If you are wondering about the best places to visit in Shimla, you have come to the right place. Shimla is the land of majestic snow-capped mountains, lush green vegetation cover, lakes with crystal clear water, soothing and serene climate, mystical atmosphere, and a jolly local culture.
Once you escape in this small and yet the most beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh, you are bound to find solace in the arms of its tranquil nature. The place is perfect for photographers as it offers ample opportunities for them to capture through their lenses.
Shimla is not just about mountains and eye-catching landscapes. It’s also about the lifestyle of local inhabitants and their culture. While it is not so different from the rest of India, as a tourist you might spot the warm welcome they provide to all the tourists who visit there.
The snow-kissed land offers people with some of the most spectacular views of mountains, the ancient architectures from the British era, gives exposure to the local talents (such as the pottery culture in Shimla), gives exposure to the state museum, and takes people on a ride through the land’s cultural richness. Hence, the beautiful Shimla tourist places are in abundance and so it is a perfect place for tourists.
Besides sightseeing, you can take part in certain activities such as trekking, rock climbing, skiing on snow, Paragliding in Shimla spending peaceful days in the resorts located at mountain-tops, and more.
The land is full of opportunities for all the adventure junkies who are never satisfied with the thrill they get from regular life. Hence, you need to pack your luggage and set out for Shimla on your next vacation. Listed below are some of the places in Shimla which you might find attracting.
1-The Ridge of Shimla
The Ridge of Shimla is known for organizing several government functions and fairs. It is the key venue for all the major events as well as celebrations that take place here in Shimla. Summer Festival that is the most famous festival is held here at the Ridge.
Location: The Ridge of Shimla is an extremely famous tourist attraction that is set in the heart of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road that is the famous shopping centre of Shimla.
Highlights: The Ridge of Shimla is the hub of all the cultural activities of Shimla. Some of the prominent places of Shimla such as the Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc are in close proximity to the Ridge.
Best time: Open all around the year but since the Summer Festival is held during the months of April or May, one can plan a visit during these months.
Also, trekking in Shimla is also counted as the best activities to do when you visit Shimla.
2-Kufri
Kufri is known for its tranquil surroundings, breathtaking views as well as distinct stunning locales Kufri 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.
Location: Kufri is located about 19 kilometres from Shimla and can be reached easily from Shimla. One can reach Kufri by road since the hill station is located very near to the National Highway – 22.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Kufri is during winters. Months between November to February seem ideal. For those who are not into adventure sports or skiing can visit the hill station during the months of April to June. Weather is pleasant all year round.
3-Green Valley
Green Valley is truly one of the most famous Shimla tourist places and photography points in Shimla. Seen as the popular shooting spot in different Bollywood movies, the Green Valley brings forth endless beauty. Noted for its elite beauty, Green Valley has been mentioned in a number of articles and travel books.
Location: Located near Kufri at Shimla, the Green Valley is surrounded by the verdant hills.
Highlights: Here at the Green Valley you can spot some rare animals such as yaks that are seen grazing and wandering here. The visitors who come here can cherish the lush green environments that are exceptionally picturesque.
Best Time to Visit Green Valley: Open all year round, the best time to visit this place is post monsoon or during the summer time when the dense forest has lush green surroundings. Ideal months include July to October and from February to April.
4-Hike to Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill is the highest point of the city. It is covered with the Alpine trees. On the top of the flat hill is the colourful Jakhoo Temple as well as the newly built Hanuman statue.
Said to be the favourite escape for the visitors who enjoy calm and peace, you just need to be beware of the criminally minded monkeys who are ready to rob food from the visitors.
Location: In order to reach the hilltop, you’ll have to walk for approximately 30 minutes. Thereafter, there is a pleasant route that will direct you to the Jakhoo Hill.
Highlights: The summit of Jakhoo Hill Shimla is some 2,455m and about 200m higher than the central ridge of Shimla. Temple at the Jakhoo Hill is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman who is believed to be the Hindu monkey god. Monkeys clearly rule the Jakhoo hill.
Best Time: Ideal to visit during winter months of November to March. Open Daily.
5-Himalayan Bird Park
Himalayan Bird Park is one of the most visited Shimla tourist places by the bird watchers and photographers. While Shimla is a blissful town, its beauty is enhanced by the wide variety of wildlife thriving in the hilly slopes and forests. The Himalayan bird park is one such place where you can find a wide variety of birds which you mightn’t have seen anywhere before.
The park has exclusive as well as endangered species of birds. And to support their life, the park features soothing and calm trees, flora and fauna. Some of the common bird species such as Himalayan monals, peacocks, pheasants, etc. are the main reason for attracting tourists in the bird park.
Location: The Himalayan Bird is located near to the Vice-Regal Lodge in central Shimla.
Highlights: Shimla Bird Park is a peaceful place where you can find serenity. Staying close to the natural flora and fauna helps people escape from the reality.
6-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.
The items displayed on Mall road are a bit pricey but if you are a street smart person with decent bargaining skills, you might return with an additional bag. People often land up here as one of their first Shimla tourist places. Leisure walking is another way of enjoying the busy lanes of Mall road in Shimla.
Suggested length of visit: 2 to 4 hours if you wish to shop around different stores and stalls.
Timing: 10 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week.
7-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.
Suggested length of visit: Around 1 to 2 hours.
Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
8-Naggar Castle
The view from the castle’s balcony is a sight to behold. Naggar is situated by the bank of river Beas and the castle is situated at a height from where you can witness uninterrupted views of the lush green valley and the mountains.
Suggested length of visit: Around 2 to 3 hours.
Timing: 7 AM to 10:30 PM on all days of the week.
9-Rani Jhansi Park
Rani Jhansi Park is famous as the Ladies park and can be easily accessed from the mall road. The park is suitable for day picnics, serves best as a children playing ground. It has a huge statue of Rani Lakshmi Bai on her horse with her sword in the middle of the park.
The historical events related to Rani Lakshmi Bai is carved on a granite that lays beside the statue.
Suggested length of visit: An hour
Timing: 24 hours.
10-Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
This reserve is around 11 KM from Shimla and is a hotspot for the nature lover. Tourists commonly spot barking deer, jackals, monkeys, bear, and leopards etc. You can find the best views of Himalayan peaks like Chota Shali, Deo Tibba, Bandar Poonch, Rakta Dhar and even the Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu and Kashmir from this forest reserve.
It is an amazing place for photographers as well.
Suggested length of visit: around 4 to 5 hours.
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
11-Skiing in Kufri
Shimla is a winter sports capital of India and a skier’s paradise. The snow-laden mountain slopes in Shimla are the perfect destination for people who love skiing. There are various skiing stretches in Shimla which is blanketed in white snow and Kufri is one of them.
Shimla is flocked with a tourist who enjoys winter sports for having the best slopes to roll down.
Suggested length of visit: 2 to 3 hours.
12-Horse Riding in Shimla
Horse riding in Shimla is available at the ridge or in Kufri where you are taken to the Kufri Zoo, through mesmerizing Apple Orchard, dense forest of Hassan valley, Mahasu Peak etc.
You are taken to points from where you get an uninterrupted view of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
Suggested length of visit: depends on your itinerary and choice of hours.
Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
13-Jakhu Ropeway
The ropeway covers a distance of 8 KM from the ridge that comes along the way to Jakhu Temple and reaches the temple in around 5 minutes. The introduction of ropeway in Shimla has made traveling easy for the once trying to climb to be at the prestigious Jakhu temple.
You get to ride the ropeway at 8054 feet above sea level which bestows some jaw-dropping views of the valley. The ropeway cabins are imported from Switzerland and it is the best way to traverse through some of the popular Shimla tourist places like Jakhu valley and Jakhu temple.
Suggested length of visit: Around 1 to 2 hours.
14-Hawa Ghar
Hawa Ghar is one of the very interesting places to visit in Shimla as it serves as an open balcony to fascinating vistas of Shimla. It is located at the ridge in Lakkar Bazaar which has quite a height and that enables some breathtaking views of the valley to the tourists.
It is fondly called as the “Mall view balcony,” and is a hub for many activities in winters when the entire town is covered in snow.
15-Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park
This unique amusement park is located in Kufri at an elevation of 8500 feet above sea level. It offers a range of activities like Burma Bridge, Flying Fox, Rock climbing, Commando Net, Bumping boats, Rowing and Valley crossing etc.
You can also indulge in ice skating, and boat on the snow-laden terrain in winters. If you get hungry by doing all this then there are multi-cuisine restaurants and coffee shop along with some local shops selling Himachali handloom work.
The best part of this amusement park is the telescope which enables incredible views of the valley. It is one of the must-go places to visit in Shimla without any doubt.
