Are you planning to catch up with Shimla? And a bit confused about choosing places to visit? Here we are, on our toes, to help you out with it. This article has compiled places from varying ranges, from most visited, to most cherished, to all you want. Let’s begin, shall we?
Top 12 Places to visit in Shimla
1. The Ridge, Shimla
The Ridge road is located in the crown place of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, and it is a wide road in the city center. The place is located close to Mall road and is a hub to many shopping centers.
Highlights:
- Largest open space road in the city
- Connected to Mall road
- Hub to many tourists spots and Restaurants nearby
- Elevation of 2025
- Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi Statuaries
- Handicraft Bazar pavement
- Cultural activities hub
2. Jakhoo Hill and Temple, Shimla
As the name is heard aloud, this is the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman at the top of the highest cliff among Himachal Ranges. The temple is located in the tallest premises globally, marking an elevation of around 2455lm from sea level. The giant idol 108m tall is located on the cliff accessible easily by foot, horse rides, ropeways, cliffs, aerial lifts, and fun and trenching to climb up to the idol.
Highlights:
- Tallest holy premises in the world
- Elevation of 2455m
- Accessible through feet, horse, aerial lifts, ropeways
- Deshera and other cultural fest hubs
- Place where Lord Hanuman halted on the way to find Sanjivani booti.
3. Mall Road, Shimla
Mall road is the connecting link between the Scandal Point and Ridge Road, and it is the famous place in the city of Shimla. The place is mostly full during the festival shopping and is the most visited tourist spot. The place is an unsaid treasure to Shimla.
Highlights:
- Things to buy – Himachali Hats, Local Handicrafts, Woolen Items, Handmade Items, Wooden Items, Traditional Jewelry, etc.
- Popular sites to visit: Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Lakkar Bazaar, Middle Bazar, Lower Bazar, and Ram Bazar.
- Most populous spot in Shimla
- Connecting spot to numerous tourists places
- Mostly at its utmost during festivals
- The intersection of ridge road and scandal point
- All variety and types of things available.
4. Kalka-Shimla Railway, Shimla
Kalka- Shimla Railway route is the route connecting more than 15 stations on the way to a destination. The route is the most fanned route cross- borders and is the only route recognized as Mountain railway of India World Heritage by UNESCO.
Highlights:
- The railway traverses most hilly terrains
- Allows expeditious serene view
- UNESCO recognized as Mountain railway of India World Heritage
- Allows tourists to witness the summer capital of belated British India
- En route: Himalayan Shivalik foothills, Solan, Kandaghat, Barog, Summerhills.
- Covers 15+ stations
- 6 working trains are available
5. Kufri, Shimla
Kufri is the unsung beauty song of Shimla, covered with snow-capped peaks and avalanches from three sides. The place is rich in floral and faunal variety and a cherished skiing destination across borders.
Highlights:
- Famous couples and trip spot
- Best time to visit: all around the year
- Featuring: a variety of flora and fauna, pine and deodar thickets
- 31 species of land animals and 150 species of birds
- Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides
- Famed skiing destination
6. Tara Devi Temple, Shimla
Tara Devi Temple of Shimla is a living temple with 250+ years of history. The walls here consist of stories dating back to the prehistoric period. The temple lies on a beautiful cliff on the way to Kalka- Shimla Highway and is most beautiful during local festivals.
Highlights:
- Goddess Tara was brought here from West Bengal
- Temple at toppest point among the ranges
- 250 years of history
- On the way to Kalka- Shimla Highway
- Ideal tour destination
- Breathtaking sight
7. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Shimla
The Gaiety Heritage Complex located in Queen’s Hilly terrains is an incredibly designed architectural example today. This monument was opened first in 1967, but its first drama was shot in the early days around 1938. The hall is so constructed that it supports town hall and cultural complex hand-in-hand.
Highlights:
- Incredibly designed architecture
- Star to Queen’s Hills
- One of the oldest cultural complex in India
- The first drama was recorded in 1938
- Townhall and Gaiety theatre- constructed together
- No eatables allowed inside
- Best time to visit: Throughout the day till eve
- 4.4 Starred location review
8. Christ Church, Shimla
Christ Church was built back in the colonization era. This 4.6-rated church is the second oldest church in the Northern Indian ranges. The architecture of the church is so designed tactically that it supports breathtaking views with a meditative zone. The place is so cherished due to its Neo-Gothic inbuilt structure.
Highlights:
- 4.6 ratted place
- Spirituality and meditation center
- The second oldest church in Northern India
- Splendid Neo-Gothic style architecture
- 11-12 construction period
- Easily accessible through private or public transport
9. Green Valley, Shimla
As the name suggests, Green Valley is the green lush valley of pine and deodar all around. The place is considered among the best solo trips and family tourism spots. The Green Valley also supports a wide range of flora and fauna in the area adding points to the region’s beauty.
Highlights:
- ⅘ Starred
- Populous as Green Valley and Hassan Valley
- Famed for solo trips and travels
- Covered by Verdant hills, green lush sheds, pine, and deodar thickets
- Picturesque views
- Close to Reserve Forest Sanctuary
- Features a wide array of flora and fauna
10. Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla
Indian Institute of Advanced Study, located in Shimla, is a British period monument utilized for higher studies and research purposes today. The place is a soothing and peaceful location, and it is home to numerous generic books. The institute supports not only study but also tourism which contributes to trips joy multiple times.
Highlights:
- Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
- Built-in British colonization period
- Study as well as a research center
- Best time to visit: round the year, during day time
- Nearby attractions: Manorville Mansion, Kamna Devi Temple, Kalka-Shimla Railway, Andrew’s Church, etc.
11. Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Kali Bari, also known as the Shyamala Goddess. The history traces back to the tenure when the goddess was brought to the place from West Bengal. The nights here are full of ritualistic hearings, and festivals are undoubtedly the best time to visit the place.
Highlights:
- Built in 1845
- Dedicated to Goddess Shyamala
- Populous religious hub
- Easy access via any means of transportation
- Picturesque view location
12. Himachal State Museum, Shimla
The Museum, the most preserved and visited place of the city, is close to railway heads and is also accessible via any means of transport that suits you. The place is around 100 years old, and guess what, it has the same number of stories to tell. Be it British news, Indian struggles, or today’s wondered news, the site has witnessed everything.
Highlights:
- Converted to the museum in 1974
- Collects and preserves: heritage paintings, coins, photographs, sculptures.
- Collection since 8th century
- Books stocks 9000+
- Near-by places to visit: the ridge road, scandal point, Lakkar Bazar, Jonhnie’s wax museum
- Easy access by means of any public or private transport
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we came this long, surely it means you were indulged in reading the article and might have reached a definite place too, right? Don’t forget to let us know about your thoughts and the things you would like to know more about. Till then,
Happy Journey!
