11 Best Places to Visit in Shimla

This post will tell you about the best places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is a treasure trove, which has everything a tourist wants. It is the favourite hill station of almost every Indian. It is one of the best honeymoon destinations in India. The snow-capped high mountains, the surrounding views and the clear weather show the enchanting view of nature.

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Shimla - An Adventure of Heaven

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, India. The city is built at an altitude of 2200 meters. The charm of this place can be understood from the fact that the British made it their summer capital in 1864. Beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and beautiful churches add to the beauty of this place. The temperature here rarely goes above 25 degrees Celsius during summer. Shimla has hills, valleys, natural waterfalls and rivers with crystal clear water. All these have made Shimla a one-stop destination for all types of tourists. The thrill of exploring the best places to visit in Shimla will give you different satisfaction than other tourist destinations.

Let us talk about major tourist places to visit in Shimla

1. Mall Road

Mall Road is one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla. It is one of the busiest and most commercial areas of Shimla. There are many restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and tourist offices on this road. No one can resist strolling on this beautiful road with many modern structures.

People love to walk on this road, due to which it is always bustling. Visitors spend some leisure time here shopping and snacking. A variety of handicrafts, clothes and woollen clothes can also be found here. The ambience of this place is suitable for family, friends as well as couples. This place is especially liked by couples as the natural beauty and air here make it a paradise for lovers.

Visiting Hours: The best time to visit Mall Road is 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, otherwise it’s open 24/7.

2. The Ridge

The Ridge is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Shimla. It is located in the centre of the city. It is a large open space in the middle of the Mall Road. The mountain ranges in the background look like heaven on earth. The Christ Church here is the centre of attraction. It is also the most popular place in Shimla.

The stained glass windows of the church represent faith, hope, charity and humanity. During the summer, the place is full of horse workers, ice cream vendors, comfortable benches and photographers. Here you can shop, try unique dishes in various restaurants, visit the Tudor Library and much more.

Visiting hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry fee: No entry charges

3. Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls is a popular tourist attraction located at a distance of 7 km from Shimla. The falls can be easily reached as vehicles can reach close to the entrance of the falls. From there, one has to walk about 10 meters to reach there.

The cool and refreshing water of the waterfall is the melted water of the Himalayan snow. The location of this waterfall is a pleasant experience for the eyes. It is surrounded by dense green forests. This makes the waterfall even more attractive and charming. It is advisable to visit this waterfall during the monsoon season as it does not have much water during the summer season.

Visiting hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry fee: No entry charges

4. Kufri

Kufri is a quiet little hill station located 16 km from Shimla. The word Kufri is derived from Kufri which means lake in the local language. It is a starting point for many treks to Fagu, Shimla, Manali and Rewalsar.

Kufri along with Shimla and Chail is the famous Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. The place offers adventure activities from skiing to trekking. Skiing is a popular activity in Kufri during winter. A bungee jumping base is another attraction of a visit to this place. The amusement parks here offer many fun-filled rides.

Visiting hours: 24 hours

Entry fee: No entry charges (excluding activities)

5. Jakhroo Hill

Jakhru Hill, located 7 km from Shimla Railway Station, is the highest point in Shimla. Jakhru Temple is one of the best places to visit in Shimla which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. According to mythological belief, Lord Hanuman rested on the top of this hill while flying towards Sanjivani Hills. The outer walls of the temple are colourfully painted with images of Hanuman. Inside the temple is a 108-foot-high statue of Lord Hanuman.

This place is a favourite among tourists who want peace and tranquillity to escape the hustle and bustle of Mall Road. Just beware of the monkeys as they try to rob food and shiny things from the tourists. For this, it is advisable to hire sticks with you. There are many pine trees on the hill which provide cool shade to the visitors.

Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry fee: No entry charges

6. Green Valley

Green Valley is a beautiful mountain range that falls on the way from Shimla to Kufri. It is at a distance of 8 km from Shimla Railway Station. It is surrounded by undiscovered mountains, pine trees and deodar forests. Whether one is a solo traveller, a honeymooner, with family or with friends, Green Valley has something for everyone.

It is a paradise for photographers and one of the best tourist places in Shimla. Some rare wild animals like yak and deer can be seen here. We suggest you buy binoculars to see the wild animals from a distance. You should also wear woollen clothes as the weather gets cold in the evenings.

Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry fee: no entry charges

7. Summer Hill

Summer Hill is one of the seven hills of Shimla. It is also known as Potter Hill. This hill is located at a distance of 5 km from the Ridge. It falls on the Kalka-Shimla railway line. This place is completely covered with snow in winter and looks very pleasant in summer.

You can see breathtaking views from the top of this hill. The spectacular views of the valleys and greenery are so captivating that every nature lover feels like seeing this view. It is best suited for couples and honeymooners.

Visiting hours: 24 hours

Entry fee: no entry charges

8. Kamna Devi Temple

Kamna Devi Temple is 6 km from Shimla. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and breathtaking mountains with mesmerizing views. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Kali fulfils the wishes of her devotees who travel up the hills to visit this temple. It is a complete package for nature lovers and adventure seekers for a memorable experience.

Visiting hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Entry fee: No entry charges

9. Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple is 15 km from Shimla. It is situated on the top of Tara Parvat (mountain). This 250-year-old temple is dedicated to Maa Bhagwati Tara Devi - a form of Goddess Durga. The idol of the goddess is made of Ashtadhatu (a combination of eight elements). The beautiful architecture of the temple attracts tourists at first sight. Tourists flock here due to the clean and refreshing atmosphere that helps them relax from the worries of life.

Visiting hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Entry fee: No entry charges

10. Annandale

Annadale is a popular picnic spot located at a distance of 3 km from Shimla and is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. It has been developed as a playground in the city. Here you can see breathtaking views, a golf club and the Indian Museum. The playground here is used for parades, army activities and festivals like Dussehra. It is also a major attraction for cricket and polo lovers. Do not forget to explore the mesmerizing natural landscape of Annadale. The route to Annadale is also a rejuvenating experience for all visitors.

Visiting hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Entry fee: No entry charges

11. Kalka-Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla railway route is listed among the world's heritage railways by UNESCO. It is a narrow-gauge railway line that connects Shimla to Kalka (a city in Haryana). The toy train ride offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges as well as the Shivalik Hills.

It is a 96 km journey that takes 5 to 7 hours. There are a total of five such trains of which the Shivalik Deluxe Express is the most premium. It passes through many famous tourist places like Solan and Summer Hill. The many tunnels, bridges and views make for an unforgettable experience.

Moreover, passing some of the most serene waterfalls and exotic valleys gives the perfect combination of fun and excitement. It is advisable to book tickets in advance.

Visiting hours: the first train starts at 3:30 AM (from Kalka)

The last train starts at 12:30 PM (from Kalka)

Entry fee: ticket charges vary per train. You can check it on the IRCTC website.

Things to carry

• If you wish to go higher then keep Sunscreen with you.
• Keep body lotion or moisturizer with yourself as the temperature is quite low there due to the snow hills. It will keep your body soft.
• You should prefer cotton clothing for the summer season.
• Light jackets would work when the evening gets cooler in the evening.
• Keep your mobile’s electronic charger (power bank) with you.
• Carry your umbrella when you are here during the Monsoon season.
• Prefer walking shoes or sports shoes instead of formal ones.

How to Reach

By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest airport to the city which is at a distance of 23 km. There are regular flights to Jubbarhatti from Delhi and Chandigarh. Taxis can be hired from the airport to reach Shimla.

By Train: Kalka Railway Station is the nearest broad gauge railway station located at a distance of 89 km from Shimla. Chandigarh is also just 113 km from Shimla. Both these railway stations are well connected by buses and cabs. Shimla has a railway station but only narrow gauge trains come here from Kalka. It is a very beautiful journey with lots of tunnels and views.

By Road: If you are looking for a way to reach Shimla on a budget, then travelling to Shimla by bus is the perfect option. Shimla is well connected to cities like Chandigarh (113 km), Kullu (235 km), Manali (280 km), Delhi (370 km) and Ambala (154 km). Regular buses and cabs are easily available from here for a comfortable journey.

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Although Shimla is a destination that can be visited throughout the year, most tourists come here during the summer season to escape the heat of the surrounding plains. The most preferred time to visit Shimla is from March to June. During this time the weather is quite pleasant and perfect for doing outdoor activities like paragliding, trekking, picnics, camping, etc.

Also, the time from November to February is suitable for snow lovers. However, the activities are open for you all year round depending on when you visit. So, you need to plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the different things to do in Shimla?

Ans. Along with strolling on Mall Road, one can also enjoy shopping and eating in many restaurants. Apart from this, trekking, camping, skiing, golf, polo, wildlife watching and a toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla can also be enjoyed.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Shimla?

Ans. Shimla can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit Shimla is from March to June. This is because during summers most of the tourists come here to escape the heat of the plains.

Q3. What are the famous local foods of Shimla?

Ans. Shimla has a unique list of street food. This list contains Madra, Dham, Sidu, Thukpa, Babra, Chha Gosht, and Chicken Anardana. Foodies also can have South Indian here.

Q4. When does Shimla receive snowfall?

Ans. The peak snowfall period in Shimla is from mid-December to January. Tourists enjoy the beauty of the city which is covered with thick layers of snow.

Q5. What are the best places to visit in Shimla?

Ans. Mall Road, Kufri, The Ridge, Happy Valley, Kamna Devi Temple, Jakhu Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Annandale, Summerhill and Chadwick Falls are some of the best places to visit in Shimla.

We cannot describe the real beauty of Shimla in words. The best experience can be felt only by going there. But we have tried our best to tell you about the best places to visit and quiet places in Shimla. So friends, comment and share to support us. We promise to provide such information in future also. If we have missed something, please let us know. We will cover that topic in our upcoming blog.