Places to See in Shimla

Over 2 tourist spots, attractions, activities and places to see in Shimla.

1) The Ridge, Shimla: The Ridge is well defined as the heart of Shimla because of its location and tourist attractions. It is a wide-open street that runs along the Mall Road from eat to west and connects it to the famous Scandal point. On a clear day or after a light rain, the views of snow peaks of Himalayan ranges to the north are spectacular. The neo-gothic towering architecture of the Christ Church, the state library in the vicinity, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the slate roofline of Gaiety Theatre and the Town Hall are important landmarks on The Ridge. An underground reservoir build in the 1880s is still one of the major storage for meeting the cities everyday water needs.

2) Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Shimla: Jakhoo hill is the highest hill of Shimla that offers the most scenic views of snow-covered Shivalik Ranges as well as the sister town of Sanjauli. It is a famous trek in Shimla which takes you at the height of 8000 ft. above sea level. Jakhoo Temple is situated at the highest point of this peak that has the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shri Hanuman Ji.

3) Mall Road, Shimla: The Mall Road in Shimla is the best places to visit in Shimla for couples. You can shop for a variety of items here from jewellery and books to intricately crafted wooden articles. The place is a hip and happening location in Shimla that attracts visitors of all ages. The front side of Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall buildings are on this street. Himachal Emporium at the west end of the arcade sells locally made handicrafts and handloom products.

4) Kalka – Shimla Railway Station: This narrow-gauge railway has recently been added to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Kalka-Shimla train ride is a highpoint of Shimla tourism and for a good reason. The train ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and villages.

5) Kufri: Kufri is located at a distance of 15 km from Shimla. It is located at an altitude of 8607 ft. this small hill station promises you the beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Kufri is not only about Shimla sightseeing but it is also an adventure hub that offers training and facilities for exciting winter sports like ice skating and skiing.

6) Christ Church Shimla: Christ Church is the second oldest church in north India and boasts of exceptional architectural beauty. It is one of the most popular landmarks in Shimla. The historic church is located on the Ridge and traces its origin back to 1857.

7) Green Valley, Shimla: Green Valley is the perfectly stands to its name it is a breath-taking natural dale near Shimla. The serene Green Valley is where you can witness nature in all its grandeur, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Shimla for honeymoon. Green Valley is visited throughout the year but the best time to visit is during the summer.

8) Indian  Institute of Advanced Studies: The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies should be on your list of Shimla Attractions. Shimla is a testament to  our country's colonial past, and this British-built institution is an integral  part of colonial history. Its the same historic location where the decision to create Pakistan and East Pakistan out of India was taken during the days running up to the country’s independence. Previously, the Institute served as the Indian  President's official summer retreat. The institute was converted into a  research centre for the promotion and advancement of arts and humanities in  India during the reign of Indian President DR. Radhakrishnan.

9) Kali Bari Temple, Shimla: Kali Bari Temple is one of the great religious or historic place to visit in Shimla. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and houses a captivating idol of the deity. It is located very close to the Mall Road of Shimla and it is an ideal spot to spend some serene moments connecting with your inner self. Built by a Bengali brahmin in 1845, Kali Bari temple dedicated to the evil slaying goddess Kali is at a walking distance from The Mall Road. Since its foundation, the temple has been a much visited prayer house for the town’s Hindus and the visiting Bengali community.

10) Himachal State Museum, Shimla: Himachal State Museum is located on the Mall road of Shimla. It is also known as also known as Shimla State Museum. It has a rich collection of stone sculptures, miniature paintings, dolls, coins, armors, jewelry, weapons, handicrafts, and numismatic articles discovered in the valley.

11) Tara Devi Temple: Tara Devi Temple is located at top of the hill called Tara Parvat, this sacred temple is believed to be about 250 years old. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Tara, a goddess of the Tibetan Buddhists and one of Goddess Durga’s nine sisters, is the presiding deity here. The 360 degree panoramic views from here are a commanding sight. On auspicious days, the temple offers a free community lunch hosted by devotees. A curling uphill drive from the highway at Shoghi takes you to this temple that houses goddess Tara Devi. In addition one can visit Tara Devi Temple through a trek starting from Tara Devi station.

12) Mashobra, Shimla: Mashobra is a less crowded destination in the region, It enchants visitors with a cool ambiance and lots of fun activities. During the winter season, Mashobra turns into a paradise for winter game enthusiasts. The lush green expanse is covered with a glistening blanket of snow that becomes an excellent base for skiing in winters.

13) Chadwick Waterfall: Chadwick Waterfall is situated within the Glen Forests. Chadwick Waterfall is one of the most delightful sights that nature has bestowed upon Shimla. The best time to visit it is during monsoons when the water level increases. This beautiful waterfall makes a dive from a height of 86 meters and cascades down a huge gorge. At a walkable distance from Summer Hill are the Chadwick Falls, best visited during the rainy season that lasts from July to September. 

14) Johnnie’s Wax Museum: Johnnie’s Wax Museum was popularly known as the Madame Tussauds Museum of Shimla. It had number of wax statues of famous personalities, real as well as fictional. Now it has been Permanently Closed.

15) Scandal Point: Scandal Point is located between Mall Road and the Ridge. This place is always busy. It is said that this is the location from where the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh and the daughter of a British Viceroy had eloped together.

16) Lakka Bazaar: Lakkar bazaar is located on the foothills of the Jakhoo Peak and is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours in. Lakka Bazaar is one of the places to visit in Shimla if you want to experience shopping from quaint stores and meet the amiable locals.

17) Viceregal Lodge: When completed in 1888, the Viceregal Lodge was one of the most flamboyant and one of first electric buildings of India. Build by architect Henry Irwin, the overall appearance of the imposing structure is that of a Scottish castle. Much history has unfolded in this building and one room still retains the table where the boundaries of Pakistan was cut out from India. After Independence the building became a part of Presidential Estate and was subsequently donated by President S Radhakrishnan for promoting higher education. It now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Parts of the Lodge are open to visit for people of all ages.

18) Annandale: This glade is the largest stretch of level ground in Shimla and has been used for holding fairs, horse races, playing polo, golf, tennis, cricket and football matches. It was in 1888 at Annandale that the Durand Football Tournament was first held. The picturesque place is approached by a sharp descent. Mainly used as a helipad these days, there is a golf course and an Army Heritage Museum at Annandale that is worth a visit.

19) Sankat Mochan Temple: Just as one enters Shimla, at a short downhill detour from the highway near Tara Devi hill is Sankat Mochan. The temple here dedicated to Lord Hanuman manifest as a trouble solver deity was built in 1950. From the city centre, the temple is at a distance of 5 kms. On Tuesdays and Sundays, round the year, there is a free community lunch open to all at the temple that is hosted by the devotees.

20) Summer  Hills: Shimla is a picturesque town with plenty to do and see.  However, only a few locations provide uninterrupted panoramic views that do  justice to the surreal beauty of this Himalayan hill station. Summer Hills is one such location, which is why it is at the top of this list of Places to  Visit in Shimla. The viewing points allow you to capture the Himalayan  landscape in its most natural state. The hills are covered in green pastures,  and you can spend an entire day here with your family and enjoy a nice picnic  lunch. Summer Hills is also one of the seven hills that make up Shimla.

21) Naldhera  and Shaily Peak: If you enjoy nature and photography, you must visit  Naldhera and put it at the top of your list of Places to See in Shimla.  Naldhera is a short drive from Shimla's main town and offers breathtaking views of the valley. You can even enjoy the unforgettable Himalayan sunsets from the  various viewing points scattered throughout the area. The area is surrounded by  dense forest and beautiful Deodar trees. You can have a good time here with the  whole family. Enjoy a nice lunch and some horseback riding.

22) Chail: Chail,  located two hours from Shimla, is home to the world's highest cricket pitch.  When visiting Chail, you can visit the cricket grounds, Chail Palace, nearby  plantations, and the Zoo. Because Chail is higher in elevation than Shimla, you  can see the mesmerizing city lights at night.

23) Himalayan Bird Park: If you enjoy nature, photography, and birds, you must visit  the Himalayan Bird Park, which is home to many exotic and migratory birds. The  park is only open during the summer, so plan your visit accordingly. You can  spend your time here admiring nature's wonders, bird watching, and  photographing your beautiful surroundings.