Places to visit in Shimla

Shimla, a middling sized village in 1817 became Summer Capital of the British Empire in India in 1964 and remained so right up to the time of independence. It was the summer seat of the Punjab Government from 1871 and then the headquarters of partitioned Punjab till 1966. There are lots of tourist places to visit in Shimla which attracts lots of visitors every year. This is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in India. 

The exiled government of Burma was also temporarily stationed here during the last part of the Second World War. No wonder the historical town has witnessed the signing of many agreements and accords. The buildings, architectural marvels in the town, bear mute testimony to the past that has merged smoothly into the present.

Shimla, today is a lively city with a spick and span the railway station, the Mall as the prominent promenading center, the Ridge as the flat ground opening up vistas of splendid snow-clad Himalayan ranges, a museum showing the heritage of Himachal, long walks through oaks, cedars and rhododendrons, and of course, historic buildings a mix of the ancient and the modern.

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Its salubrious climate, easy accessibility by road, rail and air, comfortable hotels and guest houses make it one of the most sought after hill resorts in North India. Shimla, at a height of 2130 m from sea level is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and lures tourists to its serene, calm and yet vibrant life.  

Below are the famous tourist places to visit in Shimla:

The Mall: One cannot miss The Mall in Shimla. It is not only a shopping center but also a well maintained level strip of about 500 meters where people spend their leisure hours walking to and fro, which is a meeting ground and also a catwalk displaying the latest in fashion. The coffee house, the restaurants, and ancient building on the Ridge are the popular joints where people meet, sit and discuss. It also houses the Gaiety Theatre that had its first dramatic performance on 30^th May 1887and still is the main platform for all performing arts. The Ridge is the happy ground here which stands witness to ‘Karva Chauth’ and ‘New Year Eve’ the spontaneous celebrations- the former for grace and beauty, the later for mirth and merriment.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study: This magnificent building built in the Elizabethan style of English Renaissance was completed in 1888. It used to be the adobe of Viceroys and Presidents of India till Dr. S. Radhakrishnan in 1965 handed it over to establish the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies for conduction higher research. The open lawn in the south and north of the buildings with blooming seasonal flowers add to the regality of the building. The place is open to the public on a small entry fee.

Himachal Pradesh State Museum: The heritage of Himachal Pradesh is stored in a beautiful building called ‘Inverarm’ built-in hill architectural style on top of the hillock next to one which has the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Originals of hill miniature paintings, the style that developed in the 17^th century in these hills is on display here. The stone and metal sculptures of the State, Chamba rumaal (handkerchief) with embroidery work, know as painting with a needle, exquisite woodwork and masks, the doll corner, jewelry, weapons and contemporary art is other attractions of the Museum.

Jakhoo Hill: The top of the hill is 2km away from the Ridge. Pranks of monkeys and panorama of Shimla town are added attractions besides the old temple of Lord Hanuman recently renovated. This place is also known for the Dussehra Day celebration.

Annandale: A large open ground, 2.5 km away from Shimla which contributed to the start of popular Durand Football mates in 1888. This is now the site for the helipad and golf course.

The Glen: A thickly wooded ravine, 4 km away from Shimla. A stream flows through The Glen. A Pleasant place in summers that provides shelter from the sun and a popular picnic spot.

Summer Hill: A charming the suburb of Shimla, 5 km away, where there are Himachal Pradesh University and tow building associated with two great Indian ladies – Manorville, where lived Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and The Studio, the adobe of Amrita Shergill.

Chadwick Falls: It is a rain-fed 67 m fall and just 7 km away from Shimla.

Kamna Devi Temple: Above Boileauganj (also called Tilak Nagar). A rewarding visit to Goddess Durga’s temple and for views of the town, airfield, narrow-gauge train chugging its way.

Mashobra: A sylvan retreat, 12 km away from Shimla is Mashobra. The beauty of forests and landscape here has attracted many and so this little suburban village is steadily growing. Mashobra is the gateway to the highest peak in the area called Shali which is at 3200 m, Craignano that has a guest house and natural beauty and Fruit Research Station that once belonged to Mr. Coutts, and eminent horticulturist. Floriculturists may purchase potted or saplings of flowers here at reasonable rates.

Naldehra: Himachal Tourism Hotel ‘Golf Glade’ looks after the accommodation and food of the visitors to this golf ground and pleasure spot. Lord Curzon, Viceroy of Indian (1899 to 1905) was so enchanted by the beauty of the place that he named his daughter Alexandra Naldehra.

Kufri: Known for its ski runs, Kufri is just 16 km away and attracts the largest number of tourists who came to Shimla. It has a backdrop of peaks covered with snow, Himalayan National Park and a small zoo. Yak ride also added attraction. Along the ridge shaded by tall trees run a road to Chail, yet another tourist spot in Solan District.

Fagu: Quite and peaceful Fagu is just 22 km away from Shimla. It has a fine resort far from the madding crowd. It has a Rest House and Tourists Bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.

Tattapani: Hot water springs by the side of the river Sutlej, 51km away are invigorating. These sulphur springs have curative powers too, so claim many.

Narkanda: Surrounded by deodar and spruce forests, Narkanda is 64 km away. It has a choice of ski runs- beginners, advanced and slalom. It is a leisure destination but a hike to Hattu Peak can be challenging and exciting.

Kotgarh and Thanedar: Samuel Evans Stokes brought Red Delicious and Golden Delicious variety of apple saplings here in the early twentieth century from Pennsylvania and with those saplings brought prosperity for the area. Beautiful houses, bountiful apple orchards, educated people and highest per capita income in South East Asia through horticulture are matters of delight.

Rampur: Once the Capital of Bushar princely State 140 km away from Shimla is a living town on the banks of river Sutlej. It used to be a major center of trade on the old Hindustan Tibet Road. The trade fair called Lavi is held here every year from the 11^th to the 14^th of November. Chilgoza or Neoza, dry fruit coming from Kinnaur and Pasham, soft sheep wool, along with other traditional trade items like musk, popular Spiti horses, etc. are sold here during the fair. The Pahari architectural style of the Palace here attracts lots of tourists.

Sarahan: The place, 180 km away is know for the majestic temple of Goddess Bhimakali built in typical Sutlej Valley architecture. Bhimakali gives darshan to the devotee here in her two forms – maiden and matured. Narsingh, Raghunath and Lankra Bir have temples here made in Shikhar style. There is an HPTDC hotel to make one stay here and witness evening aarti in the temples.

Pabbar Valley: Hatkoti is 120 km away and Rohru 131 km from Shimla has main picturesque places on the bank of river Pabbar, known for trout fishing. Hatkoti has a splendidly built Temple of Goddess Durga with green fields all around and Rohru has a typical hilltown market.

Reaching Shimla:

By Air: Linked by air to Delhi and Kullu. The airport at Jubbarhatti is 23 km from Shimla. Taxi cabs are available.

By Rail: Connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. Change over to narrow gauge train. Cover 96 km of zigzag route amidst picturesque mountainous landscape through 102 tunnels. It takes 6 hours to complete the journey. Kalka to Shimla toy train is one of the most beautiful railway tracks of India. 

By Road: Shimla is connected to all major cities in India. The hilly track of about 88 km from Kalka to Shimla is one of the finest in the country. Several state-run transport buses, ordinary, semi-deluxe, deluxe, air-conditioned come directly to Shimla from almost all the towns of North India. Himachal Tourism Development Corporation also runs buses between Delhi and Shimla.