Planning a tour to this erstwhile summer capital of British India and looking for the popular places to visit in Shimla? Here, we have jotted down a list of top tourist attractions in Shimla that you should visit once in a lifetime. Shimla is fondly referred to as ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ and is a treasure trove of natural bounties. It is home to some of the stunning architectural marvels of the country that has retained the old-world charm. Boasting ancient temples, stunning edifices, breathtaking landscapes, lush green forests, and vibrant streets, Shimla is a popular destination among nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Snuggled at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, Shimla is settled in the lap of the Himalayas. This blissful hill town is a perfect escape for tourists who wish to escape from the scorching heat in summer. Snowfall season arrives in winter and Shimla transforms into a fairyland, which offers a unique experience. With such a wide range of tourist places in Shimla, you can indulge in the exploration of the endearing beauty of this hill town to make your trip memorable.
Take a look at the best places in Shimla which you can add to your itinerary to enjoy the tour with your loved ones.
- Mall Road
- The Ridge
- Christ Church
- Jakhoo Hill
- Green Valley
- Kufri
- Himalayan Bird Park
- Kalka Shimla Toy Train
Top 8 Tourist Places to Visit in Shimla for a Memorable Vacation
1. Mall Road
Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. Among all age groups and types of travellers, Mall Road of Shimla is popular owing to the activities in which one can partake. This is a perfect place to enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Lined up with a myriad of cosy cafes, gift shops, and beautifully-designed restaurants, Mall Road is an amazing place to spend a quality evening with your near and dear ones. Sprawling with historical monuments and colonial structures, Mall Road offers glimpses of a bygone era. You can take a stroll on Mall Road and relish the scenic beauty of this place.
- Timings: 24-hours
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Things to do: Sightseeing, shopping, horse riding, and café hopping
- Best time to visit Mall Road: All-year destination
2. The Ridge
The most photographed place in Shimla is The Ridge, which is dotted with vibrant cafes and shops that thrive with a large number of tourists. Nestled in the heart of Shimla, The Ridge connects with Scandal Point in the west, and Lakkar Bazaar in the east, and runs east to west on the side of the Mall Road. The stunning view of the snow-capped mountains intensifies the charm of roaming around on The Ridge.
Some of the major festivals Shimla organizes on The Ridge are the Summer Festival and Winter Sports Festival where you can sneak peek into the rich cultural heritage of the city by attending folk dances and cultural shows. Ice skating is the major highlight of the winter festival and offers a unique experience to families, kids, and couples
- Timings: 24-hours
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Things to do: Sightseeing, shopping, ice skating, and attending festivities
- Best time to visit The Ridge: April to August & December to January
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3. Christ Church
One of the oldest churches in North India, Christ Church was built in 1857 by the Britishers. The prime attractions of the church are its location and architecture. Christ Church stands proudly on the Mall Road and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the country.
The neo-gothic style of architecture along with the front porch, glass stained window, and church bells add charm to the magnificence of this majestic church. The church complex comprises paintings that portray scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Amidst the sprawling Mall Road, Christ Church looks magical during the nighttime.
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Things to do: Visit the library of the church, attend prayers, and soak in the serenity of the church
- Best time to visit Christ Church: All-year destination
4. Jakhoo Hill
Nestled at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level, Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak of Shimla and offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. It houses one of the most revered sites among Hindus, the Jakhoo Temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There is a 33-m high statue of Lord Hanuman, which can be seen from Mall Road as well.
With the backdrop of lush hills, the statue enhances the charm of Jakhoo Hill. There is a cable car with which you can reach the top of the hill and to the temple. The other option is to hike to the top while admiring the enchanting beauty of the trail and stunning surroundings.
- Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 9 PM
- Entry Fees: No entry fees. Ropeway price INR 250 for adults, INR 200 for children age 3 to 12 years, & below 3 years zero fees.
- Things to do: Hiking, nature walks, visiting the temple, and trekking
- Best time to visit Jakhoo Hill: November to March
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5. Green Valley
Looking for a serene place to spend some quality time with your loved ones? They head towards Green Valley, which is among the best tourist places to visit in Shimla for an enchanting experience. Encompassed by verdant hills that are covered with thick pine and deodar trees, the Green Valley is also known as Hassan Valley.
The picture-perfect beauty and natural splendour of the valley will leave you captivated and mesmerized. Savour the hot Maggie while sipping the steamy tea and admiring the panoramic beauty of this amazing place. This is a paradise for shutterbugs and nature lovers. Enjoy a morning walk and hike in the lap of nature to make your trip memorable.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Things to do: Hiking and nature walk
- Best time to visit Green Valley: February to April & July to October
6. Kufri
Blessed with lofty valleys and breathtaking landscapes, Kufri is nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas. It is one of the most sought-after destinations near Shimla and is frequented by a large number of tourists. The blissful surroundings of this quaint hill town make it a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the crowd. Kufri enjoys salubrious weather throughout the year and it is an ideal escape from the blistering weather of the plains in summer.
The region is covered with a thick sheet of snow in winter and transforms into a paradise. There are numerous adventure and sports activities in which you can partake during your Kufri trip.
- Timings: 24-hours
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, nature walking, horse riding, skiing, Yak safari, and tobogganing
- Best time to visit Green Valley: October to March
7. Himalayan Bird Park
Home to some of the exotic and endangered species of birds, Himalayan Bird Park is the best place to visit in Shimla for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can spot rare species of birds here along with a rich collection of plants and trees. Lush green pastures and rare species of birds will leave you in awe during your Shimla tour.
Some of the amazing birds you can spot here are peafowl, pheasants, the Himalayan Monal, and peacock. The summer season is the perfect time to visit the Himalayan Bird Park owing to the presence of the number of birds here.
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 10
- Things to do: Nature walk, bird watching
- Best time to visit Himalayan Bird Park: March to June
8. Kalka Shimla Toy Train
Have you ever considered riding on a toy train in an old-fashioned way by travelling slowly and listening to the loud noise of the train? If yes, then go for a Kalka Shimla toy train ride, which is a popular thing to do in Shimla. The train ride starts from Kalka on the narrow gauge railway station and takes you through the outskirts of Himachal Pradesh.
This train ride offers a unique experience and makes your Shimla trip memorable. You can admire the stunning beauty of the region amidst the pine and deodar forest. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and among the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
- Timings: Train timings are different, which needs to be confirmed while booking.
- Entry Fees: INR 200 to INR 500 per person
- Things to do: Train journey
- Best time to visit Kalka Shimla Toy Train: All-year destination
Conclusion
Shimla is known for its pristine beauty and pleasant weather. A large number of tourists frequent this most popular hill station of Himachal Pradesh throughout the year to enjoy their vacation. During your Shimla trip, you can indulge in numerous activities and explore several places. With this list of popular places to visit in Shimla, you can plan your trip in the best possible way and make your vacation memorable.
Add these destinations to your Shimla itinerary and spend some amazing time with your loved ones. Don’t forget to tell us how your Shimla tour was and also let us know which destination entices you the most among all!
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