We advise you to read through this extensive guide before making travel plans to Shimla in order to get the most out of your vacation. The months of March, April, May, and June are ideal for visiting Shimla, as the temperature is nice during the day and cools down at night. October, November, December, January, and February are also good months to visit, with average lows of 8 °C and average highs of -6 °C. Shimla is wonderful any time of year, but if you want to avoid the crowds, the months of July, August, and September are the best time to visit Shimla.
Shimla is famous for other events as well, including the Shimla Summer Festival and the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, which are held in December and May, respectively. See and explore Christ Church, a place famous for its architecture, while you are here. It is known for its colonial buildings and is also a popular destination for religious tourists. Those who love the outdoors might find hidden spots to enjoy beautiful views. In addition to being a popular spot for religious tourists, Viceregal Lodge in Shimla is well-known for its colonial architecture and status as a national heritage site. Nature lovers might also find hidden locations to enjoy beautiful views.
If you’re interested in Shimla’s past and present, you should check out the locations we listed. We wish you a wonderful time in Shimla, and we hope you return home with many wonderful memories. Here are some of the best places to visit in shimla.
1. The Ridge
Because of its location and all it has to offer, The Ridge may be referred to as Shimla’s heart. This place to visit in Shimla is actually a broad, open boulevard that connects Scandal Point to the Mall Road, which runs east to west. It’s a popular place to visit in Shimla because it has beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise up against the blue sky and surround this paradise. Long-established British shops and restaurants attract tourists to indulge in shopping and overeating. The Ridge, which is lined with stores, bars, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, acts as the community’s social center. Keep in mind that this area is one of the most photographed in the city because of the stunning natural scenery and the wonderful architecture found here.
2. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
At Shimla, don’t miss out on a visit to the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. This British-built institution in Shimla is an important element of our country’s colonial past. Once upon a time, the Institute was the official resting place of the President of India. The Indian president at the time, DR, was in charge. Radhakrishnan, the institute was converted to serve as a research hub for the development of India’s arts and humanities.
One of the best things to do in Shimla is to visit the institute and its gardens to take in the wonderful examples of colonial Indian architecture. Because it was constructed with a sophisticated fire system that can compete with any in use today, the building is a work of architecture in and of itself.
3. Jakhoo Hill and Temple
When visiting Shimla, be sure to visit Jakhoo Hill. It provides beautiful views of the snow-capped Shivalik Mountains and the nearby city of Sanjauli and is covered in alpine trees. One may find an ancient Hanuman temple atop Jakhoo Hill, which is home to the world’s tallest statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman at a height of 108 feet. It draws tourists and fans alike because of its mystique and stories. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman paused there for a while on his way to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s rebirth during the Battle of Lanka, and this is where the temple now sits.
4. Annandale
Annandale is another of the best places to visit in Shimla. Another example of a colonial building, it used to be a popular place for British sports activities. Tourists can now come here to enjoy the natural beauty, a trip down memory lane, a round of mini golf, and a visit to the Army Museum. Mini golf may cost extra, but there is no admission charge.
5. Mall Road
When it comes to the best places to visit for couples in Shimla, you can’t miss the Mall Road. However, the place is a trendy and exciting location in this hill station and attracts guests of all ages. With its many cafes, restaurants, showrooms, department stores, and shops selling unique trinkets and handicrafts, this is the best place for tourists to see Shimla’s sights. Anything from books and jewellery to unique wooden creations is for sale here. Other nearby sights are the Town Hall, the Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point. Since the road is closed to traffic in the evenings, strolling along it while taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding hills is an absolute delight.
6. Jakhoo Hill
You can see all of Shimla from the top of Jakhoo Hills. One of the most well-known Shimla attractions, the hill is 8000 feet tall. Be sure to add the hike to your Shimla itinerary. You can’t drive all the way to the peak of that hill. The short hike to the top, on the other hand, is hard yet enjoyable. The path through the forest is twisting and is bordered with majestic pine trees.
You can get a good look at the Himalayas in their natural state from up here. You can take in breathtaking views that truly do this Himalayan hill station justice. The Jakhoo Temple is worth seeing once you get there.
Read More: Things to do in manali
7. Kalka-Shimla Railway
The journey on the Kalka-Shimla railway is a highlight of any trip to Shimla. UNESCO has officially added this 1898-built narrow-gauge railroad to the mountain railroads of India World Heritage Site. Starting from Kalka (Haryana), at the foothills of the Shivalik Range, the train journey to Shimla gives amazing views of the surrounding hills and villages as it winds through the rough terrain. There are several popular tourist spots along the route, including Solan, Dharampur, Summer Hill, Salogra, Taradevi, and Barog. There are at least 864 bridges, 919 turns, and 102 tunnels along the way. Even though the train ride itself isn’t technically a tourist attraction, skipping it would mean missing out on some of Shimla’s most beautiful scenery.
8. The Scandal Point
This big platform in the middle of town is known as the scandal point, yet it’s true that it is not scandalous in any way. About here, you’ll find the town proper, the main shopping street, the commercial area, the restaurants, and more. There are many viewing areas here from which you can take in and photograph amazing views of the Shimla valley and the nearby mountains. Beautiful mountain ranges covered in snow may be seen from the viewing platforms in Shimla if you visit during the winter. Nighttime brings the most visitors, who come to see the beautiful Himalayan sunset. Here, you can pay a quick visit to the historic Tudor Library.
9. Kufri
Another of the best places to visit in Shimla is Kufri, which can be reached in about 40 minutes by car from the city center. You may enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains from this little hill station, which lies at an elevation of 8607 feet. Yet Kufri is about more than just visiting Shimla’s tourist sites. Also, it serves as a training ground and venue for thrilling winter sports like skiing and ice skating. It is sometimes referred to as India’s winter sports capital as a result. With consistent snowfall throughout the winter, Kufri becomes the best places to visit in Shimla during the month of December. With consistent snowfall throughout the winter, Kufri becomes the best place to visit in Shimla during the month of December.
10. Chadwick falls
The beautiful Chadwick Falls must be included among the best places to visit in Shimla. The falls, which can be found at an elevation of 1586 metres, are a favourite destination for visitors to Shimla. The falls are surrounded by dense forests, lovely pine and deodar trees, and beautiful views. The monsoon, when the falls have a greater water flow and the surroundings are greener than ever, is the best time to see the falls. The falls’ beauty and the atmosphere surrounding them are out of this world.
