Top 15 Places for Visit in Shimla (2023)

Shimla, the summer capital of old British India, is within the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. While it retains traces of British influence, it is one of India’s most popular resorts. Because of well-developed amenities, quick accessibility, and numerous places for visit in Shimla. Pine, cedar, and oak border the city with rhododendron woods in the lower Himalayas.

About Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, 

Shimla is the capital of the mountain state; Himachal Pradesh. Without a doubt is an appealing destination throughout the year, with many tourists opting for a dramatic journey over loops and arches on the toy train from Kalka.

There is beautiful scenery of the Himalayan foothills, the majestic oak, and the flowering rhododendron. And those easily accessible leisure areas, the golf course in Naldehra, and the skiing of Kufri and Narkanda make Shimla an attractive year-round destination.

The city is unique in that there are only two roads in the centre section, which significantly reduces vehicle pollution. The upper mall runs east-west, reaching its apex at Scandal Point, the town’s de facto centre. The Ridge, or Mall area, extends from Scandal Point to Christ Church. Shimla’s southern ring road is the Cart Road. The rest of Shimla is linked by a tangle of bustling bazaars and lanes.

How To Reach Shimla?

By Air: Shimla Airport is 23 km from the city connected by daily flights from Delhi and other major Indian cities.

By Train: Kalka railway line is the nearest Broad-gauge railway line connecting with most of the major Indian cities like Delhi, Calcutta, and Amritsar. One can travel from Kalka to Shimla (95 km) by Narrow gauge railway.

By Road: The city has well-constructed highways and a fully formed network. Through the road, it connects with all the major Indian cities.

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Summer (February-June): The best time to visit Shimla is during summer. The air temperature will be between 9-37 degrees Celsius. The weather of Shimla will be soothing and you may get the best out of your trip. But expect a crowd as this is the peak season.

Monsoon (July-October): Expect heavy and continuous rain during the monsoon in the capital city. One must avoid travelling during this time due to landslides and you will have to cancel the plan anytime. The good thing is the air temperature will be cool between 17-3 degrees Celsius. And the city will be clean and green.

Winter (November-January): Winter is a good time to visit Shimla. Though roadblocks are common, the place will be wrapped around by a snow blanket. In short, this is a picture-perfect season so set the makeup and be ready to rock in front of the lens.

NOTE: Carry warm clothes, gloves, boots, and everything necessary to beat down the cold. Also, pack some medicines for the safe side.

Top 15 Places for Visit in Shimla

One of the best tourist destinations, Shimla, has everything from beautiful and natural panorama to high-class and modern resorts, from temples to churches, and from exciting adventure activities to a cosy toy train.

The top 15 places for visit in Shimla mentioned in travellingortraveling blog are the Mall, the Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo hill and temple, Hatu Mata Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Kali Bari Temple, Summer Hill, Chadwick Falls, Prospect Hill, Himachal State Museum, Viceregal Lodge, Naldehra, Kotgarh, and Kufri.

#1 The Mall

Shimla’s major landmark is the Mall, a bustling shopping area with historic colonial buildings, souvenir stores, and restaurants that stretch along the mountain’s top. The maze of Shimla’s bazaars overflows over the Mall’s edge.

#2 The Ridge

At the upper end of the Mall, Scandal Point is a huge open area, called the Shimla Ridge, with a view over the town that is a popular meeting place for visitors and locals. The beautiful Christ Church towers over it. Ridge leads to many tourist places for visit in Shimla and is the top one among them.

#3 Christ Church

The Christ Church, India’s second oldest church, was erected between 1846 – 1857. The church is a Shimla landmark, famous for its stained glass windows.

#4 Jakhoo Hill and temple

Jakhoo Hill is Shimla’s highest point and is covered in a canopy of alpine trees. Eventually gives magnificent views of the snow-capped Shivalik Ranges as well as the sister town of Sanjauli. Jakhoo Hill is at an elevation of 8000 feet above sea level and is home to an old Hanuman temple. This temple features the world’s tallest statue (108 feet) of the Hindu god; Hanuman.

It attracts both believers and tourists since it is shrouded in stories and mystery. According to local traditions, the temple sits on the site where Lord Hanuman stopped for a time. He was on his way to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s recovery during the Lankan battle.

#5 Hatu Mata Temple

Wooden bands and Chinese-style decorations adorn the wooden temple. It is a famous tourist destination and one of the greatest places for visit in Shimla. It lies at a distance of 66 kilometers from Shimla in Narkanda.

There’s a belief that the Pandavas prepared their meals during their exile at this location. The two hearthstones, “Bheem-chulha”, are still near the temple. The temple is also a fantastic hike destination due to its spectacular setting.

#6 Tara Devi Temple

Perched on a hill, the Tara Devi temple takes tourists’ breath away with its panoramic vistas. It is accessible by car, rail, and foot, and settles among oak and rhododendrons.

#7 Kali Bari Temple

The Hindu temple settles on Bantony Hill, Shimla. It worships the fearsome reincarnation of the goddess Kali, Shyamala. The city; Shimla has its name after her. The Kali Bari temple lies in the center of the city. And has a beautiful charm of the city and nature.

#8 Summer Hill

Summer Hill is a peaceful and pleasant area with isolated, shaded paths and an excellent panorama. Here, Gandhiji stayed in the magnificent Georgian home that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur during his trips to Shimla. It lies along the Shimla-Kalka railway line.

#9 Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls is a 67-meter-high waterfall that cascades into a deep valley just beyond Summer Hill. The falls are best viewed after the rainy season.

#10 Naldehra

Naldehra is a charming village. It is located 15 kilometers north of Shimla at an elevation of 2050 meters. It is most known for having one of India’s oldest and highest golf courses. Amid the course, there is also a temple, the Mahunag Mandir.

#11 Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill, a 15-minute climb from Bialauganj, is another popular trek and vantage point with spectacular views. On top of the hill, there is a small shrine that worships Kamna Devi.

#12 Himachal State Museum

The museum houses a large collection of old historical sculptures, paintings, coins, portraits, and photographs from all across the state. It has a library with numerous historical books and manuscripts.

#13 Viceregal Lodge

The Rashtrapati Niwas or the Viceregal Lodge was the living house of British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. The Lodge was finished in 1888. There are beautiful meadows, botanical gardens, and a small café on the grounds. Furthermore, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study is also present at the Lodge.

#14 Kotgarh

Shimla is 82 kilometres away from Kotgarh. The area is an apple sea. Kotgarh apples are shipped all across the country. Samuel Evans Stokes forever associates with Kotgarh.

#15 Kufri

A lengthy and delightful journey through lush green forests and lovely towns leads to Kufri. It is a tiny but wildly popular hill station. The Himalayan natural park, as well as the thrilling treks and horseback excursions that lead to the holy Mahasu mountain, are its primary draws. Trekking and skiing are popular activities in the region. December and February are the busiest months for skiing.

These were the best and must-visit places for visit in Shimla. Undoubtedly, there are many more tourist places like St Michael’s Cathedral, and Army Heritage Museum, etc. which are good enough. I simply loved the city, it has that charm, peace, and beauty which every traveller needs.

Traveling to Himachal Pradesh? Check out the Top 10 Places Of Visit In Himachal Pradesh for more information!

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