Built over the seven hills of the mighty Himalayas sits the beautiful hill town of Shimla. With woods of pine and cedar, cool crisp air, cascading waterfalls and majestic peaks – this is a blissful town that offers beauty of nature along with a peek into the British era with its historic monuments – which makes a visit to Shimla a charming experience to remember. Shimla was in the erstwhile British era also the summer capital of India – and they tried to recreate an English village in this town whose evidence can be traced back via the churches and colonial era houses. A destination perfect for couples, newly weds, families with kids and friends – Shimla offers lots of good places to visit both in and around Shimla – and truly lives by its name of ‘Queen of Hills’. People flock from all the bustling cities of North India to get a respite from extreme weather and enjoy the fresh scenic Himalayan beauty of the hills and see all these attractive places to visit in and around Shimla. If you are wondering which are the best places to visit in Shimla and see everything that the city is known for, do not miss the list of Good places to visit in Shimla, below. Visit these and you are bound to fall in love with Shimla!
1. The Ridge
The Ridge, the scenic pedestrian promenade, is the most widely photographed road of Shimla. It offers spectacular views of the snow capped mountain ranges, shops selling wooden artefacts, small snack points and the famous architectural wonders like the Christchurch and Shimla library and view point. It is the social hub of the city and one of the best places to visit when in Shimla. Horse riding is available for kids and adults alike. All events of Shimla including the summer festival is conducted here in the open air. This popular tourist destination in Shimla is a large, open boulevard that links Mall Road to the renowned Scandal Point and goes along it from east to west. The Ridge is the ideal location for shopping, dining, and nightlife, with many architectural marvels, lush greenery, and a picturesque landscape. And thus is truly the most perfect place to visit In Shimla in the evening.
2. The Mall Road in Shimla
3. Jakhoo Temple
The incredible Gondola trip ascends to 8,054 feet above sea level and travels half a kilometre in less than 5-6 minutes, avoiding the normal human traffic jams on the highways.
4. Viceregal lodge
The perfect place for history lovers – built in 1888 – this Scottish Baronial style building constructed as a residence of Lord Dufferin the British Viceroy of India – was called the Viceregal Lodge. And now it has been converted to an educational institutional that offers post doctoral courses – and is named the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. With beautiful architectural style and surrounded by idyllic natural settings and well manicured gardens – the building is perched on the 2nd highest point of Shimla and deserves its place in the list of great places to visit in Shimla.
5. Lakkar Bazaar
This is one of Shimla’s most well known market, situated on the Ridge and known for its wooden handmade artecraft products. The market also has a few local food stalls where you can get a bite to eat before or after your shopping! Take a stroll through this area and you will realize why it is popular as one of the places to visit in Shimla
6. Gorton castle
Constructed during the colonial period and over 100 years old, this Neo Gothic style castle surrounded by lush green trees is a magnificient architectural wonder – and now serves as Himachal’s Account General’s office. It was designed by one of the finest architects of British times and everyone believed the castle has a mystic aura because of its stone foundation and stained glass windows and till date it enjoys its place among the list of heritage locations to see in Shimla.
7. Christchurch on the Ridge
Located on the Ridge, This is the second oldest church of North India. Built in Neo Gothic style, it is one of Shimla’s most popular landmarks featured in many Bollywood movies shot in Shimla like 3 Idiots and Black. Remarkable in its designing – especially the stained glass windows, the clock tower and frescos inside – this is a peaceful place you can connect with yourself, and tops the list of places to visit in Shimla.
8. Kalibari temple
Dedicated to Goddess Kali, KaliBari temple is an ancient place of worship. It houses a magnificent idol of Goddess Kali adorned with jewellery and flowers. Set among breathtaking settings and offering beautiful hill views – a visit to this temple is an ideal way of stepping away from the crowds of the city and can prove to be a divide and delightful experience. Goddess Kali is also known as Goddess Shyamala by the locals. Shimla, the town’s name, is taken from the Goddesses’ names.
9. Annandale
One of the most picturesque attractions of Shimla – Annandale is one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla because of its lush green surrounding, splendid golf course, Cactus museum and Army Museum. This flat area amidst the majestic hills was once used by Britishers to play cricket and polo here. Now with a helipad as well – this is a perfect picnic spot in Shimla.
10. Scandal Point
Located on the Mall Road, legend has it that the King of Patiala abducted the daughter of the Viceroy, because he fell in love with her, from this very place. Centrally located on the Mall Road – it offers enchanting views of the valley and snow capped peaks around. A statue of our beloved freedom fighter, Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji, stands at this crossroads.
11. Chadwick falls
Located in the Glen Forest – and a lovely picnic spot in summers – especially in monsoons a stream of water trickles from a height of about 100m. Not a big waterfall, but a very tranquil location for a nature walk or picnic in the dense forest region. The best time to visit this waterfall is from July to September when water level is at its highest.
12. Gaiety Theatre
Built in the Victorian or Gothic style of architecture over a century ago, this heritage monument is of immense historical and cultural significance in India. The complex had a theatre, several galleries, offices, bar, ballroom etc and many films have been shot here including Gadar – with its famous song ‘Main Nikla Gaddi Leke’.
13. Ice skating
Ice Skating is a famous sport in Shimla and this Rink is very well known because it is the largest and only naturally formed rink in all of South Asia. This is a sight to behold and must try sport if you are visiting Shimla during winters.
14. Dorje drak monastery
Dorje Drak is a beautiful monastery that showcases the Tibetan culture of the state. It is a divine and peaceful experience to see monks meditating here. The tranquil ambience of the monastery is a treat to the tired mind looking for some solace and time with yourself.
15. Himalayan bird park
Himalayan bird park os one of the lesser known but great places to visit in Shimla where you can get to see even rare bird species like Himalayan Monal, peacocks and pheasants. A trip here gets you up close with nature and is not one to be missed.
You surely don’t want to miss any of these good places to visit in Shimla and a trip to these is bound to make your holiday a truly memorable one.
