Nestled in the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla stands majestically at an elevation of 2276 meters above sea level, beckoning both honeymooners and families alike for generations. Once the summer capital of British India, this enchanting hill station boasts a captivating blend of stunning colonial architecture and timeless charm. The allure of Shimla tourism extends beyond man-made marvels; it captivates nature enthusiasts with its snow-draped peaks, undulating valleys, and picturesque lakes makes it’s sightseeing a unprecedented experience. Adding to its allure is the UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Kalka-Shimla train route, a journey that unfolds dramatic vistas of the surrounding hills and quaint villages. Shimla, with its rich history and breathtaking vistas, promises an unforgettable escape into a world where every moment is steeped in beauty and nostalgia. That you can cover Shimla sightseeing places with the exceptional sightseeing service provides by CabBazar. This piece of article can be a comprehensive Shimla tour guide for the tourists.
Best Time To Visit Shimla :- May-June / December-January
1. Mall Road
One of the most visited spot in Shimla, Mall Road is an well known commercial area of the town. Folk with tourists all around the year, Mall Road always remains busiest site of Shimla. This beautiful attraction of Shimla is filled with the several clubs, restaurants, shops and tourists offices. Famous from them are the woollen clothes, wooden furniture and handcrafted work.
Meanwhile the wonder scenic spot from the road is another capturing things. One of the best time to stroll the Mall Road is evening when the vibrant nightlife makes it’s lovable. Generally you not find any vehicle on road as they are not allowed then the emergency one.
Key Attractions :- Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, Kali Bari Temple
Timings :- 9:00 AM — 9:00 PM
2. The Ridge
Along the Mall Road, The Ridge is also the another wide-open street picturesque destination that catches the eyes of visitors. From here you will enjoy the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges while enjoying the beautiful artifacts offers by the nearby shops. The vibrant market of the town makes it haven for shopping lovers.
Apart from that the road is dotted with the several heritage buildings and prehistoric architecture of the town rich past. Tourists will also engage here with the attractive cafes, bars, shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Ridge road is also a connecting link between the Mall Road and Scandal Point.
Key Attractions :- Tudorbethan Style Library, Old Christ Church, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla Summer Festival, Statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Y.S. Parmar
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Photography, Shopping, Enjoy scenic views, Watch Cultural Performance
Timings :- 8:00 AM — 6:00 PM
3. Jakhu Temple (1 KM From City)
Amid the wonderful green landscape of Shimla, Jaku Temple beckoning from the highest point of the town. The temple is popular for it’s world largest Hanuman Statue that is situated at the beautiful pavement. Constructed with the Kath kuni architecture this ancient temples soaks the devotees in the spiritual aura of Lord Hanuman.
Further here Sanjauli, known to be the sister town let you to the trail in the landscape of sky high Deodar trees that overlooking the temple complex. According to folk stories this is the place where Lord Hanuman took same rest before restart his search for Sanjeevani Booti.
Key Attractions :- Forest Trail, Ropeway Ride, Temple, Hanuman Statue, Jakhoo Hill
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Trekking, Photography, Shopping, Enjoy scenic views
Timings :- 5:00 AM-12:00PM/ 4:00PM-9:00PM
4. Green Valley (5 KM From City)
One of the beautiful mountain range that lies amid the way from Shimla to Kufri. This breathtaking hills and beautiful landscape definitely amaze the tourists. Surrounded with the tall pine and deodar trees the land gives the vibes of temperate beauty in tropical region.
Also the majestic snow capped hills especially at snow season really a crowd captivated sight of valley. Meanwhile the tourists will get the sight of some rare animals especially Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley grab your sight. Further it’s beauty makes it one of the key sites for shooting Bollywood movies.
Key Attractions :- Pine and Deodar Forest, Majestic Hills, Rare Animals Views
Things To Do :- Sightseeing, Trekking, Photography, Enjoy scenic views
Timings :- 6:00 AM-6:30PM (Monday To Friday)
5. Kufri (9 KM From City)
In the lap of Himalayan charm, Kufri is an idyllic hill station famous for its 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding peaceful valleys and snow-capped peaks. This wonderful tourists place in Himachal Pradesh promises to be a delight for adventures, nature lovers, honeymooners and family vacationers alike.
Kufri was not a famous place a few years back, but trekking to the Mahasu Peak, hiking to Naldehra and number of skiing resorts makes it one of the perfect place for adventure lovers now especially one of the trekking paradise of North India. Also the Himalayan wildlife turns this place to a paradise for wildlife and an exciting place nature lovers. And the wonderful sites of Kufri makes it one of the best places in Shimla for couples.
Key Attractions :- Zoo, Fun World, Green Valley, Indira Tourist Park, Nagsons Amusement Park, Chini Bangla, Mahasu Peak, Skiing, Yak Rides, Tobogganing, Hiking, Trekking
Things To Do :- Skiing, Scenic Walks, Horse Riding, Hiking
Timings :- From November To June
[Also Read : Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh]
6. Kalka Shimla Toy Train
If you want to enjoy your trip to Shimla really so the way is to go by toy train. The trains runs through the narrow-gauge track that goes amid the majestic hills. And the whole route of the train is packed with the dramatic views of nature bounty, hills and surrounding villages.
Started from the British Era, Kalka Shimla Toy Train is bound to take visitors to a unprecedented era of history that is going through the one of the most scenic railway journey in India. Having a journey in toy train is the life long experience that one never forget in her/his lifespan.
Key Attractions :- Nature Views, Part of UNESCO World Heritage List
Timing and Tickets :- Check the official website
7. Scandal Point
If you visit Shimla and not see the town and surrounded hills from the Scandal Point so it can be said you miss something wonderful. As the name suggest, Scandal point really a stellar point of Shimla. The unadulterated beautiful sceneries of soaring mountains justify the popularity of the attraction and make it important places in Shimla to visited by tourists.
It is the point that every mountain lover want to see to enjoy the unobstructed view of the towering mountains covered with the cozy blanket of dense fir and spruce forest. Meanwhile it also attracts the tourists to enjoy the relaxing and rejuvinateive vibes. The point is also surrounded with many small shops that offers delicious maggi and arcade games to enjoy.
Key Attractions :- Mall Road, The Ridge, Statue of Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji, Scenic Beauty, Horse Ride, Maggi Point
Things To Do :- Nature Walk, Sightseeing, Photography, Play Arcade Games
Timings :- 6:00 AM-8:00PM
8. Summer Hills (4 KM From City)
Perched at an high altitude of 2,123m, Summer Hills is a one of the best tourist spot in Shimla. The beautiful hill is also the part of city’s enormous Seven Hills. Adore witht the lavish green vistas the Hill turn into the mountain of snow in the winter season. Along natural beauty the hills also offers some adventure activities for the visitors.
Summer Hills is also one of the picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka railway line that offers amazing views of snow covered mountains. Here tourists will enjoy the raw beauty of mountain charm that shows in the forms of eye catching sceneries and plethora of rare and exotic wildlife. Especially during winter the site get fully covered and offers the great view while pleasant summer weather makes it one of the summer retreat of North India.
Key Attractions :- Kali Bari Temple, Gaiety Theatre, Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Viceregal Lodge, Scenic Beauty
Things To Do :- Hiking, Sightseeing, Horse Riding, Trekking
Timings :- Day Time
9. Chail (15 KM From City)
Beautifully nestled in lap of Shivalik Ranges, Chail is a little hill station was build by the former Maharaja of Patiala as it’s summer capital. Since it’s formation Chail has been an summer retreat and tourists attraction for its mesmerizing beauty, tranquil vibes, scenic splendors and beautifully spread green vistas.
Located close to Shimla, Chail is known for having world’s highest cricket and polo grounds, blooming at an altitude of over 2400 meter. Chail is visited by many hikers all over the year. It has good trekking points from Junga, Kufri and Ashwani Khad at Solan. Many Eco camps are held here. There are many camping sites for campers and hikers, so camping in Chail is most sought after activity for enthusiasts. This makes Chail an ideal destination for all kind of travellers, ranging from family vacations to adventure lovers.
Key Attractions :- World’s highest Cricket and Polo Grounds, Scenic Beauty, Palace
Things To Do :- Trekking, Hiking, Camping
Timings :- Throughout the year
10. Visceral Lodge (1 KM From City)
Visceral Lodge, Rashtrapati Nivas Shimla or Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is one of the must visited attraction of the Shimla. Constructed by the British architect Henry Irwin in 1888 the historical building is an great example of Jacobethan architectural that is the blending of Jacobean and Elizabethan elements of architect.
The wonderful building was made as the summer residence for the Viceroy of India. Situated amid the lush green landscape and overlooking by the snow capped hills this piece of architect gives the glimpse of colonial era grandeur. But the great transformation in 1964 change this into the Indian Institute of Advances Studies.
Key Attractions :- Picturesque Landscape, Historical Building
Things To Do :- Heritage Walk, Sightseeing, Photography
Timings :- 10:30 AM- 5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday/ Monday Off
Read more in this blog top 10 places to visit in shimla at Cabbazar.