Top Places to Visit in Shimla

Queen of Hill Stations – Shimla. Shimla is a capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is one of the most visited tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The state is blessed with natural scenic beauty, snow-capped Himalayan mountain range, picturesque green valleys, crafts made of wood, shopping etc. Here is a list of all places to visit in Shimla.

The Ridge in Shimla

The Ridge is an open street located on the side of mall road. It provides a view of the mountain ranges engulfed in the beauty of nature.  It the great place to walk in the cool weather. Major places like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill are connected through Ridge.

Ridge is famous for shopping. One can find boutiques, restaurants and cafes on the side of the road. The Ridge is famous for fairs and the government functions. Summer festival is the famous festival that is held at the Ridge during the months of April or May. Winter sports are also held here as well. Ice Skating is also organized between December and February. 

Chadwick Falls in Shimla

Chadwick Falls is located in the Glen Forests. The Chadwick falls is located at an altitude of 1586m above sea level. The water in Chadwick falls is very cold, chilly and refreshing as it flows down with forceful rapidness from the Himalayas. The best time to visit the Chadwick falls is during the month of July and October.

The fall is encircled with thick green wood and looks enchanting in the midst of steep hills of pine and deodar. The fall is also a source of water for the foresters and tribes. Chadwick waterfalls are one of the highest waterfalls in India that carry the chilled water of Himalayas.

Christ Church in Shimla

Christ church is the second oldest and was built by the British in 1857, by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. The took 11yrs to complete. The Church features a clock on the church tower that was put up in 1860. The Porch along with church was added in 1873. At night, The Church literally glows when it is lighted up, while in winters, It dons the look of a magnificent castle.

The church is visible from miles away. Its brass plaques and stained glass windows are an attraction of this church. During the British, officials and laureates of the Raj residing at this town offered prayers at the church on Sunday. The church remains only worship place for the Christian community.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study

Indian Institute of Advanced Study was built during 1884-1888 during the British rule in India. It is one of the best historical situated at the top of the Chanda Maidaan near Summer hills. After independence, the building was renamed as Rashtrapati Nivas.

The building is the classical architectural design with proficient fire proofing system. A visit into the institute is actually a walk through the modern Indian history. The teak-paneled interiors of institute are immensely beautiful and unique. The entrance portico, grand staircase, the reception hall and the fireplace are the other attractions of the institute.

Jakhoo Temple in Shimla

Jakhoo temple is located at the top of Jakhoo hill. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman. The Hill is situated 2.5 km from the Ridge at a height of 2455m above sea level and is Shimla’s highest peak.

It is believed that this temple holds the footprints of Lord Hanuman. It has a beautiful views of Shivalik Mountains and the nearby town of Sanjauli.

Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla

Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla is located down the mall road.it is one of the most famous bazaar in the city. It was established by a group of Sikh Carpenters from Hoshiarpur. It is famous for wooden toys, walking sticks and other kitchen articles. The products are made of deodar and walnut trees.

The bazaar area has an old cinema hall. The bazaar road also leads to the Indira Gandhi medical college and hospital and DAV school. The Lakkar bazaar also marks the starts of a climb to Jakhoo peak.

Scandal Point in Shimla

Scandal Point is the point where the end of the Mall Road joins the Ridge. It says that during the British Era in 1892, Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patalia fell in love with the daughter of the Viceroy. It is believed that the king and the viceroy’s daughter eloped from the point and later he was not allowed to enter Shimla. So he settled in the Chail, which is around 45 km away from Shimla.

Scandal Point is surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants. It is a meeting place for locals, tourists and lovers. There is a nice little church at the Scandal Point. It also has a statue of late Freedom fighter Lala Lajput Rai. One can also enjoy horse-riding around the area.

Tara Devi Temple in Shimla

Tara Devi Temple is a holy place located in Shimla. Tara Devi temple is situated at the top of the hill named Tarav Parvat on the western side of Shimla. This temple was constructed by King Bhupendra Sen.

Devotees and visitors have to walk down to the temple through the deep forests of Pine Trees and green pastures. The deity in the temple is the goddess, Tara Devi. The idol of this temple is made of 8 different elements. Navratri festival is celebrated in this temple. Ashtami is also celebrated during Dussehra. A fair is organized by local peoples which is dedicated to Maa Tara.

The Mall Road in Shimla

Mall Road in Shimla is located at the heart of the town. It is one of the busiest commercial area. Mall road is most popular destination for shopping and enjoying scenic views. Mall Road has all major hotels, Restaurants, bars, clubs, shops etc.

Stores are located on the Mall Road are famous for Woolen clothes and handcrafted works. Mall Road is also famous for wooden furniture shops which sells wooden articles, which looks like antique. Other than shopping, Mall Road is famous for cafes. It is advisable to visit Mall Road in the evening.

Dorje Drag Monastery in Shimla

Dorje Drag Monastery also referref to as Thubetan Evam Dorje Drak, is a scared Buddhist monastery. This is the place where Buddhist monks meditates in the monastery. Dorje Drak monastery is run by the Tibetan exiles.

The monastery is one of the biggest monasteries of the Nyingmapa School. The solid square and Rectangular Structure of the monastery is a perfect example of Buddhist architecture in the Himalayan Region. This monastery is visited by countless devotees and tourists every year. The monastery is quite and peaceful place.

Gorton Castle in Shimla

Gorton Castle is a heritage monument located in Shimla. Gorton Castle was built in 1904 and was designed by Sir Winton Jacob. This castle is built over an area of 400*100 feet. The castle is a 3 storey building having 125 rooms.

The castle is used as the office of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. The castle is surrounded by timber blocks mostly of Rosewood. The castle was mounted on the hilltop surrounded by huge Deodar trees. Solid grey Sanjauli stone was used in the construction of the building. The balconies of this castle were beautifully decorated with Jaali work.

Green Valley in Shimla

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 that are covered with thick forests of pine and deodar. Sometimes rare animals like Yak can be seen grazing.

It has also been the scene of the shooting in the numerous Hindi movies. The best time to visit this place is after monsoon and in the summer when the dense forest has lush green surroundings. The best months to visit Green Valley are the July to October and from February to April. You will find some local shacks and markets here. It is a popular point where people come to enjoy the picturesque lush green environments.

Kali Bari Temple in Shimla

Kali Bari Temple in Shimla is a popular tourist destination and is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is also known as Shyamala. This temple was built in the year 1845 by Ram Charan Bramachari. This temple is located in Jakhu Hill. Lush green forests cover the exterior of the temple, offering an incredible view of the Himalayan Mountain Range.

A large number of devotees visit the temple seeking Goddess Kali’s blessings and to offer her prayers during the festival of Navratri. The temple premise also has a Guest House and a Canteen for tourists who wish to stay. The canteen serves Bengali food during lunch and dinner time.

Kamna Devi Temple in Shimla

Kamna Devi Temple is situated at the top of the Prospect Hill at an altitude of 2200m. Kamna Devi Temple is surrounded by tall deodar and pine trees. The temple is surrounded by tall deodar and pine trees. Kamna Devi Temple is also known as Creeda Devi temple. This temple is 5km from Shimla The temple is easily accessible from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. This temple is built by Rana of Junga.

The deity of this temple is Goddess Kali, fulfills the desires of all her devotees. It is believed that Goddess Kali fulfills the desires of all her devotees. Many tourists visit this place because the beauty of this hill is eye-catching. Also the toy train that runs from Tara Devi to Jatogh is visible from the top of the Prospect Hill of Shimla

Manorville Mansion in Shimla

Manorville Mansion is located in Summer Hill in Shimla. This Mansion was the property of Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, the first woman Cabinet member of India. Later, it was a residential place for Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad when they had a meeting with Lord Wavell in 1945 to discuss the Independence of India. Till date, the room where Mahatma Gandhi stayed is conserved carefully.

Prospect Hill in Shimla

Prospect Hill is located approximately 4km away from the city. It is about 2150m above the sea level. It is in western Shimla. Prospect Hill is popular for having a very famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi. From Prospect Hill, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire region that is so beautiful.

It is graced with lush green forests. For adventure-seekers, this hill offers many exciting activities like trekking and rock-climbing. Also the toy train that runs from Tara Devi Temple to Jatogh is visible from the top of the Prospect Hill of Shimla.

State Museum in Shimla

State Museum is located 3km west of the Scandal Point on the Inverarm Hill. It was the private residence of Lord William Beresford. After independence it was the residence of Indian Government officials. It was transformed into a museum on January 26, 1974.

The museum has a collection of historical sculptures, coins, paintings and photographs collected from all over the state and the country. It also has library which has books, magazines and journals. It also has the collection of Mughal and Rajasthani paintings. There are different sections called galleries like photographs gallery, miniature Pahari paintings gallery, pre historic gallery, Archeology gallery and many more.

The Glen Forest inn in Shimla

Glen Forest Inn is located in Shimla, 5.8km from the Mall Road. Glen Forest Inn is approved by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India. Glen Forest Inn has four private guest rooms with attached bathrooms. All bathrooms have shower with hot and cold water. Each room has double bed, TV, wooden cub board. This hotel offers guests a range of services. Facilities like taxi service, ticket service, luggage storage are readily available.

WoodVille Palace in Shimla

The Palace is the residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal, a pre-independence Kingdom of the Shimla Hill States. Raj Kumar Uday Singh of Jubbal, his Grandson, opened the palace as a heritage hotel in 1977. This is the only palace owned and managed privately by the decendents of the Jubbal Royal family.

The property is placed 7000 feet above the sea level. The interior of the place is royal and the antiques, décor and furniture look wonderful. Stop for a drink at the 1930s themed Hollywood Bar, a wall signed with photographs of film stars like Clark Gable, Laurel and Hardy, Katherine Hepburn. The palace has multi-level rose gardens and lush green lawns.

Bantony Castle in Shimla

Bantony Castle is located on Bantony Hill in the city of Shimla. The Bantony estate consists of Castle and Cottage. The Castle was once the summer palace of former Maharaja of Sirmaur. Bantony castle is one of the historic and monumental buildings of Shimla.

The Government is planning to undertake conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the Bantony Castle. The Governement is planning to convert the Bantony Castle into a city museum. Besides this, a recreational would also be set up in the complex of this heritage estate.

Golfing in Annandale Shimla

Annandale has been developed as the playground of the city located approximately 3km away from the Ridge. It is used to play cricket and to organize picnics, Golf and Polo. Annandale is famous because the British used this play ground for racing, polo, cricket etc.

This playground is in a shape of a big circle. Annandale is famous for Golfing and for Golf courses. Apart from Golfing Annandale is used for several sorts of events such as picnics, fairs, festivals etc. Annandale also has a café inside the place.

Indira Tourist Park in Shimla

The exact distance of this place is 19km from the main city of Shimla. The Indira Tourist Park is known for offering remarkable views of the adjoining landscapes. The park is named after Indira Gandhi visited this place in 1972. This Park is famous for Yak and pony rides for both elders and young ones.

This park has various shops including video game parlors, beer bar, ice-cream parlor etc. There is also a café, managed by HPTDC. So, visitors may enjoy lip smacking snacks and beverages here.

Jakhoo Hill in Shimla

The higgest point of the city is Jakhoo hill which is covered with Alpine trees. Jakhoo Hill is located at a distance of 2km from the Ridge. This peak provides a beautiful view of the city Shimla. At the top of the hill, is an old temple of Hanuman. It also has the World’s tallest Hanuman Statue at 108 feet. There are many monkeys around the temple. Pilgrims offer them eatables.

It a 45-minute walk to the top of the hill. On the way to the top of the hill, there are beautiful views of hills, surrounding valleys and huge trees.

Johnnie’s Wax Museum in Shimla

Johnnie’s Wax Museum is located in Shimla. Johnnie’s Wax Museum opened for public after Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated it on May 11, 2016. It is beautifully crafted by artists of “BM Brothers Company” – Gurgaon based company. This Museum is located at the historic Willow Bank estate in Capital City Shimla.

Presently Museum features 16 statues. The statues are of Daniel Rad, Narhendra Modi, Barack Obama, Lionel Messi, Michael Jackson, Mahatma Gandhi, Tony Stark, Johnny Depp, James Bond, Amir Khan, Honey Singh, Steve Job, Quisque Tincident, Dwayne Johnson and Paul Walker. People can take lot of selfies to enjoy here. Tourists get an amazing experience by visiting this museum, they can also get a wax replica of their hand.

Nagsons Amusement Park Hip hip hurray in Shimla

Nagsons Amusement Park is the park located at 8500 ft. above sea level. The sprawling complicated is spread over a place of 5000 rectangular meters at the midst lush green trees. It offers adventures activities like Burma Bridge Crossing, Flying Fox, Commando Net, Rock Climbing, Boating, Bump’em cars, Rides, Indoor Golf etc. Other facilities like restaurants, coffee shops and gift shops. The park also has a telescope, which can be used to see the beautiful landscape of Kufri.

Radisson Jass in Shimla

Radisson Hotel have beautiful views of the surrounding cedar forests and mountains. Radisson hotel is less than 200m from Jakhu temple and Mall. It has a seasonal outdoor pool, spa treatment called Sansha and a gym. Day trips and car rentals can be arranged at the tour desk. The hotel also provides a laundry services.

The hotel has well-equipped business centers, event spaces and conference halls. The hotel has 69 rooms equipped with wooden flooring, LCD TV, tea/coffee maker, refrigerator and free internet. This hotel provides other services like doctor on call, foreign currency exchange. It has a restaurant- café valley Vue which serves Indian, Continental and Oriental dishes and a bar that offers a variety of spirits and wines.

Sankat Mochan temple in Shimla

Sankat Mochan Temple is located in the midst of lush green trees just below the National Highway 22. The temple was established in the year 1950. The Sankat Mochan Temple houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Lord Ganesha in separate complexes along with Lord Hanuman. Temple’s main entrance is made of wood and has a beautiful carving on it. On every Sunday Prasad is distributed known as Langar.

The temple includes three-storey building used for many purposes. One portion of the building is used to conduct marriage ceremonies and other rituals. Rest of the portion is used by the priests and the maintenance staff as a residential complex.

Shaiely Peak Naldehra in Shimla

Shaiely Peak is located at a distance of 23km from Naldehra near Mahakali lake. Shaiely peak is acquainted with forests and hills. This peak is used by the climbers to trek which is surrounded by thick forests. Tourists can also hire pony on motor truck to reach here. Also one can try horse ride. One can watch beautiful sunrise and sunset from the top of the hill. From the Shaiely peak, one can enjoy some of the valley views and Himalaya mountains. It is a wonderful spot for vacations.

The Oberroi Cecil in Shimla

It is situated in Chaura Maidan, Shimla. This was the most exclusive hotels in Shimla, known for ballroom dances and fashionable clientele. Oberoi Cecil offers accommodation along with an indoor heated swimming pool, spa and dining options. The hotel offers 75 rooms. Rooms in this hotel is furnished with Burma teak wood floor, TV and DVD player. Every room is equipped with tea/coffee maker, desk and wardrobe. Laundry service is available. One can also enjoy a cup of tea or a drink in front of a roaring fire at the Tea Lounge and Bar. Internet access is also available. It also offers several activities like table tennis, billiards along with kids club and games room for recreational purpose.

Craignano Nature Park in Shimla

Craignano is surrounded by beautiful oak and pine trees. The place has a garden filled with the flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandine. This park is also famous for a beautiful Italian style villa. The villa was made by an Italian Photographer Chevalier Federico Peliti. This villa is constructed with woods of oak and pine trees. Craignano is also a famous picnic spot, with different activities such as rappelling, rock climbing and fishing.

Reserve Forest Sanctuary  in Shimla

Reserve Forest Sanctuary is surrounded by the Indus River. This Sanctuary has a variety of flora and fauna. This Sanctuary is covered with the plantation of oak, cedar and pine. Animals like kakkar, jackals, and leopards are found here. Birds like Himalayan eagle, pheasant, chikor and partridge are also spotted here. From this sanctuary one can view Deo Tibba, Chota Shali, Bandar Poonch and RaktaDhar Himalayan Mountains. Even one can do adventures activities like trekking, camping and picnic.

Shoolini Temple in Shimla

Shoolini temple is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini Mata incarnation of Goddess Durga. The town Solan was named after the Shoolini Mata. The temple is surrounded by wide views of beautiful landscapes.

Shoolini Devi temple is famous for the annual Shoolini Utsav celebrated on the last week of June every year. The festival and fairs lasts for 3 days. The idol of the Goddess is carried in the Palki around the town. During the fair the temple is decorated and the grand Pooja is organized. The activities of the fair are dancing, singing and wrestling. The fair attracts traders, sweet sellers, general merchants and shopkeepers.

TanniJubbar lake in Shimla

TanniJubbar lake is surrounded by high cedar and dense forest making an amazing landscape. TanniJubbar Lake is an oval shaped, artificially fed, shallow mass of water located near Narkhanda. The lake is famous for different kind of birds. TanniJubbar Lake is also famous for Nag Devta temple, where locals offer prayers to the God. From here one can view the mountains covered with the snow.

Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary in Shimla

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary is situated on the northern side of Kufri. The maximum area of the sanctuary is covered with Cedar, Oak and Pine trees. More than 8 species of mammals are found here including leopard, Goral barking deer, Languors, Porcupine and yellow throated marten. Over 100 species of birds including Tits, flycatcher, thrushes, barbets and Woodpeckers etc are also spotted here. The sanctuary is rich in butterflies. This Sanctuary comprises a moderately steep catchment which is the main water supply for Shimla. Nine Streams flow from this area.

Airborne Paragliding in Shimla

Airborne Paragliding is located in the Shimla. Airborne Paragliding is situated at the mid of mountains and valleys. It is a treat for every nature lover. Though paragliding is newly introduced in Shimla, it has attracted a large number of tourist. The paragliding spot is near the market of Waknagat. Booking counter is near the gate of Bhadra University on the roadside. One can have a good view of lofty mountains, vehicles moving, beautiful houses etc.

Gurudwara Sahib in Shimla

Gurudwara Sahib is situated at Padhawa hills. The Gurudwara was constructed in the year 1907.The interiors of this Gurudwara are finely carved on the outer as well as the inner walls. The devotees who come to visit this place have strong faith in the spiritual power that the place emits.

Hawa Ghar in Shimla

Hawa Ghar is located at Lakkar Bazzar at the ridge of Shimla. Hawa Ghar is also known as “Mall View Balcony”. This location provides a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. These hawa ghars are built on the highest point of the city or any of the locality as they were used as viewpoints for catching a complete view of the area. Visitors will be able to see the mountains, the lush greenery, the several heritage buildings and temples. By standing on the hawa ghar one could feel the blow of air.

Taka Bench in Shimla

Taka Bench is also known as Book café. People often come here to hangout. Taka point has a Book café. Book café is exclusively run by the prisoners. Prisons department wants to rehabilitate the prisoners. They provide job opportunities for the prisoners.  Sitting with a cup of coffee is an ideal way to spend your time. The café serves few delectable bakery items. The café also has a range of books on tourism, history etc. Local peoples often come here to spend their time

Army heritage museum in Shimla

The Army heritage museum is located in Annandale, Shimla. This museum was set up in 2006Army heritage museum has a huge collection of items. At this museum, you will find ancient weapons, ammunitions and life history of great Indian warriors. There is a separate section where important achievements of the great Indian warriors are described. Separate section is there for showcasing arms and weapons of various types. The collection has ancient items like bows, arrows, swords, spears etc. Uniform of Army, medals, rewards and awards of Indian army are also displayed here.

Baba Bhalku Rail Museum in Shimla

Baba Bhalku Rail Museum was inaugurated on 7^th July 2011. The museum has some 1930 lost property register. This register has details about the lost properties like bags, umbrellas, caps, coats etc left in the waiting rooms of the station or the train. The museum also has a display of several items and parts which was used in the trains. Also it has a collection of cutlery, fine glassware including wine glasses and vases. There are some old photographs of the rail line, stations and tunnels.

Chapslee Hotel in Shimla

Chapslee Hotel, a heritage property set in Shimla. The hotel is known for offering hospitality to its guests. Some rooms have views of mountains. Every room is fitted with bathroom, tv, free wifi, slippers and toiletries. This area is popular for horse riding. One can also play tennis. It also offers playground and sun terrace.

Monumental National Flag in Shimla

The national tricolor measuring 100 feet tall national flag was hosted by Chief minister Virbhadra Singh on 17 December 2015 at the Ridge Maidan. The tri-color weighs 5kg and is made from knitted polyester fabric. This flag was hosted on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. This was the third such flag dedicated to the Nation by the chief minister. The first two being at Kullu and Dalhousie.

Photo art studio in Shimla

Photo art gallery or Image Art Gallery is located on Potter’s Hill, Shimla. It is quite near to the Shimla Railway Station. It is a popular tourist attraction of Shimla. The gallery exhibits 20000 photographs of the state. The gallery also includes amazing photos of heritage and historical buildings which include Bhima Kali Temple, Christ Church and other buildings of the state. The gallery permits to take the beautiful photos which are on display but use of flash is prohibited.

Rothney Castle in Shimla

Rothney castle is also known as “Sheeshe wali Kothi”. Rothney Castle was once the home of British officer A.O. Hume. The house is situated amidst lush green woodlands. Rothney castle is near the Lakkar Bazaar. Rothney castle is open all throughout the year. The best time to visit this place is from March to May.

Sidh Baba ka Mandir in Shimla

Sidh Baba ka Mandir is set on a hill between Rajgarh and Pandhawa in 1891 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Sidh Baba ka Mandir is a temple dedicated to the Hindu saint Sidh Baba. Sidh Baba ka Mandir is a peaceful place for holy soul that symbolizes the value of religion. The temple compound has a well maintained garden with benches. Follow the Hindu rituals while entering the temple.