Best Places to Visit in Shimla
Best Places to Visit in Shimla: Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station nestled amidst the Himalayas. It’s famous for its colonial architecture, stunning natural beauty, and pleasant weather. Here are some of the best places to visit in Shimla:
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1. The Ridge
The Ridge is the heart of Shimla, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. It’s a popular spot for people-watching, horse riding, and enjoying a variety of street food and considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Some of the prominent landmarks on the ridge are:
- Christ Church a neo gothic structure built in 1844.
- The Tudorbethan styles library building built in 1910.
- The Gaiety Theatre built in 1887.
The Ridge is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. It’s a pedestrian zone lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. You’ll find everything from local handicrafts to luxury goods here and this will be considered as best places to visit in shimla.
Here are some of the things you can do at The Ridge:
- Take in the views: The Ridge offers some of the best views of the Himalayas in Shimla. You can see the snow-capped peaks for miles around.
- Go shopping: The Ridge is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to clothing to local crafts.
- Have a bite to eat: There are a number of restaurants and cafes on The Ridge, where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
- Visit Christ Church: Christ Church is a beautiful neo-Gothic church located on The Ridge. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla.
- Take a horse ride: You can take a horse ride along The Ridge, which is a great way to see the sights.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: The Ridge is a lively place, especially in the evenings. There are often street performers and other entertainment options.
There are a few ways to reach The Ridge in Shimla, depending on your starting point:
- By Car: Shimla is well-connected by road to other major cities in India. If you are driving to Shimla, you can park your car at a lower level and take the lift or the stairs to get up to The Ridge. Here’s a tip: Be aware that parking in Shimla can be challenging, especially during peak season. Consider using public transportation or taxis if you can.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Shimla and can take you directly to The Ridge. This is a convenient option if you have luggage or are not familiar with the city.
- By Bus: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates buses to Shimla from many major cities in India. You can get off at the Shimla Old Bus Stand and then take a taxi or rickshaw to The Ridge. Here’s a tip: If you are taking a bus to Shimla, be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- By Rickshaw: Rickshaws are a fun and affordable way to get around Shimla. You can hire a rickshaw to take you to The Ridge from just about anywhere in the city.
- On Foot: If you are staying in central Shimla, you can easily walk to The Ridge. The walk is uphill, but it is a great way to see the city and get some exercise. Here’s a tip: If you are walking to The Ridge, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The walk can be steep in some places.
2. The Mall Road
The Mall is a pedestrian-only zone lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. It’s a great place to stroll, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the atmosphere and considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Here are some of the things you can do on Mall Road as one of the best places to visit in Shimla:
- Shopping: The Mall Road is lined with shops selling a variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and local produce.
- Eating: There are a number of restaurants and cafes on Mall Road, serving everything from Indian to international cuisine.
- People-watching: The Mall Road is a great place to relax and watch the world go by.
- Horse riding: You can take a horse ride on the Mall Road, which is a great way to see the sights.
- Photography: The Mall Road is a beautiful place to take photos, with stunning views of the Himalayas in the background.
- Street Performers: Watch a performance by a local street performer.
Reaching Mall Road Shimla depends on where you are coming from. Here are different ways to get there:
If you are staying near the city center:
- The best way to reach Mall Road is by walking. It’s a pleasant walk uphill that takes about 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views of the town.
If you are staying a little far from the city center:
- You can hire a cab or taxi to take you directly to Mall Road.
- You can also take a local bus or rickshaw to get to a point closer to Mall Road and then walk the rest of the way.
If you are coming from Shimla Old Bus Stand or Shimla Railway Station:
These are both located a few kilometers away from Mall Road. You can take a taxi, bus, or rickshaw to get there. There is also a Himachal Tourism Development Corporation operated lift that takes you to the upper roads of Mall Road from the main road.
Here’s a list of things to keep in mind while reaching Mall Road as one of the best places to visit in Shimla:
- Vehicles are not allowed on the Mall Road itself. You can park your car in a designated parking area and then walk to Mall Road.
- The Ridge and Scandal Point are popular tourist destinations located near Mall Road. You can explore these places while visiting Mall Road.
- Mall Road is open throughout the week. However, it can get crowded on weekends, especially during peak season.
- The best time to visit Mall Road is in the evenings when the weather is pleasant and the shops are all lit up.
3. Jakhoo Hills
Jakhoo Hill is the highest point in Shimla, counted in one of the best places to visit in Shimla offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys. It’s also home to the Jakhoo Temple, a famous Hanuman temple. You can either trek up the hill or take the Jakhoo ropeway.
The Jakhoo Temple is a Hindu temple that houses a 108-feet-high Hanuman idol, the tallest idol of the vanara (monkey) god in the world. According to the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman stopped at this hill to rest while searching for the Sanjivni Booti to revive his brother Lakshmana. Because of this event, the temple at Jakhoo Hill holds religious significance among pilgrims and tourists. Its not exaggeration to say that it’s the most famous Hanuman Temple in Himachal Pradesh and thus considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Here are some of the things you can do in Jakhoo Hill:
- Visit the Jakhoo Temple and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Shimla and the surrounding Himalayas.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or hike up the hill.
- Have a picnic lunch at the top of the hill.
- Watch the sunset over the mountains.
If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Shimla one of the best places to visit in shimla and enjoy some peace and quiet is Jakhoo Hill.
There are four ways to reach Jakhoo Temple one of the best places to visit in Shimla:
- By Car: This is the most convenient option if you are coming from outside Shimla. The temple is located about 2 km from the Ridge, the center of Shimla. You can drive up to the temple, but parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season.
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Shimla and can take you directly to the temple. This is a good option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking.
- By Ropeway: The Jakhu Ropeway is a convenient way to reach the temple. The ride takes about 5 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
- By foot: The hike to Jakhoo Temple is a great way to see the surrounding countryside. The trail is about 2 km long and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Be aware of the monkeys along the way, as they are known to snatch food from visitors.
4. Viceregal Lodge:
The Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla, was once the summer residence of the British viceroy. Now a museum, it’s a beautiful example of colonial architecture and houses a collection of antiques, paintings, and photographs.
Construction of the lodge began in 1880 and was completed in 1888. It was designed by British architect Henry Irwin in the Jacobethan style, a revival of English Renaissance architecture. The lodge is a six-story building made of stone and wood, and it is surrounded by lush gardens counted as one of the best places to visit in shimla.
The Viceregal Lodge is a popular tourist destination in Shimla. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lodge, which includes the grand rooms and halls that were used by the viceroys. The lodge also has a museum that exhibits artifacts from the British Raj era given it’s value as the one of the best places to visit in shimla.
Here are some interesting facts about the Viceregal Lodge one of the best places to visit in shimla:
- It was built on an area of 331 acres (134 ha), but today the estate is spread over 110 acres (45 ha).
- The final cost of the project was around 38 lakh (3,800,000) rupees with the annual upkeep cost being around 1.5 lakh (150,000) rupees in the 1880s.
- It is said that important decisions related to the partition of India were made here.
There are three ways to reach Viceregal Lodge one of the best places to visit in Shimla:
By Car:
Shimla is well connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and North India. If you are coming from Delhi, you can take the NH44 highway which goes via Chandigarh and Ambala. The distance from Delhi to Shimla is about 343 kilometers (213 miles).
By Train:
Shimla is also connected to the Kalka-Shimla Railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This narrow-gauge railway line is a popular tourist attraction in itself. The journey from Kalka to Shimla is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) and takes about 5 hours.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located about 23 kilometers (14 miles) from the city center. However, Jubbarhatti Airport is a small airport with limited connectivity.
Once you reach Shimla, you can reach the Viceregal Lodge by the following ways:
- Walking: The Viceregal Lodge is located just 3.3 kilometers from the Shimla Mall Road. It’s a pleasant walk uphill that takes about 30-60 minutes. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Shimla while walking.
- Taxi: You can easily hire a taxi or cab from any point in Shimla to reach the Viceregal Lodge. The ride will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Bus: You can also take a local bus from the Shimla Old Bus Stand to the Viceregal Lodge. The bus ride will take about 20-30 minutes.
5. Christ Church
Christ Church is the oldest church in Shimla. It’s a beautiful neo-Gothic structure with stained glass windows and a magnificent spire is one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Christ Church Shimla is one of the oldest churches in North India, and a prominent landmark of Shimla and counted as one of the best places to visit in Shimla. It is an Anglican church, built during the British Raj in the neo-Gothic style of architecture. The church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau and the cornerstone was laid in 1844. It was consecrated in 1857.
There are several ways to reach Christ Church Shimla, depending on your location and preferences. Here are some options:
- By Car: If you are driving to Shimla, you can take the Circular Road to reach the Ridge where the church is located. The journey is about 5 kilometers long and can take up to 20 minutes to reach the place.
- By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi to take you to the Christ Church. Taxis are readily available in Shimla, and the fare will depend on the distance from your starting point.
- By Bus: Public buses are another option for reaching the Christ Church. Buses ply regularly from various parts of Shimla to the Ridge.
- By Rickshaw: Rickshaws are a convenient and affordable way to get around Shimla. You can hire a rickshaw to take you to the Christ Church.
- By Foot: If you are staying somewhere close to The Mall Road or The Ridge in Shimla, you can easily walk to the Christ Church. It is a pleasant walk that takes about 30 minutes.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Christ Church Shimla:
- The church is located on a hilltop, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill climb if you are walking.
- There is a parking lot near the church, but it can get crowded during peak season.
- The church is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Regular services are held in Hindi and English.
6. Himalayan Bird Park
The Himalayan Bird Park is home to a variety of bird species from the Himalayas. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s avian life. It’s also considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
The Himalayan Bird Park is a small aviary located in the heart of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated opposite the Vice Regal Lodge, at a height of over 2,200 meters (7,200 ft). The park is home to a collection of exotic birdlife, including pheasants, waterfowl, and parrots. It’s also considered as one of the best places to visit in shimla.
The park was founded in 1971 and is open to the public from March to September. The best time to visit the park is during the morning or afternoon hours, as the weather can be quite cold in the evenings.
Here’s some information about the park:
- Location: Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Timings: March 1st to September 30th, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees: Nominal fee for adults and children
The Himalayan Bird Park is conveniently located within Shimla, making it accessible through various means of transportation. Here’s how you can reach the park:
- By Car: If you’re arriving by car, you can navigate using GPS or follow these directions:
- The Bird Park is roughly 1.5 kilometers from Shimla Railway Station and 2.5 kilometers from Shimla Old Bus Stand.
- You can take Chaura Maidan Road, which goes towards Summer Hills, if you’re coming from the Railway Station side.
- By Bus: Public buses are another budget-friendly option for reaching the park. Look for buses going towards Chaura Maidan or Summer Hill.
- Walking: If you’re looking for a pleasant stroll and some exercise, consider walking to the park from the Scandal Point, which is about 4.5 kilometers away. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Shimla while making your way to the bird park as one of the best places to visit in shimla.
7. Kufri
Kufri is a small hill station located about 16 km from Shimla. It’s famous for its scenic beauty, trekking trails, and horseback riding opportunities. It’s also considered as one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
Here are some of the popular things to do in Kufri one of the best places to visit in shimla:
- Visit the Himalayan Nature Park, a high-altitude zoo with a variety of animals and birds.
- Take a ride on the world’s highest go-kart track at the Kufri Fun World amusement park.
- Hike to the top of Mahasu Peak for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Shop for souvenirs at the many shops along Kufri Avenue.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants serving delicious Himachali cuisine.
Here’s how you can reach Kufri:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kufri is Shimla Airport (SLI), which is located about 25 kilometers away. However, Shimla Airport has limited connectivity and mostly serves chartered flights. The other nearby airport is Chandigarh Airport (IXC), which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Chandigarh, you can take a cab or bus to Shimla and then to Kufri.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is Shimla Railway Station (SHL), which is located at a distance of about 18 kilometers from Kufri. Shimla Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Kalka, and Chandigarh. From Shimla Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kufri.
- By Road: Kufri is well-connected by road to Shimla and other major cities in Himachal Pradesh. You can take a government or private bus from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other nearby cities to reach Shimla. From Shimla, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to reach Kufri.
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