Plan A Trip To Visit The Queen Of The Hills

April 27, 2018

About Shimla

Situated in the Northern region of India, Shimla or Simla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular tourist destination and a weekend getaway keeping in mind its proximity with Delhi and Chandigarh. The name ‘Shimla’ is derived from the Goddess Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Kali.

It is a prominent commercial, cultural and educational centre of the state. Shimla is also home to several beautiful churches, temples and neo-Gothic structures.

Why go there: Rich culture | History | Heritage | Climate
Ideal for: Relaxation Trips | Nature Walks | Solo Trips
Trivia: It was declared the Summer Capital of British India
Things to bring back: Wooden handicrafts, Himachali hats, jewellery from Tibetan Market

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Also Read: 15 Exciting Things to do in Shimla

Places to Visit in Shimla

15. Mall Road

Mall Road is the main street in Shimla. It is a shopper’s paradise and also has many restaurants, clubs, tourist offices, banks etc. Bring back some amazing woolens, wooden handicrafts and jewellery from here.

Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

14. Scandal Point

The name comes from a chapter in history where the Maharaja of Patiala had supposedly eloped with the daughter of a British Viceroy. This point is situated where the Mall Road meets the Ridge on the West side.

Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: Less than an hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

13. Annandale

It is the playground of the city and various sports like cricket, polo and golf are played here. It is a picturesque spot which falls under the authority of the Indian Army. It houses an Army Museum and a Cactus Museum too.

Distance from the city: 5 km from The Ridge
Time required: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Nature and History Buffs
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: Open on all days except Mondays; 10:00 am – 02:00 pm and 03:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Location: Navigate

12. Gaiety Theatre

The Gaiety Theatre is located on the Mall Road and is quite popular as many famous film personalities have performed on this stage. It has been renovated around its original structure and is now known for its social club.

Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: Less than an hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

11. The Ridge

The Ridge is a large open space alongside the Mall Road. A neo-gothic church from 1844 and a library built in 1910 are prominent landmarks on the Ridge. Various government functions and fairs are held here and the road leads to the Lakkad bazaar. In winters, when the snow covers the streets, the Ridge is a vision to look at.

Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round/winters
Location: Navigate

10. Shimla State Museum

Inaugurated on 26^th January 1974, this museum houses coins, paintings, jewellery, textiles, photos, sculptures and other things of historical significance from Shimla and all over India.

Distance from the city: 3 km from The Ridge
Time required: 2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | History Buffs
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday – 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tickets: INR 20/- for Indians. Extra charges for photography and videography
Location: Navigate

9. Johnnie’s Wax Museum

Shimla’s first wax museum and another highlight for the tourists opened in 2016. It has life size wax statues of popular celebrities handmade from London. Tourists can also pay to get a wax replica of their hands.

Distance from the city: 5 km from Mall Road
Time required: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: Open on all days – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tickets: INR 250/- for adults
Location: Navigate

8. Kali Bari Temple

Built in 1845, the Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is worth visiting on your trip to Shimla.

Distance from the city: 2.4 km from Mall Road
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

7. Jhakoo Temple/Ropeway

Alpine trees and a huge statue of Lord Hanuman are the highlights of the Jhakoo Temple. Monkeys rule the entire place, so it is necessary to travel with caution. Tourists can also take a beautiful ropeway ride up to the temple.

Distance from the city: 2 km from Mall Road
Time required: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

6. Tara Devi Temple

Located in Shoghi, the origins of this temple date some 250 years ago. It stands on top of a hill and provides a stunning view of the country side.

Distance from the city: 19 km from Mall Road
Time required: 1–2 hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: 07:00 am – 06:30 pm
Location: Navigate

5. Christ Church

It is the second oldest church in Northern India and is an architectural beauty. Its foundation was laid in 1844 and it took 11 long years to complete.

Distance from the city: 0 km from city center
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Architecture and History enthusiasts
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

4. Himalayan Bird Park

Taking a walk through this park and exploring the colorful state bird, Monal Phesant is a delight.

Distance from the city: 2 km from city center
Time required: 1–2 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Nature and Bird Lovers
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: All days of the week – 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Location: Navigate

3. Green Valley

Dense forests of pine and deodar, animals grazing and a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas, this place is a dreamy getaway. Enjoy tea and maggi from the local vendors and unwind in nature’s beauty.

Distance from the city: 8 km from Shimla railway station
Time required: 1 day
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Nature and Wildlife lovers
Best time to visit: All year round
Location: Navigate

2. Chadwick Waterfall

The falls thrush from a height of 86 m and are surrounded by the beautiful Glen Forest. It makes for a beautiful picnic spot and also provides a perfect trail for hikers and trekkers.

Distance from the city: 7 km from city center
Time required: 2 – 4 hours
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Nature lovers | Hikers and Trekkers
Best time to visit: March – May | September – November
Location: Navigate

1. Viceregal Lodge

An architectural wonder, the Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of British Viceroys between 1888–1946. Today, it is a postdoctoral humanities research center.

Distance from the city: 5 km from city center
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Friends | Family | Architecture lovers
Best time to visit: All year round
Timings: Open on all days except Mondays – 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
Location: Navigate

Other Nearby Places That Are Worth A Visit

Kufri – This snow-covered destination is just about 13 km from the main town. The zoological park here attracts tourists but it is still quaint and absolutely stunning. If you love skiing or are a fan of watching rare animal species, this place is worth a visit.

Mashobra – At a height of 7700ft., Mashobra is the quieter version of Shimla, lush green and absolutely beautiful!

Chail – It is 44 km from Shimla and the Chail Palace is well known for its architecture. If you are a movie fan, you might just remember 3 Idiots and the house of Ranchordas. The world’s highest cricket ground is also located here.

Tattapani – Tattapani is 60 km away from Shimla and is an adventure lover’s paradise. It has hot water springs, temples, meadows and caves. You can also indulge in trekking, river rafting and rock climbing.

Shaily Peak – Shaily Peak is a charming trek route with lush green fields, snow capped backdrop and flowing streams. You can relax and enjoy the magical beauty of this place around sunrise or sunsets.

Majathal Sanctuary – Located 76 km away from Shimla on the Shimla- Bilaspur highway, Majathal Sanctuary can be visited all year around. It is one of the most diverse wildlife sanctuaries and is home to rare species like the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Goral, Cheer Phesant etc.

How to Reach Shimla

Nearest Airport:
Jubberhatti Airport

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Nearest Railway Station:
Kalka railway Station is well connected with Delhi and Chandigarh railway stations. A toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla is a must.

Nearest Bus Stop:
Shimla

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Where to Stay in Shimla?

V Resorts | The Naldhera | The Oberoi Cecil | Toshali Royal View

Here are some popular hotels to stay at: V Resorts, The Naldhera, The Oberoi Cecil, Toshali Royal View.

These are top end hotels in Shimla. You can also opt for mid-range hotels or hostels available in various parts of the city. You can also checkout cheaper options and book tickets with MakeMyTrip coupons for additional benefits.

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V Resorts

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