Shimla is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city became the capital of East Punjab and was later made the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is the principal commercial, cultural and educational center of the state.
Small hamlets were recorded before 1815 when British forces took control of the area. The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of the Himalayas. As the summer capital, Shimla hosted many important political meetings including the Shimla Accord of 1914 and the Shimla Conference of 1945. After independence, the state of Himachal Pradesh came into being in 1948 as a result of the integration of 28 Princely states.
Shimla was built on top of seven hills: Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, Elysium Hill and Jakhu Hill. The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhu hill, which is at a height of 2,454 meters (8,051 ft.). In recent times the city has spread past the initial seven hills.
MOST FAMOUS AND ATTRACTIVE TOURIST PLACES IN SHIMLA
1. Guided Heritage Walk Tour in Shimla
Discover the history and heritage of Shimla during this half-day walking tour. Meet your guide at Christ Church and begin the walk through this city in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. See local landmarks including Betink’s Castle, Imperial Bank, and the Railway Board Building. Finish the tour with a stop at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
2. Lamkhaga pass trek
Discover some of India’s most stunning and untrodden landscapes during this multi-day, small-group guided trek across Lamkhaga Pass. Get help navigating one of the most challenging high-altitude crossings between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Enjoy a rugged mix of hiking, rappelling, and river crossing near the Indo-Tibetan border. All camping and climbing gear is included, plus three meals a day, coffee and tea, and snacks.
3. The Ridge
At the heart of the ‘British Summer Capital’ – Shimla, The Ridge is the most photographed wide-open street located on the side of Shimla Mall Road. The Ridge has everything, from shops selling some exclusive artifacts to the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges. Best known for shopping and for being the social hub of the city, the Ridge still holds Shimla’s rich past in its Gothic buildings and prehistoric architecture. it is connected to the Lakkar Bazaar which is the most famous wooden crafts market in Shimla.
4. Green Valley
The Green Valley is a beautiful mountain range that falls on the way to Kufri from Shimla. The Green Valley is surrounded by verdant hills on all sides covered with thick pine and deodar forests. It is not uncommon to sight some Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley. Rare animals are also sighted here at times. The Green Valley, thanks to its beauty and grace, has also been featured in numerous Bollywood movies.
5. Kufri
Kufri is a quaint little hill town 20km away from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Earlier known to be the summer retreat for the British in 1819, Kufri still harbors its past through the colonial buildings and architecture around. With its pleasant summer weather and winter snowfall, Kufri is flocked by tourists almost at all times. However, snowfall is at its peak from November to March, which is also the best time to visit Kufri Visiting the Kufri Zoo, Kufri Fun World—best known for its Go-karting experience, and Yak Rides are some fun things to do on your visit to Kufri.
6. Himalayan Bird Park
Himalayan Bird Park in Shimla is home to rare and exotic birdlife as well as iridescent monal pheasant which is Himachal’s former state bird. This nature park, located in the heart of the city, opposite Vice Regal Lodge is visited by thousands of locals and tourists throughout the year. One can take a walk around the park and explore the rich collection of plants and trees.
The collection of pheasants, peacocks and peafowl are bliss to bird watchers as well as wildlife photographers. It is also a must-visit for nature lovers owing to the lush green pastures that the park boasts of. Summers are the best time to visit Himalayan Bird Park, because, during winters, the place gets covered in snow.
7. Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls is located in the Glen Forests of the beautiful city of Shimla. This stream of water trickles from a height of about 100 meters. Some explorers recall a walk through the forest as an adventurous experience because of the damp and dark environment created by the thick canopy forest. The Britishers found it difficult to pronounce this name and hence started calling the waterfall Chadwick.
8. Kalka Shimla Toy Train
The Kalka to Shimla route is best traveled by way of the toy train that runs on a narrow-gauge track and is known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages. The historic Kalka Shimla Toy train is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and takes individuals on a ride amongst vast green hills and deodar and pine forests. The 5 and a half-hour toy train journey provides special services and is a must-do when visiting the mountainside of the North.
9. Scandal Point
The Scandal Point is one such attraction in Shimla whose enthralling scenic beauty stands as a testimony to the city’s stellar reputation. This point is a mountain lover’s haven because it enjoys a picturesque and unobstructed view of gigantic mountains covered in a blanket of dense fir and spruce. The attraction rests on the intersection of the city’s most roads- Ridge Road and Mall Road. On this intersection, there also lies a statue of our revered freedom fighter- Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji.
10. Summer Hills
Summer Hill is a suburb of Shimla that happens to be one of the city’s Seven Hills. It is known for its panoramic views of the nearby hills and valleys, especially during the winter months, for horse riding, and trekking opportunities. What attracts visitors to Summer Hill is the chance to visit famous attractions on or around like the Viceregal Lodge, the Railway station, Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Kali Bari Temple, and Gaiety Theatre. Not too far from the Hill is The Ridge, where tourists can eat and shop.
11. Narkanda
This hill station connects Shimla to the valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti and receives snowfall in abundance during winter. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. The Hatu Nag Hill offers a panoramic view of the town below and IS a must-visit for all adventure lovers.
12. Cafe Shimla Times
Famous for its mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, world cuisine meal platters, sumptuous shakes and fuzzy cocktails, this quaint cafe in Shimla is one of the best places to go to for a meal or a snack or just to hang out in a picture-perfect ambiance and cozy setting. Boasting wonderful art and decor, the cafe also offers surreal panoramic vistas outside the windows. when you visit Shimla then must visit this cafe
13. Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
Popularly for its rare variety of flora and fauna, this wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts. Animals such as jackals, barking deer, monkeys and leopards are commonly sighted here.
14. Skiing in Kufri
Kufri, the winter sports capital of Shimla, leaves every visitor splendid with its beautiful white cover of snow. It is a skier’s paradise. From the first snowfall of the year to the time the snow melts it is flocked by hundreds of skiers. Skiing is Kufri’s primary allure. The slopes, the heights, and the snowy carpet it offers are the most adventurous platforms for skiing. The thick cover of snow is perfect for hosting the adventurous sport.
The best time to roll into the snow of Kufri is from mid-December to early February. During this period of the year, Kufri has the perfect snow carpet to offer for skiing. The place is famed for its deep valleys and thrilling slopes, best suited for skiing.
15. Tattapani
Tattapani is a quaint village located 60 km away from Shimla. Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, it is famous for rafting and its Hot Sulphur spring is believed to have curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue and other skin diseases. You can also bask yourself in the adventurous sports of White River rafting, Zorbing and Skiing.
16. Jakhoo Ropeway
The vintage British-era architecture coupled with the scenic views of the Himalayan landscape is thoroughly enjoyed by the ropeway cable car from the bottom of the hill to the top.
The Jakhoo ropeway is one of the four major ropeway attractions in the state, with the other being – Solang Nala at Rohtang, Naina Devi in Bilaspur and Timber Trial in Solan. Each ropeway cabin can carry six people and is one of the safest ropeways in all of India, having been inaugurated recently. The formidable surrounding scenery is bound to leave you breathless.
17.Horse Riding in Shimla
Horse riding is a popular and much-loved activity in both Shimla and Kufri. In Shimla, Horse Riding Options are generally available at the Ridge.
While in Kufri one can ride through apple orchards and to the Kufri Zoo. A lot of times, horses tend to be the only means to reach someplace in Kufri.
18. Kasauli
Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town that makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, especially for a weekend getaway. Kasauli is a cantonment town dotted with lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. The quaint village has nature trails and beautiful viewpoints. Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town that makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, especially for a weekend getaway. Kasauli is a cantonment town dotted with lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. The quaint village has nature trails and beautiful viewpoints. Popular attractions here include Christ Church, Central Research Institute, Monkey Temple and Sunset Point.
19. Mashobra
Mashobra is a lush green expanse in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the most pure and liberating experience of your lifetime.
Mashobra’s proximity to Shimla makes it a perfect alternative for people who are looking for a peaceful little hill station. With just about enough resorts and enchanting natural bounty, come to Mashobra if you have for a lazy weekend outing or a week-long vacation.
20. Ice Skating in Shimla
Ice Skating is a famous sport in the rink found in the town and is also the largest and the only naturally formed rink found in South Asia. It draws not just the locals but tourists from across the globe.
The rink has been used for sports and recreational activities since 1920. The Ice Skating Club of Shimla maintains and enthusiastically hosts national-level competitions and the annual carnival. The experience of indulging in a sport at the foothills of the Himalayas is a breathtaking one.
21. Mall Road
Mall roads in the hill stations are generally a stretch of any road bordered by several small stalls, shops, and branded showrooms. Mall Road in Shimla is one of the vibrant lanes for enjoying a range of shopping options, eateries, food stalls, cafes bank ATM and money exchange portals to meet certain necessities.
22. Prospect Hill
The hill is shrouded with many stories of the Goddess and there is an ancient temple situated on the Hill which IS dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi. If you are seeking a green escape, Prospect Hill awaits your visit, Prospect Hill is one of the religious places to visit in Shimla as it holds a very strong significance among the tourists who believe in Goddess Kamna Devi.
23. Hip Hip Hurrah Amusement Park
This unique amusement park is located in Kufri at an elevation of 8500 feet above sea level. It offers a range of activities like Burma Bridge, Flying Fox, Rock climbing, Commando Net, Bumping boats, Rowing and Valley Crossing etc. and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Shimla. You can also indulge in ice skating, and Boating on the snow-laden terrain in winter. If you get hungry by doing all this then there are multi-cuisine restaurants and coffee shops along with some local shops selling Himachali handloom work. It is one of the must-go places to visit in Shimla without any doubt.
24. Chail
Chail is an alluring hill station that lies about 63 km from Shimla. Nestled in the Himachal Pradesh Shivalik region, Chail is spread across three hillocks – Sadh Tiba, Pandewa and Rajgarh. It is spread over an area covering 72 acres of land and overlooks the canyon of River Satluj. Chail enjoys pleasant weather all around the year and is thus visited not just by tourists but also the locals.
Chail along with Shimla and Kufri, is also known as the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful hill station that is free from the massive crowds that throng Shimla and consequently allows travelers to relish the charm and the beauty of the place in its relative peace.
25. Shimla State Museum
Situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometers from Scandal Point, Shimla State Museum is a must-visit among Shimla Tourist Places. Dating back to colonial times, the museum was once the private residence of Lord William Beresford. The museum library houses over 10,000 books, magazines, and journals that represent the historical importance and cultural diversity of Shimla as well as the rest of India. Among the many collections in the museum, one can find dedicated displays of sculptures, jewelry, history, as well as textiles and many more.
26. Manjathal Sanctuary
Manjathal Sanctuary is famous for its rich wildlife as well as the vivid flora. The rich biodiversity of the Manjathal Sanctuary is a paradise for all wildlife enthusiasts. To preserve the natural beauty of the place, there are no resorts or hotels constructed here in this region. It is an exciting place for kids since they can enjoy camping here.
27. Johnnie’s Wax Museum
Popularly known as Himachal Pradesh’s first wax museum, Johnnie’s Wax Museum ranks highly in the list of Shimla Tourist Places. A great hit among children and family vacationers, the wax museum houses wax replicas of many notable movie stars and important personalities of India and the rest of the world. To make your visit to the museum truly memorable, Johnnie’s Wax Museum lets you get a wax replica of your hand.
28. Rani Jhansi Park
Rani Jhansi Park is famous as the Lady’s park and can be easily accessed from the mall road. The park is suitable for day picnics and serves best as a children playing playground. It has a huge statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai on her horse with her sword in the middle of the park. The historical events related to Rani Lakshmi Bai are carved on granite that lies beside the statue.
