A travel Guide to Shimla

Shimla Tourism

The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is perhaps one of the most sought-after hill stations during the holiday seasons. Such was its beauty that the British had declared Shimla as the summer capital of the country. Located right in the middle of the Himalayas, the chilly climate of the spot validates the popularity of Shimla tours. The weather is conducive for the growth of pine forests amongst the snowy peaks which adds to the beauty. Although small in area, the towering mountains and unending plains give the hill station a magnificent feel.

Along with people from India, people from countries like Afghanistan, Tibet, and Myanmar wish to get a glimpse of Shimla tourist attractions. A walk through the lanes and streets of the city will show the colonial influences on the city's architecture. Apart from its strikingly beautiful structures, the tourist spot also offers a wide variety of exciting activities that make sure the visitors have a fun and peaceful stay.

The pristine peaks, friendly locals, and mesmerising scenic beauty, all combine to give a memorable experience. For a trip that allows a wake up amongst the hills to view layers of fog embracing the mountains, Shimla, India, is the place to be.

Places to visit in Shimla

1. The Mall Road

This place has been displayed in many popular Bollywood movies. Replete with cafes, shops, hotels, and restaurants, the Mall Road in Shimla is one of the visited Shimla tourist places. It is one of the most colourful lanes in the hill station, lined with small hut-like structures with roofs of red. During snowfall, the whole area looks like a scene right out of a movie. Tourists come here for shopping, getting a bite, or just to enjoy the scenic beauty all around them. A visit to this place will require an hour or two of experiencing the soul of Shimla, having a sip of some coffee and enjoying the spectacular view of the Himalayas.

2. The Ridge

Another famous spot in Shimla tourism is the Ridge. It is a very spacious, open space that connects the Mall and Scandal Point. One of the main reasons why tourists stop in their tracks in the Ridge is the things the place offers. It offers a complete view of the snow-covered mountains, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Apart from the various shops, clubs, and restaurants, the Ridge runs along with many other famous attractions. One of the attractions is Christ Church. Blessing the eyes of each passer-by since 1857, the neo-gothic structure is the second oldest of its kind in northern India. A stroll around the Ridge will give a perfect insight of the natural beauty and nightlife in Shimla.

3. Jakhoo Hill

One of the most famous Shimla attractions a tourist must visit is Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla, located at 8000 feet above sea level. An important spot atop the hill is the ancient Jakhoo Temple, which houses a Hanuman statue. The hill is dressed in splendid alpine trees and the destination has become a popular pilgrimage place amongst the locals as well as the tourists. This hill gives a mesmerising view of the Shivalik range. Apart from the scenic view, you will see a huge number of monkeys here.

4. The Viceregal Lodge

Another gem one can find while digging through Shimla tourism is the Viceregal Lodge. One of the oldest pieces of colonialism in Shimla, the lodge was once the place of summer retreat for the Indian Viceroy between 1888 to 1946. The structure of the lodge is of the Jacobethan style and is influenced by the English Renaissance period. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, the lodge has been transformed into the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and therefore, a tourist can only visit a few rooms inside. Nonetheless, the classy interior and the panoramic view from the windows provide the tourists with an insight into erstwhile India and make the structure one of the most visited Shimla tourist places.

5. Johnnie’s Wax Museum

A place that your Shimla travel guide will surely take you to is the Johnnie’s Wa Museum. There are wax statues of many famous film stars, pop stars, sportspersons and political leaders. A relatively newer tourist spot, the museum is a good place to spend time with your family and friends. Clicking photographs is allowed here. The museum also allows you to get a wax replica of your hand!

Things to do in Shimla

While the hill station is famous for the mentioned tourist spots, there are a variety of things to do in Shimla that will create wonderful memories.

Shop at Lakkar Bazaar

While you are admiring the beauty of the Ridge, you can head over to the nearby Lakkar Bazaar to do some shopping. This market is famous for its wooden souvenirs, made mostly by the local Sikh community. After shopping, you can indulge in some local delicacies like aloo tikis and chole bhature. Having a Shimla travel guide will help navigate through the multiple shops and innumerable food stalls around here.

Go to Shimla Ice Skating Club

Shimla has one of the oldest ice rinks in Asia. The club rents out the gear and even provides training sessions if required. All round the year, the club also hosts many events and galas, which are worth a visit if you are in town. The skating club is one of the most fun parts of Shimla tourism.

Hop on the Toy Train

One of the famous Shimla attractions is the Toy Train. You will feel like a child while aboard the UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the resplendent landscapes with sheer awe. The journey takes roughly 100 tunnels and 800 bridges, offering scenic beauty of mountains, forests, and old stations. Hitching a ride on this 100-year-old attraction will surely take you around old Himachal and let you feel its true charm.

Experience camping in the wild

Camping out in the wild, especially under the twinkling stars, has become an increasingly popular addition to Shimla attractions. Many spots around Shimla are perfect for taking out your tent and experiencing nature in its truest form. Some of the well-known spots for camping are Narkanda, Shogi, and Kufri.

Best time to visit Shimla

The hill station is blessed with the perfect weather a tourist can ask for. You can visit Shimla at any time of the year. But the best time to visit Shimla is between May to July or December to January.

The best season to visit Shimla would be either summer to save you from the heat or winter to experience the pristine snow.

How to Reach Shimla

Here are some ways and tips on how to reach Shimla:

By Air

The nearest airport is the Jubbarhatti airport. You will get a flight to Jubbarhatti from the major cities of India. Chandigarh airport and Delhi airport are also close by. You can board on flights to Chandigarh or Delhi and from there, reach Shimla by road.

By Rail

The Kalka railway station is the closest station to Shimla, and is well connected to neighbouring cities. Visitors can avail themselves of the bus and taxi services to the various hotels in Shimla.

By Road

A road trip to Shimla can be a wonderful idea. It is very well linked to neighbouring cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, and Chandigarh. There are various bus services provided by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation that allows you to travel to and from Shimla.