Nestled in the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla stands majestically at an elevation of 2276 meters above sea level, beckoning both honeymooners and families alike for generations. Once the summer capital of British India, this enchanting hill station boasts a captivating blend of stunning colonial architecture and timeless charm. The allure of Shimla tourism extends beyond man-made marvels; it captivates nature enthusiasts with its snow-draped peaks, undulating valleys, and picturesque lakes makes it's sightseeing a unprecedented experience. Adding to its allure is the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Kalka-Shimla train route, a journey that unfolds dramatic vistas of the surrounding hills and quaint villages. Shimla, with its rich history and breathtaking vistas, promises an unforgettable escape into a world where every moment is steeped in beauty and nostalgia. That you can cover Shimla sightseeing places with the exceptional sightseeing service provides by CabBazar. This piece of article can be a comprehensive Shimla tour guide for the tourists.
Best Time To Visit Shimla :- May-June / December-January
1. Mall Road
One of the most visited spot in Shimla, Mall Road is an well known commercial area of the town. Folk with tourists all around the year, Mall Road always remains busiest site of Shimla. This beautiful attraction of Shimla is filled with the several clubs, restaurants, shops and tourists offices. Famous from them are the woollen clothes, wooden furniture and handcrafted work.
Meanwhile the wonder scenic spot from the road is another capturing things. One of the best time to stroll the Mall Road is evening when the vibrant nightlife makes it's lovable. Generally you not find any vehicle on road as they are not allowed then the emergency one.
Key Attractions :- Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, Kali Bari Temple
Timings :- 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
2. The Ridge
Along the Mall Road, The Ridge is also the another wide-open street picturesque destination that catches the eyes of visitors. From here you will enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges while enjoying the beautiful artifacts offers by the nearby shops. The vibrant market of the town makes it haven for shopping lovers.
Apart from that the road is dotted with the several heritage buildings and prehistoric architecture of the town rich past. Tourists will also engage here with the attractive cafes, bars, shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Ridge road is also a connecting link between the Mall Road and Scandal Point.
Key Attractions :- Tudorbethan Style Library, Old Christ Church, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla Summer Festival, Statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Y.S. Parmar
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Photography, Shopping, Enjoy scenic views, Watch Cultural Performance
Timings :- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
3. Jakhu Temple (1 KM From City)
Amid the wonderful green landscape of Shimla, Jaku Temple beckoning from the highest point of the town. The temple is popular for it's world largest Hanuman Statue that is situated at the beautiful pavement. Constructed with the Kath kuni architecture this ancient temples soaks the devotees in the spiritual aura of Lord Hanuman.
Further here Sanjauli, known to be the sister town let you to the trail in the landscape of sky high Deodar trees that overlooking the temple complex. According to folk stories this is the place where Lord Hanuman took same rest before restart his search for Sanjeevani Booti.
Key Attractions :- Forest Trail, Ropeway Ride, Temple, Hanuman Statue, Jakhoo Hill
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Trekking, Photography, Shopping, Enjoy scenic views
Timings :- 5:00 AM-12:00PM/ 4:00PM-9:00PM
4. Green Valley (5 KM From City)
One of the beautiful mountain range that lies amid the way from Shimla to Kufri. This breathtaking hills and beautiful landscape definitely amaze the tourists. Surrounded with the tall pine and deodar trees the land gives the vibes of temperate beauty in tropical region.
Also the majestic snow capped hills especially at snow season really a crowd captivated sight of valley. Meanwhile the tourists will get the sight of some rare animals especially Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley grab your sight. Further it's beauty makes it one of the key sites for shooting Bollywood movies.
Key Attractions :- Pine and Deodar Forest, Majestic Hills, Rare Animals Views
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Trekking, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
Timings :- 6:00 AM-6:30PM (Monday To Friday)
5. Kufri (9 KM From City)
In the lap of Himalayan charm, Kufri is an idyllic hill station famous for its 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding peaceful valleys and snow-capped peaks. This wonderful tourists place in Himachal Pradesh promises to be a delight for adventures, nature lovers, honeymooners and family vacationers alike.
Kufri was not a famous place a few years back, but trekking to the Mahasu Peak, hiking to Naldehra and number of skiing resorts makes it one of the perfect place for adventure lovers now especially one of the trekking paradise of North India. Also the Himalayan wildlife turns this place to a paradise for wildlife and an exciting place nature lovers. And the wonderful sites of Kufri makes it one of the best places in Shimla for couples.
Key Attractions :- Zoo, Fun World, Green Valley, Indira Tourist Park, Nagsons Amusement Park, Chini Bangla, Mahasu Peak, Skiing, Yak Rides, Tobogganing, Hiking, Trekking
Things To Do :- Skiing, Scenic Walks, Horse Riding, Hiking
Timings :- From November To June
[Also Read : Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh]
6. Kalka Shimla Toy Train
If you want to enjoy your trip to Shimla really so the way is to go by toy train. The trains runs through the narrow-gauge track that goes amid the majestic hills. And the whole route of the train is packed with the dramatic views of nature bounty, hills and surrounding villages.
Started from the British Era, Kalka Shimla Toy Train is bound to take visitors to a unprecedented era of history that is going through the one of the most scenic railway journey in India. Having a journey in toy train is the life long experience that one never forget in her/his lifespan.
Key Attractions :- Nature Views, Part of UNESCO World Heritage List
Timing and Tickets :- Check the official website
7. Scandal Point
If you visit Shimla and not see the town and surrounded hills from the Scandal Point so it can be said you miss something wonderful. As the name suggest, Scandal point really a stellar point of Shimla. The unadulterated beautiful sceneries of soaring mountains justify the popularity of the attraction and make it important places in Shimla to visited by tourists.
It is the point that every mountain lover want to see to enjoy the unobstructed view of the towering mountains covered with the cozy blanket of dense fir and spruce forest. Meanwhile it also attracts the tourists to enjoy the relaxing and rejuvinateive vibes. The point is also surrounded with many small shops that offers delicious maggi and arcade games to enjoy.
Key Attractions :- Mall Road, The Ridge, Statue of Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji, Scenic Beauty, Horse Ride, Maggi Point
Things To Do :- Nature Walk, Sightseeing, Photography, Play Arcade Games
Timings :- 6:00 AM-8:00PM
8. Summer Hills (4 KM From City)
Perched at an high altitude of 2,123m, Summer Hills is a one of the best tourist spot in Shimla. The beautiful hill is also the part of city's enormous Seven Hills. Adore witht the lavish green vistas the Hill turn into the mountain of snow in the winter season. Along natural beauty the hills also offers some adventure activities for the visitors.
Summer Hills is also one of the picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka railway line that offers amazing views of snow covered mountains. Here tourists will enjoy the raw beauty of mountain charm that shows in the forms of eye catching sceneries and plethora of rare and exotic wildlife. Especially during winter the site get fully covered and offers the great view while pleasant summer weather makes it one of the summer retreat of North India.
Key Attractions :- Kali Bari Temple, Gaiety Theatre, Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Viceregal Lodge, Scenic Beauty
Things To Do :- Hiking, Sightseeing, Horse Riding, Trekking
Timings :- Day Time
9. Chail (15 KM From City)
Beautifully nestled in lap of Shivalik Ranges, Chail is a little hill station was build by the former Maharaja of Patiala as it's summer capital. Since it's formation Chail has been an summer retreat and tourists attraction for its mesmerizing beauty, tranquil vibes, scenic splendors and beautifully spread green vistas.
Located close to Shimla, Chail is known for having world's highest cricket and polo grounds, blooming at an altitude of over 2400 meter. Chail is visited by many hikers all over the year. It has good trekking points from Junga, Kufri and Ashwani Khad at Solan. Many Eco camps are held here. There are many camping sites for campers and hikers, so camping in Chail is most sought after activity for enthusiasts. This makes Chail an ideal destination for all kind of travellers, ranging from family vacations to adventure lovers.
Key Attractions :- World's highest Cricket and Polo Grounds, Scenic Beauty, Palace
Things To Do :- Trekking, Hiking, Camping
Timings :- Throughout the year
10. Visceral Lodge (1 KM From City)
Visceral Lodge, Rashtrapati Nivas Shimla or Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is one of the must visited attraction of the Shimla. Constructed by the British architect Henry Irwin in 1888 the historical building is an great example of Jacobethan architectural that is the blending of Jacobean and Elizabethan elements of architect.
The wonderful building was made as the summer residence for the Viceroy of India. Situated amid the lush green landscape and overlooking by the snow capped hills this piece of architect gives the glimpse of colonial era grandeur. But the great transformation in 1964 change this into the Indian Institute of Advances Studies.
Key Attractions :- Picturesque Landscape, Historical Building
Things To Do :- Heritage Walk, Sightseeing, Photography
Timings :- 10:30 AM- 5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday/ Monday Off
11. Christ Church
On the way on the Ridge road, A tall yellow building built in neo-gothic style catches the eyes of the tourist. Visible from the far across town, Christ Church is always remain one of the great attraction in Shimla. Christ Church is one of the oldest building of the town and is also known as the second oldest church situated in North India.
Away from the hustle bustle of the surroundings, the Church offers tourist a peaceful escape. Here in the splendid building complex a front porch, church bells and five stained glass windows that represent the different virtues of Christianity grab the attention. Built in 1857 by the two architect John Theophilus Boileau and Lockwood Kipling the magnificent neo-gothic piece of art can be seen in many movies and shows since then.
Key Attractions :- Christ Church Library, The Ridge, Mall Road
Timings :- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
12. Himalayan Bird Park (2 KM From City)
While visiting the beauty of Shimla, how can you miss the wonder of Himalayan wildlife. Here in the green beautiful home of park offers you the great sight of rare and exotic birdlife especially the Monal Pheasat which once was the state bird.
Nestled in the heart of the city, visiting Himalayan Bird Park is not much time consuming. The peaceful surroundings, fresh floating air and chirping of the birds makes this park one of the great natural site of the city. Apart from that the park also home to the plethora of plant and trees. All this green beauty makes it is a great attraction for the bird watchers and natural enthusiast.
Key Attractions :- Nature Park, Rare and Exotic Birdlife, Rich Collection of Plants and Trees
Things To Do :- Bird Watching, Nature Walk, Sightseeing
Timings :- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
13. Kali Bari Temple (1 KM From City)
Amid the natural bounty, Kali Bari Temple offers a great spiritual dive in one of the ancient place of town since it was built in 1845. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple host the hundreds of devotees all around the year. The temple is splendid in the large landscapes and filled with the heavenly vibes especially during the Navratri festival.
The temple is located very close to the Shimla City Mall and attracts devotees from far regions comes here for special offering and religious ceremony. Also a divine energy of the goddess can be feel while visiting the temple complex. As per locals the Goddess Kali lived on a temple situated on Jakhoo Hill, which was later relocated to Kali Bari by the British.
Key Attractions :- Shimla City Mall,
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Meditation, Chanting
Timings :- 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
14. Tara Devi Temple (4 KM From City)
A top of Tara Parvat, Tara Devi is one of the significant pilgrimage destination nestled in Shoghi city of Shimla. Build by Sen dynasty kings around mid 18th century the temples is always packed with the good number of devotees all around the year. Especially the temple attract larger congregation on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara that is considers sacred goddess in Hinduism and Buddhism. She is believed to be one of the nine sister of Goddess Durga and the second of Ten great wisdoms called 'Mahavidyas.' Meanwhile the green lavish vistas of surroundings makes the devotees journey pleasant and full of nature bounty.
Key Attractions :- Hanuman Temple, Jakhu Hill
Things To Do :- Heritage Walk, Meditation, Hiking
Timings :- 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM
15. Chadwick Falls (4 KM From City)
Amid the beauty of Glen Forest, Chadwick falls offers the great natural splendor beauty of cascading waterfall. Tourist will enjoy how the giggling water stream tickling down from the high hills to make nature wonder. Tourist will reach here after having a short natural walk amid the dense forest that makes your way a wonderful experience of dark and damp environment.
Chadwick derives its name from the local word 'Chidku Jhaar', that together make the sense of sparrow and waterfall respectively. The story behind it that the water could only be reached by the sparrow not human. But presently everyone who come to explore Shimla, will also go to this natural fall to experience the unadulterated beauty in the pockets of modern city. Especially during monsoon season when the gurgling water of falls tremendously trickling down with roaring sound.
Key Attractions :- Waterfall, Thick Canopying, Damp and Dark Environment
Things To Do :- Nature Walk, Sightseeing
Timings :- Day Time
16. Himachal State Museum (2 KM From City)
Located on the popular Mall Road, this historical building catches the eyes of visitors with it's vast collection of ancient coins, paintings and other wonderful handicrafts artifacts collected from different state and country. Initially the building was the home of British Military Secretary then turn Viceroy house. But after independence government turn this colonial building into a museum in 1974.
The building also consist a library which is housing approximately 10,000 book, magazines and journals. Another key highlight of the museum is doll gallery. Among them several dolls are decorated as bride and dolls which are admired by tourists. Also a stone image of 8th century gives the archeological significance of the state museum. This becomes one of major historical places in Shimla often visited museum by art and history lovers.
Key Attractions :- Ancient Coins, Paintings, Handicraft, Doll Gallery
Timings :- 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM- 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Tuesday - Friday)
17. Johnniw's Wax Museum
If you looking for the man made creativity in the bucket of natural sightseeing and adventure. Then wax museum is a great option for you. Located at the Willow Banks estate in Shimla so it is an superb site for tourists especially for those who wish to experience Madame Tussauds at lower price.
The wax museum offers more than 15 human size wax statues of various personalities of diverse fields. That includes Mahatma Gandhi, Johnny Depp, Paul Walker, Daniel Craig, Harry Potter and many more. It is one of the great site for genzy to take photos with their favorite personality.
Key Attractions :- Statue -Hollywood and Bollywood personalities, Historical and Political figures, Sports Players
Things To Do :- Photography
Timings :- 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
18. Annandale (2 KM From City)
In the wonderful vicinity, Annandale is another charming attraction of the Shimla. Whose splendid landscape and wonderful offering attracts the visitors to explore it. Pleasant weather, cozy stay and plethora of activities makes Annandale a must visited spot. A trail to this gives tourists and locals a rejuvinateive starts.
Annandale offers a wide range of activities to the tourists. A splendid golf course and playground grab the attention of sports lovers. On the other hand Cactus and Indian Army museum offer the great views of nature and historical significance simultaneously. Further the rejuvinateive and vibrant nature aura of destination offers a wonderful site for picnic spot of locals and one of great holiday destinations near Shimla for tourists.
Key Attractions :- Hill, Valley, Museum, Playground, Golf Course, Café
Things To Do :- Games, Polo, Sightseeing, Photography
Timings :- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
19. Kiala Forest (10 KM From City)
Lush green landscape and dense forest of Shimla is always gives tourists a real time experience of nature. For adding another in a Kiala Forest nestled in the beautiful Kotkhai valley at the outskirts of Shimla is another dense forest that boasts you nature walk with the views of diverse flora and fauna, including rare and indigenous one.
Here the nature walk amid the tall pine and deodar trees that flourishing with the lush green grass of the land make the ambience full of refreshing and rejuvinateive one. Also if you are lucky one so you can also see leopard while visiting. Here a restroom is also establish to make the journey comfortable. Visiting Kiala Forest is a wonderful experience that offers small hiking route, beautiful views and incredible wildlife.
Key Attractions :- Rich Wildlife and Beautiful Views
Things To Do :- Nature Walk, Sightseeing, Bird Watching, Hiking, Photography
Timings :- Day Time
20. Cafe Simla Times
Cafe Simla Times is one of the most visited cafes of Shimla city. Located near the tourists packed Mall Road the vibrant interior and scenic view of the café catches the eyes of the strollers to try the delicious and mouthwatering cuisines offers by the café. The cafe got it's popularity as the best nature friendly place to enjoy your food.
The café offers the world class cuisine meal platters, delicious lavish snakes and fuzzy cocktails. All this wonderful food experience will offers by the café with the cozy sitting and that get amplify by the beautiful sceneries of nature. Not only the café adore with the wonderful art and décor but looking outside from the windows will let your eyes to the enchanting vistas.
Key Attractions :- Bar, Biergarten, Rooftop Café, European Cuisine
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Dinning's, Parties
Timings :- 1:30 PM - 10:30 PM
21. Rothney Castle (1 KM From City)
Located on the Jakhoo Hills, Rathney Castle is one of the heritage monuments amid the wonderful nature. Surrounded with a steep slope of the lush green natural vegetation the historical architecture catches the eye of natural lover and history seekers who want to explore the hidden charm.
After a small hiking experience visitors will reach to the one of great beautiful places in Shimla. Once the building was the home to the British officer, A.O. Hume, who is also known as the Father of Ornithology. But now it comes under the heritage zone of Shimla and covered by the tourists as part of Heritage walks. They will enjoy here the well maintained colorful wildflowers gardens, and wild berries.
Key Attractions :- Jakhoo Hill, Lavish Garden, Colourful Wildflowers
Things To Do :- Heritage Walk, Trekking, Hiking, Bird Watching
Timings :- As Per Official Website
