: Adjacent to Mall Road, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
How to Reach: Accessible by walking from Mall Road or by taxi.
Attractions: Spectacular views of the Himalayas, Christ Church, and numerous cultural events and festivals.
Jakhu Temple
Location: Situated atop Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla.
How to Reach: Accessible by a short trek from Ridge Road or by taxi.
Attractions: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple offers breathtaking views of Shimla and hosts a large statue of Lord Hanuman.
Kufri
Location: Located about 13 kilometers from Shimla.
How to Reach: Accessible by road, taxi, or local bus.
Attractions: Adventure activities like skiing (in winter), hiking, and pony rides. The Himalayan Nature Park is also a major attraction.
Shimla State Museum
Location: Near Chaura Maidan, on the Mall Road.
How to Reach: Easily accessible by walking from Mall Road or by taxi.
Attractions: Exhibits showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts.
Tara Devi Temple
Location: Situated atop Tara Devi Hill, about 11 kilometers from Shimla.
How to Reach: Accessible by road, taxi, or local bus.
Attractions: Serene surroundings, panoramic views of the Shimla Valley, and religious significance.
Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
Location: Located on Observatory Hill, about 2 kilometers from the Mall Road.
How to Reach: Accessible by walking or taxi.
Attractions: Former residence of the British Viceroy of India, showcasing colonial architecture and beautiful gardens.
Chadwick Falls
Location: Situated about 7 kilometers from Shimla.
How to Reach: Accessible by road, followed by a short trek.
Attractions: Picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Scandal Point
Location: Located at the intersection of the Ridge and Mall Road.
How to Reach: Easily accessible by walking from Mall Road or by taxi.
Attractions: Scenic views, ideal for leisurely strolls and enjoying the sunset.
Annandale
Location: Situated about 3 kilometers from Shimla.
How to Reach: Accessible by road, taxi, or local bus.
Attractions: Historic playground and picnic spot, offering activities like golfing, cricket, and horse riding.
These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural exploration to adventure activities, ensuring a memorable visit to Shimla.