The Ridge of Shimla
The epicentre of all tourist activities in Shimla, the Ridge is one among the top tourist places in Shimla. Easily connected to all other important spots in Shimla such as the Mall Road, the Scandal Point, and the Lakkar Bazaar, the Ridge also serves as the location for the highly significant Summer Festival held every year in April or May.
Among the many interesting spots along the Ridge, Christ Church is the most popular. The neo-gothic style place of worship is the second oldest of its kind in northern India and has been in existence since 1857. Boasting several architectural wonders, lush greenery, and a picturesque landscape, the Ridge is also the perfect place for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Kufri
Kufri is known for its tranquil surroundings, breathtaking views as well as distinct stunning locales, it is known as one of the best places to visit in Shimla. Kufri is popular as the Switzerland of the East.
The beauty of the Kufri hill will definitely entice all. It is ideal for adventure activities in Shimla which includes skiing and hiking that definitely must be tried at least once when you visit Kufri. Snow-clad hills of Kufri make it the hotspot for trying your hand at skiing.
Jakhoo Hill
The highest point in Shimla, Jakhoo Hill is regarded as one of the most famous tourist places in Shimla. Covered with beautiful alpine trees, the hill’s most popular spots are the Jakhoo Temple and the recently established Hanuman statues. Jakhoo Hill is a good spot for a peaceful break from the bustling touristy environment of Shimla’s downtown.
Follow the 2.5-kilometre footpath to reach the summit of the peak but be aware of the monkeys as they can be menacing sometimes. Once at the summit, enjoy the cool weather and cherish the awe-inspiring views of the Shivalik mountain range.
Chail
Chail is the ultimate place for setting up summer camps in a snow-clad town. It is a small hill slope in Shimla that was built solely for the purpose of helping people escape from summer heats. And eventually, the place turned out to be one of the best places to visit in Shimla.
In fact, it’s a resort that offers people exposure to the spectacular deodar forests scattered all around the hilly slope. While deodar is the common tree found in this region, you can also find pine and fir forests complementing the majestic beauty of forests in the hilly region.
Christ Church
Christ Church is one of the popular attractions among tourists and is considered in the top ten lists of places to visit in Shimla. The Christ Church is an excellent architectural monument built in the British era so that the then followers of Christianity could serve almighty Jesus.
This monument is perfect for the people who want to get a taste of religious Christianity from the colonial time. The church was built in such a way that it would portray faith, hope, humanity, patience, fortitude, and charity to make people aware of the rich Christian culture. Located amidst majestic locations and spectacular landscapes, this place is worth giving a try.
Viceregal Lodge
Easily the most historically substantial structure in Shimla, Viceregal Lodge was once the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy who governed India from 1888 to 1946. Easily the most important in the list of places to visit in Shimla, the Mock-Tudor state mansion, encased by impeccably maintained gardens, is a haven for history and architecture buffs.
Having been transformed into an advanced university complex, the entry to the Lodge is limited to a few staterooms as a part of a tour of this magnificent building. Sitting atop the Observatory Hill, Viceregal Lodge offers unblemished views of the surrounding landscape.
Also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas (the President’s residence), Viceregal Lodge enjoys its position at the second highest point in Shimla, first being Jakhoo Hill.
Summer Hill
One of the seven hills in the city, Summer Hill is considered one of the most picturesque tourist places in Shimla. Located 2100 feet above sea level, the spot is visited by travelers wanting to escape the heat and chaos of their daily city lives. Surrounded by a dense forest blessed with varied flora and fauna, Summer Hill is the perfect holiday spot for nature lovers.
5 kilometres from the prominent Shimla Ridge, the hills provide for amazing trekking and walking opportunities. To make the most of your time here, stay at one of the many cozy guest houses overlooking the gorgeous landscapes.
Experience the Ride on Toy Train
With gorgeous views of pine-covered hills, this five-hour train ride should be on your things to do in Shimla list. A 96 kilometres run, this journey will take you through 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges and about 900 breath-taking curves.
The distance between Barog and Shimla is the most amazing part of this journey when the train slows down due to a steep climb, giving you the opportunity to witness some mesmerising scenes. Advance booking is recommended.
Mall Road
Mall roads in the hill stations are generally a stretch of any road bordered with a number of small stalls, shops, and branded showrooms. Mall road in Shimla is one of the vibrant lanes for enjoying a range of shopping options, eateries, food stalls, cafes and bank ATMs and money exchange portals to meet certain necessities.
Tara Devi Temple
It is one of the renowned and religious places to visit in Shimla. It is situated around 20 minutes drive from Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla highway. Perched atop a hilltop near Shimla, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara and highly revered by people who come to visit Shimla and the local dwellers.
Lakkar Bazaar
This is a very famous name and an old flea marketplace that is situated near the Ridge in Shimla. It is famous for wooden toys, walking sticks, Regal building, Roller skating hall, Indian snacks like Aloo Tikki and Chole Bhature, Meena Bazaar etc. It is one of the famous markets of Shimla and caters to the needs of everyone.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study
It houses photographs of moments of interaction between Indian leaders and Britishers. It once was the summer home to the Viceroy of India at that time. Take a guided tour of the galleries of Indian Institute of Advanced Study and come across historical events like Shimla conference etc in the form of photographs and stories.
