Strung out along a 12 km (7.4 mile) ridge, with steep forested hillsides falling away in all directions, the Himachal capital is a good appetite-whetter for the awe-inspiring mountain tracts of the state’s interior. Shimla is one of India’s most popular hill resorts, buzzing with a happy flow of Indian vacationers and full of relics of its previous life as the summer capital of British India. It also features 5-star hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to accommodate tourists who wish to explore this wonderful city. Planning a vacation soon? Read on to find out the best things to do in Shimla, India.
Good to know:
- According to Himachal Tourism, the climate in Shimla is pleasant and good for visiting year-round. Tourists who would like to see the snow should visit anytime from December to February, while those fond of less cold weather can come between April and June. Couples should visit during July and August when the weather is rainy and romantic.
- Getting here is easy, according to Himachal Tourism, as there are direct flights from Delhi to Shimla. Within the city, tourists can use taxis to get around.
1. The Mall Road
The Mall Road is one of the most prevalent tourist attractions in Shimla that has numerous hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars, banks, shops, offices, post offices, and tourist offices. People can walk up and down the Mall Road at their own leisure and enjoy the scenic views of the nature, while sipping their favorite cup of tea or coffee at the various cafés available.
You can roam around on the Mall Road, visit St. Michael’s Catholic church, or take a horse ride. It’s a good place for photography and to spend nice quality time. A lot of people gather at the Ridge and Scandal point on Mall Road, as it is the place to meet and catch up with friends or just hang out with the view of the Himalayan range in the background. The Mall Road is where a sculpture of the nationalist leader, Lala Lajpat Rai, has been erected.
Aside from strolling down the street and admiring its sheer beauty, you can also pick up some great handicraft products including wooden items, pottery items, and more from the Himachal Emporium. The Devicos, Cafe Sol, Wake and Bake, Indian Coffee House, and Beekays are some of the many fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Remember that Mall Road is a pedestrian-only zone.
The Mall Road
Address: Mall Rd, Bemloi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
Traveler's tips
Mall Road comes really alive in the evening with the hustle of local shops and the beautifully lit-up hills. Some of the cafés I loved during my time here were Honey Hut - Shimla and cafe1873.
Don't forget to check out Maria Brothers bookstore for an awesome collection of maps and rare books.
2. Annandale
A flat landscape in Shimla, Annandale has been established as the playground for the residents and visitors coming to Shimla. Situated approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) from the Ridge, Annandale is mainly used to play cricket and to organize picnics, golf tournaments and polo matches.
Annandale is an impressive and picturesque location as it imparts a charming interpretation of the city of Shimla and its environments are enveloped by deodar trees, oak trees and many other species of cedar trees. Annandale is renowned due to its allegiance with the early British officer who used this location as a playground for racing, polo, cricket and other entertaining activities.
Annandale
Address: Annadale, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171003, India
3. Jakhu Temple
The Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Sri Rama and one of the central figures in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Legend has it that this particular temple is in possession of the actual footprints of Lord Hanuman. It features a mammoth 33-m (108-ft) high statue of the deity. It is a hotspot of religious followers and sees quite a bit of footfall throughout the year.
Jakhu Temple is situated on the Jakhoo Hill, which is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the Ridge and presents stunning interpretations of the Shivalik Mountains and the nearby town of Sanjauli. It is the highest peak in Shimla and gives shelter to countless monkeys.
While trekking up the hill is one option, those of you not comfortable can also opt in for a horse or taxi ride. The Jakhu Ropeway, an aerial lift that runs from Shimla’s city centre, is another interesting way to reach the temple. However, watch out for several mischievous monkeys that call the temple’s vicinity their home – they’re notorious for snatching personal belongings and food offerings. Tourists (on foot) are requested to hire sticks from shops near the temple to help ward off the monkeys from approaching you.
Jakhu Temple
Address: Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
Phone: +91 09818530514
4. Craignano
This scenic destination, which was formerly the summer resort of the Italian countess of Craignano, is situated a few kilometers away from Naldehra. Encircled by beautiful oak and pine trees, this place gives a magnificent view of the gardens bursting with an abundance of flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandine. It is located approximately 18 km (11 miles) from Shimla at an elevation of 2,149 meters (7,050 feet) above sea level.
Craignano is celebrated for the beautiful Italian Villa, constructed by Chevalier Federico Peliti, a baker to the Viceroy of India. This villa was constructed using wood, amidst dense forest of oak and pine trees. Craignano is also a famous picnic spot, where fishing and adventures sports like rock climbing are common.
Craignano
Address: Shimla-Naldehra Road, Mashobra, Shimla 171012, Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 9816078074
5. Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
This splendid edifice was constructed in 1888 as the abode of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. It is situated at the observatory hills and is enclosed by well-maintained gardens and lawns, circled by beautiful pine trees and rose plants. The Viceregal Lodge, also known as “Rashtrapati Niwas” is now converted into the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and students come here for higher studies.
Designed by British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style, the building boasts of grey limestone edifice and is striking to look at. Due to its location at an elevation, the views from this place are fascinating and cannot be described in words. Additionally, the stately drawing room, dining hall, and the magnificent ballroom inside throw a peek into the life and times when this building was occupied by its British inhabitants.
Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
Address: Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171005, India
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sunday and Tuesday)
Website: Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
6. The Ridge in Shimla
The Ridge is a huge open space in the heart of Mall Road that delivers an outstanding view of the Himalayan Mountain range overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. It is one of the most well-known attractions in Shimla that is worth visiting with family and friends. The Ridge connects the Mall Road at Scandal Point on the west side and offers a panoramic view of the snowy mountains of Shimla.
Apart from the street lined with these commercial spots, there’s also a large square, where several local fairs and festivals are held regularly. The annual Summer Festival is the most famous.
The Ridge
Address: Mall Rd, Bemloi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
Tip from Trip101 local expert
You can visit the Ridge early morning to get some amazing sunrise views of the hilltop city. You get the Ridge all to yourself if you go early and can get a cinematic Bollywood vibe of the place.
P.S. Don't forget to carry a stick or something stick-like with you when you go on an early morning stroll near the Ridge - it is packed with mischievous monkeys who would steal from you. You can see all the locals carrying one when they are going about.
7. Scandal Point
Scandal Point is one of the famous addresses in the city of Shimla and is amongst the most visited spots for tourists. ‘Scandal Point,’ where the Ridge and the Mall (road) converge, got its name in the 19th-century. As agreed upon by most people, the story goes that the then Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. This led to the Maharaja being banished from entering Shimla by the British authorities. He contradicted the move by building himself a new summer capital - now a famous hill resort of Chail, which is 45 km (28 miles) from Shimla.
Scandal Point
Address: Mall Rd, Bemloi, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
8. Christ Church
Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in North India and was constructed by the British in 1857 to serve the large Anglican British community in the area. The majestic appearance of the church and its stunning location makes it a prime attraction in Shimla.
The church has stained glass windows, which signifies faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humanity. It is one of the enduring legacies of the British rule in India and Shimla’s most prevalent landmark. The church structure is constructed in the Neo-Gothic style of architecture and anyone visiting Shimla should spend some time in this magnificent structure.
Christ Church, Shimla
Address: Mall Rd, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
Phone: +91 01772652953
9. Kalka Shimla Railway
Kalka to Shimla via toy train offers a grand view of pine covered hill tops, flora and fauna, and the characteristic representation of Shimla which makes the hills, the Queen of Hills. The toy train is the best mode of conveyance to explore the treasures of the great Himalayas. The train is currently a world heritage listed site of UNESCO and stands at fourth place. The scenic beauty which starts from Kalka to Shimla is exhilarating and delightful throughout the route.
The time to reach Shimla is around 5-6 hours. The Kalka Shimla route is 96 km (59.6 miles) long, including 103 tunnels, and every tunnel has its own story to tell. The longest tunnel, at Barog, will take around 3 minutes to complete. The Kalka Shimla train runs on a narrow-gauge track and covers main passenger points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Barog, Taradevi, Summer Hill and Shimla.
Bookings for the Kalka Shimla Railway can only be done one month in advance, with bookings needing to be done early in peak tourist season, especially during summer and winter. One can book during the Deepawali holidays, Christmas Eve and New Year when the bookings are not rushed. Bookings can be done online through IRCTC.
Kalka Shimla Railway
Website: IRCTC
10. Sankat Mochan Temple
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Shimla, which is situated amid the lush green and tranquility of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists visit this temple to pay homage to the deities of Lord Rama and other notable gods of the Hindu pantheon. This spiritual destination is located approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) away from Shimla and it is the second most popular tourist spot after Jakhu Temple, which is also one of the best places to visit.
The Sankat Mochan Temple was established in the year 1950 because of a resourcefulness taken by the noted religious figure Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj, who was astonished and enthralled by the beauty of the place. He remained in the deep dark woods for ten days and decided to establish a Hindu temple on the location. This majestic temple houses the deities of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Hanuman.
Sankat Mochan Temple
Address: Bagh, Taradevi, Himachal Pradesh 171010, India
Phone: +91 9450885611
11. Lakkar Bazaar
All you shopaholics, head over to Lakkar Bazaar for a fun shopping session. The market runs along the stretch of a street, rife with small shops that sell everything ranging from souvenirs to winter clothes. You can even stop by to pick up an ice cream or hot coffee to satisfy those hunger pangs and give into a typically hill station experience. Among the most popular things to buy here are wooden artefacts, local handmade shawls, and Nehru jackets for men . Do remember to bring your haggling A game on, since you may even be able to strike an awesome deal if you’re picking something from one of the smaller shops. Big showrooms do not entertain bargaining.
Lakkar Bazaar
Address: Lakkar Bazaar Road, Shimla 171001 India
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
12. Shimla Ice Skating Rink
The one-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia, Shimla Ice Skating Rink is a naturally formed, open-air skating facility that was setup in the early 20th century. This rink is maintained by the Ice Skating Club of Shimla and several carnivals and competitions are hosted here each year. While most of these events are contingent on weather conditions, tourists are welcome to make use of the rink at any time. Skates are provided on-site, but you can carry any other safety gear you wish to don. Remember that this rink is operational seasonally (November - February mostly). Set aside about an hour or two from your itinerary and enjoy a bit of skating here.
Shimla Ice Skating Rink
Address: Circular Road, Lakkar Bazar Bus-Stand, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
Website: Shimla Ice Skating Rink
The hill station with a rich colonial history
Undoubtedly the most popular hill station in northern India, Shimla has always been famous for its Mall Road, the Ridge, the Scandal Point, the toy train trip from Kalka to Shimla, the Rashtrapati Niwas and all the quintessential locations, among honeymooners and families for generations. Shimla can be visited throughout the year, as each season has its charm and the Queen of Hills shines bright through every month. Just be sure to check out the best homestays and holiday homes available in the city for your accommodation needs.
History
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