PLACES TO VISIT IN SHIMLA

Shimla! The place with snowy mountains, serene lakes, pleasant climate, greenery and lush green valleys with water flowing everywhere! This place is often referred to as the queen of hill stations and leaves us awestruck and mesmerized every time we think of. Shimla will never cease to let us witness the amazing and endearing beauty all across. Everyone cannot help but just fall in love with this place. Given the several and wide-ranging attractions, Shimla should be among must-visit tourist destination in India. Here is the guide on most important and must visit places to visit in Shimla.

When to visit

While these places can be visited all around the year, it depends on individual preference on what climate you choose to experience. In case you want a chilly climate, visit in between October to march. In case you want a pleasant climate, visit in between April to June. However, it is not recommended to visit in monsoon months given the possibilities of landslides.

How to reach

All modes of transport are well connected among the places to visit in Shimla. One can visit Shimla through directly flying to Shimla airport itself or choose to fly to Delhi and take private cab or taxi or bus to reach Shimla. Alternatively, one can take a train to reach Kalka and enjoy the most scenic route to Shimla through toy train.

Places to visit in Shimla

The region in and across Shimla is beautiful and offers several activities to do for the tourists. One can enjoy beautiful hills, waterfalls, shopping, flora and fauna and what not! It will never let to disappoint us.

• Summer hills

In case you are looking for a picturesque and green view from hills amidst the township, then this is the spot. It gives breath taking views from the viewpoint. These hills are part of seven beautiful hills that are around Shimla which will leave you mesmerized.
When to visit: Sunrise or Sunset
What to do: Trek or nature walks

• Annandale

This is a historical place which is must visit among places to visit in Shimla. This once upon a time offered several adventure sports such as racing during British Rule however now is open for those who are into golf. In case you love golf, there is amazing golf course here. The meadows deliver such a beautiful scenic view.
When to visit: anytime between 9 Am to 5 PM
What to do: Golf and nature walk

• Jakhoo hill

This is believed to be the highest peak in Shimla. This Jakhoo hill is around 8000 feet high and is among must-visit places in Shimla. There is also a temple here where pilgrims come to visit the tall Hanuman statue at Jakhoo temple. This is all for those who love nature and also wants to visit the religious spot. One can even do a short trek to reach here.
When to visit: trek only in the day and visit in between 7 AM to 6 PM
What to do: Trekking, viewpoint

• The Ridge Scandal point

This, in the places to visit in Shimla is of valley viewpoint which is ideal for photographers. Known as scandal point, this is a popular place with a great view of mountains and mesmerizing valleys. One can see snow-capped mountains all around the place.

Scandal point is at the convergence point of two important roads of Shimla- Ridge road and Mall road. This place with strange name has an intriguing story behind it as well. Although the story can only be loosely based on some facts.

The story is of Bhupinder Singh, the maharaja of Patiala and the daughter of a British viceroy. They fell in love and eloped together after meeting at the scandal point. The more dramatic version of the story told by the localities is that the girl was kidnapped by the maharaja from the scandal point. Word reached the viceroy and as a punishment he expelled Bhupinder Singh from Shimla.
When to visit: Sunrise and sunset
What to do: Great views and photography

• Shimla State Museum

Also known as Himachal State Museum and library, this is located at Mount Pleasant and is a great point of interest which offers lush green lawns and great British architecture. Rich culture and heritage are displayed through various forms of the glorious past here. There are artistic paintings, sculptures and artefacts to witness at this place.

When to visit: 7 AM to 8 PM
What to do: Historical artefacts

• Viceroy lodge

Viceroy lodge is a significantly historic building. It is an architectural beauty that take a good half day to explore. Lodge’s significance is because it was resident of the Indian viceroy of British Raj who governed whole of Indian subcontinent.

• Shaily peak and Naldehra Peak

Another valley and viewpoint here, this excellent place for photographers and adventure lovers. There are great sunrise and sunset views here. Rich flora and fauna along with dense deodar trees fill this place. With a stunning view and calm, fresh air, this place is going to leave you spellbound surely.
When to visit: Sunrise and sunset times
What to do: Photography, horse ride

• Chadwick falls

Chadwick falls is the perfect getaway for all nature lovers. It has a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush green forests and waterfalls. Visit to Chadwick falls is one soothing experience you should  not miss out on a trip to Shimla.

The story behind the name of Chadwick falls is associated with the words ‘Chidku Jhaar’. The words mean ‘chidku’ mean sparrow and ‘jhaar’ means a ‘jharna’ (in hindi) or waterfall. The story is that people believed only sparrows can touch the top of the waterfall.

When to visit: Morning times
What to do: Enjoy the scenic beauty, photography

• The Mall Road

In case you are wondering where is shopping in this list, here it is. Street shopping is famous here, and one can see beautiful handicrafts and woollen items at a very reasonable price.

Apart from the scenic beauty, Shimla also enfolds many hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, banks, shops, offices, post offices, and tourist hubs. Tourists as well as the localities spend chill evenings strolling up and down mall road shopping and hogging on street food.

When to visit: Every day from 9 AM to 9 PM
What to do: Check out the handicrafts, food items, jewellery, and handwoven items

• Wax Museum

Museum lovers, here you are. This is another great sightseeing spot. Our Himachal has our own Madame Tussauds wax museum here (just kidding, but it is a truly a great spot to visit). It shows the life-sized wax statues of several popular icons.
When to visit: Anytime between 10 AM to 10 PM
What to do: Check out the wax statues

• Christ Church

This is the second oldest church in North India and among places to visit in Shimla given the religious and historical importance it has with. Those in pursuit of some peaceful time, one must visit this paradise for spending some wholesome time. The architecture is undoubtedly beautiful as well.

When to visit: 8 AM to 6 PM
What to do: Architecture witness, know the history

• Himalayan Bird Park

Those who love wildlife, flora, and fauna, this is your place. This is for those nature admirers who can seek peace through nature walks and bird watching. One can easily spot several varieties of exotic and native birds here.
When to visit: Anytime between 10 AM to 6 PM
What to do: Bird watching, photography

• Kufri

Those who are wondering where is an adventure spot, this is it. Known as winter sports capital located around 2600 meters above at mighty foothills of Himalayas, this place once belonged to Nepal’s kingdom. It offers adventure activities to try out as well.
When to visit: Sunrise to sunset
What to do: Skiing, ice skating

• Lakkar Bazar

Here it is, another shopping spot in the places to visit in Shimla. This delivers great and gorgeous wooden objects and handcrafted products including toys. There are also great food stalls where one can taste local and delicious food and snacks here.
When to visit: Morning 9 AM to 9 PM
What to do: shopping

• Things to do in Shimla

Ice- skating
Shimla has the largest and only naturally open-air formed rink in Asia. This would add a hint of
adventure to your trip
Timings : 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Entry Fee : INR 200 per person/per hour

Rafting in Tattapani
All the adventure lovers must try rafting in Shimla.

Cycling
Shimla’s natural trails are a delight to go cycling.

Hiking
Take a hike in the nature to retreat from the city dust. You can take walk in the pine forests.

Trekking
Get lost in nature. Go trekking at these beautiful sites of Shimla-
Karol Tibba (2240 m)
Shimla-Jalori Pass (3120 m)
Hatu Peak (3400 m)
Shali Tibba (2867 m)

Hope you enjoyed reading this guide on places to visit in Shimla. While these are among must-visit places to go for, one can easily witness and experience such a soothing environment amidst these places in foothill of Himalayas and valleys. Do not miss them out and plan your holiday right