Top 8 Things Shimla Is Famous For

1. Mall Road

Constructed during the British Rule, Mall Road is the heart of the city and probably the most prominent street. With several major showrooms, restaurants, and offices lining the street, it is a favourite hangout spot among tourists. 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 and joins into the Shimla Ridge.

2. Shimla Ridge

Perched about 2,205 m (7,235 ft) above sea level, Shimla Ridge is the place to be if you want to enjoy some of the best panoramic views the city has to offer. Much like the Mall Road, this one’s also one of the main streets of the city and is home to some impressive buildings, statues, cafes, restaurants, shopping haunts as well as view spots to soak in brilliant views of the Himalayan Ranges far ahead. 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.

3. Colonial architecture

Shimla’s colonial heritage is visible in the architecture you’ll find dotting the city’s streets, harking back to architecture styles from the 16th - 19th century. Most notably, British architecture is exhibited through Neo-Gothic and Victorian styles in Shimla, featuring pointed arches, steeply sloping roofs, and intricate lattice work, among other delicately designed carvings. Showcasing these styles most prominently are the Christ Church, Ellerslie House (Secretariat), and the Viceregal Lodge, among others. Not just mere sightseeing, you’re even allowed entry into these buildings, so check them out from the inside, too.

4. Jakhu Temple

Some 2,455 m (8,055ft) above sea level, Jakhu Hill is home to Shimla’s most famous temple, which can be reached by trekking up about 2.5 km (1.5 mi). The temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Hanuman and 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. 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

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

Built by the Britishers as a summer retreat, it was once known as the Viceregal Lodge, a name it is still associated with. However, in 1964, it was converted into an educational institute to promote advanced studies in humanities and arts and came to be known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Aside from its prowess a a research centre, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies’ building is what brings it the fame, showcasing an exquisite colonial-style architecture. 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. The sprawling grounds around the building are also the perfect spot to relax, attracting several thousands of tourists each year.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

Address: Rashtrapati Nivas, Chaura Maidan, Near Birds Zoo Park, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171005, India

Website: Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

Opening hours: 01 July - 30th April: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm | 01 May - 30 June: 9am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

6. Scandal Point

The reason behind this spot’s odd name remains a mystery. While some associate it as being the spot from where Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala eloped with British viceroy Lord Kitchener’s daughter, local tourist guides go on to attribute this elopement as a kidnapping. While there’s no telling how the spot’s name came to be, today it is a bustling city square where tourists can hang around and soak in Shimla’s refreshing vibe. It is located at the Shimla Ridge-Mall Road intersection, so can be easily reached, too. While there, don’t forget to check out Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai’s statue.

Scandal Point

Address: Mall Rd, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

7. 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)

8. 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 quaint hill station

Touted as the ‘Abode of Snow’, Shimla is one of the most picturesque hill stations in India. Besides the beautiful views of the mountains, the city is also known for its colonial charm. After exploring Shimla, we recommend visiting the nearby towns as well, including Kufri, Mashobra, and Charabra that offer equally amazing experiences and stunning views.