10 Famous Tourist Destinations in Shimla

Shimla

Snow-capped mountains, lush lakes, pleasant greenery, and a pleasant climate can all bring you to one place, Shimla. This beautiful city in Himachal Pradesh called "Queen of Hill Stations" also attracts foreigners. There are icy mountains here and some are nice green in color covered with vegetation. It is the first choice to celebrate newly married couples' honeymoon in India. The climate here is so exhilarating and magical that this place takes all your worries away once you get here. Shimla has a long list of attractive and famous places. It wouldn't be wrong to say that Shimla is one of India's most popular travel destinations. Shimla can be visited at any time of the year, it is beautiful at any time of the year.

The beauty of Shimla was also famous during British rule. Its beauty also attracted them, and so they declared it the summer capital at that time. The British lived there, the evidence of this can still be found today in the great buildings that were built by the British, which is the main part of tourism today. The city of Shimla was rebuilt in 1972 and made into a district.

Various Tourist Attractions

The Himalayan aviary offers the opportunity to observe various species of birds, including the state bird "Monal". The Glen, an ideal picnic spot, is 2.5 miles from the ridge. It's a charming place with a panoramic stream and lots of greenery. Tourists can also picnic in Annandale. Racing, polo, and cricket were played in this open area during British rule. The historical journey on the toy train was started in 1903 by Lord Curzon. The trip offers the opportunity to cover a distance of 96 km through beautiful valleys and mountains.

'Solan' Madh Nirman Shala, Darlaghat, Jakhu Hill, Kamna Devi Temple, Scandal Point, and Gorkha Gate are popular tourist attractions of this place. The Himachal State Museum and Library has micro and miniature pictures, as well as books on the hills, Mughal paintings, Rajasthani, and contemporary paintings. Various bronze objects, photographs, stamp collections, and anthropological objects can also be seen here. Shimla offers its visitors special shopping opportunities. Shopping areas such as Malls, Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar are famous for their wooden handicrafts and unique souvenirs.

Tourist Activities in Shimla

Shimla is famous for having the largest ice rink in India. In winter the ground is covered with natural snow and this is the time (December to January) when skating is really fun. Trekking is very popular here too. Places like Junga, Chail, Churidarhurdar, Shali Peak, Hatu Peak, and Kullu are connected to Shimla in different ways. Trekkers can find easy to moderate treks like the Ruinsara Tal Trek which is famous in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand. Tourists can explore Naldehra and Salogra by ATV from their destination. Rivers such as Vyas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum offer tourists the opportunity to go rafting.

1. Gurkha Gate

The Gorkha Gate is one of the oldest gates in Shimla. It serves as the gateway to Viceregal Lodge and is situated on Chaura Maidan Road. This lodge is of historical importance. It served as the residence of the Viceroy of India during British rule and is now the founding establishment of the Indian Institute for Advanced Studies. This gate was built to pay homage to the Gurkhas in honor of the bravery and loyalty of the British Empire. This stone structure provides an interesting sight for visitors.

Mall Road

2. The Mall

The mall is a popular shopping area in Shimla. It extends from the Oberoi Clarke Hotel to Scandal Point. There are numerous restaurants, banks, clubs, and tourist centers in the mall. The historic shops, cafes, and restaurants are the main attractions in the area. When viewed properly, this area can be called the center of Shimla's social life. The restaurants here serve a wide variety of delicious food at reasonable prices.

Gorton Castle

3. Gorton Castle

Gorton Castle, established in 1904, represents the Gothic architectural style. It was founded by a famous British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob, and served as the British summer capital. The building's balcony is decorated with an intricate "Rajasthani lattice".

This three-story, the 125-room palace was used as the civil secretariat's office during British rule and is currently the seat of the general accountant. Sanjauli stone was used in the construction of this building. Recently the red stone roof was replaced by a galvanized red sheet metal roof. All around this building are rosewood and Andaman woodblocks.

Summer Hill

4. Summer Hill

Summer Hill is on the Shimla Railway Line at an altitude of 1,283 meters above sea level. Visitors can take a nature walk in the calm atmosphere of this beautiful place. On this hill are "Manorville Haveli" and "Himachal Pradesh University". This place, filled with pine and deodar trees, offers nature lovers breathtaking landscapes.

Kufri

5. Kufri

Kufri is a beautiful mountain town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, about 20 km from Shimla. Kufri lies at an altitude of 2290 meters above sea level and is famous for its pleasant climate in summer and exciting sports in winter. The word Kufri comes from the vernacular Kufr, which literally means "lake". This nearby mountainous region is also known for Himalayan wildlife where you can easily see the shore, including the rare monal antelope. Apart from that, exciting hikes can also be undertaken here from the mountain paths.

This hill station, the highest in the vicinity, is also known for Himalayan wildlife where you can easily see the rare antelopes, felines, and the famous Himalayan Monal. Apart from this, exciting trekking can also be enjoyed through the hill trails here. So make sure to add this destination to your travel plans when you visit Shimla.

Check out the best trek in Himachal Pradesh (beginner level) by Travomania - Prashar Lake Trek Guide

Sankat Mochan Temple

6. Sankat Mochan Temple

The famous Sankat Mochan Temple is located at an altitude of 1975 m above sea level on the Kalka-Shimla highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers fascinating views of the city of Shimla and the mighty Himalayan mountains.

"Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj" visited the place in 1950 and was fascinated by the tranquility here. In 1966 he laid the foundation stone for this temple, which was later expanded by the administration. The temple complex is divided and the statues of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Lord Ganesha are replaced in separate complexes.

The design of the Ganesh Temple reflects the architectural style of South India. The prasad here is also called "langar" and is given to the believers every Sunday of the year. The temple also makes it easy to hold various rituals, including weddings.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex Shimla

7. Gaiety Cultural Heritage Complex

The Gaiety Cultural Heritage Complex or Gaiety Theatre is a Victorian-style monument designed by Architect Henry Irwin. This cultural complex and the town hall were built in 1887. The building has been renovated over time without changing the original design. The art gallery in this complex offers traditional and modern art. The complex also has a hiking area where various cultural events take place. There is also an auditorium and an old theater here. Various classical festivals in the city are held in this old theater.

Manorville Mansion

8. Manorvilla Mansion

Manorvilla is a heritage building near the University of Himachal Pradesh. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Maulana Azad stayed in this building during a meeting with Lord Wavell in 1945 to discuss India's independence. The room where Mahatma Gandhi lived has been carefully preserved to this day. The building originally belonged to Princess Amrit Kaur, India's first female cabinet member. The building is currently used as a guest house.

9. Glen

Glen is one of the most attractive picnic spots in town and is centrally located in Shimla, 4 km from the ridge. The stream "Gurgling Chadwick", which drops from a height of 1830 meters, crosses this place. The place is surrounded by pine and pine trees. There are two different routes to reach this location, one from the Cecil Hotel and the other from the Kennedy House. Taxis are available to get to this location from Scandal Point. Tourists can also reach the destination on foot.

Scandal Point

10. Scandal Point

Scandal Point is at the intersection of the road that leads to Mall Road and Ridge. Here visitors can enjoy fascinating views of the Church of Scotland, the old Alpha Restaurant, and the valleys. There is a story behind the unusual name of this place. According to a popular legend, the Raja of Patiala fell in love with the daughter of the Viceroy of India and kidnapped her while she was going to this place. Scandal Point is one of the best tourist attractions in Shimla and the highest point in the mall.

Shimla Weather

Shimla has a pleasant climate all year round, and therefore you can visit this place any time of the year but generally, people visit Shimla during the winter season to experience snowfall that happens here from December to January.

How to Reach Shimla?

By Air

The nearest airport is "Jubbarhatti Airport", 25 km from the city of Shimla. Taxis are available from the airport to the destination. Foreign tourists can reach Shimla from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, the closest international airport to Shimla. The airport is well connected with major cities in the country by regular flights.

By Train

There is no railway station in Shimla. A meter-gauge railway station is located in Shimla. The broad gauge station of Kalka (KLK) is connected to this railway station. Regular trains are available from the major cities of the country to the Kalka railway station. Tourists can also avail taxis from the station to Shimla.

By Road

Buses to Shimla are also available from nearby cities. Delhi serves deluxe and non-deluxe buses to reach Shimla. Apart from this, tourists can also go to Shimla by AC taxis from Delhi.