Shimla is a picturesque hill town built across seven hills of the great Himalayas. Imagine waking up in the crisp air of the Himalayas, with the sun massaging your skin and inviting you to meet at the small creek that runs through the dense forgotten woods of pine and cedar. The town transports you to a bygone era of timeless beauty, complete with white cascading waterfalls, little gleaming creeks, majestic peaks, and enigmatic hidden forests. Waking up in this blissful town is so therapeutic that you feel compelled to remove all remorseful recollections of the city and merge with the mountains.
Shimla is also the largest city of Himachal Pradesh, making it one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. Shimla was designated as the British Raj’s summer capital due to its agreeable weather and infinite natural beauty. There are strong indications that Britishers were homesick and attempted to replicate an English hamlet in this town, as evidenced by colonial-era buildings and churches. Since then, people have gone in enormous numbers to Shimla to enjoy their summer and winter vacations, as well as to see Shimla at its most beautiful when it is blanketed in a thick layer of snow in winter.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
1. The Ridge
This flat, broad platform, popularly known as the Scandal Point, is one of the most popular sites to visit in Shimla. The platform affords a magnificent view of the sunset and sunrise and is one of the most charming sites to visit in Shimla in a single day. With all of the beautiful views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains surrounding Shimla, it is a great delight for all mountain enthusiasts. The Shimla Summer Festival is also conducted here every year. Aside from the spectacular vista, this location is also home to the well-known Tudor library.
- Accommodations include the Hotel Crystel Palace, then Hotel Willow Banks, and the Summit Le Royal Hotel.
- Things to Do: Attend the Summer Festival, go on a nature walk, and go sightseeing.
- Best Time to Visit: This is a year-round destination.
- Viewing Point, valley viewing, excellent for photographers
- Sunrise to sunset is the best time to visit.
- Best for Beautiful views and the Tudor Library
- Time Suggested 2 hours in length
2. Jakhoo Hill
This hill, which is 8000 feet high and is a significant tourist attraction in Shimla, is thought to be the tallest point in Shimla. For all nature lovers and pilgrims who come to see the ancient 108-foot-tall Hanuman statue at the Jakhu temple, this temple is a paradise. It is a very short trek for adventure seekers, making it one of the top spots to explore in Shimla in February.
- Accommodations include The Legacy Shimla, Hotel Marina, Hotel Combermere, and Jakhoo Hill B&B.
- Activities include trekking, religious tours, and photography.
- Best Time to Visit: The destination is open all year.
- Location: hilly, religious, hike
- Visiting Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Climbing is safer during the day because the walk becomes darker in the evening.
- Ideal for: Trekking
- Time Suggested 2 to 3 hours in length
Also Read, The Mesmerizing Places in Arunachal Pradesh you Must Visit
3. Kufri
Kufri, also known as the winter sports capital, is situated at 2622 meters above sea level. This hill station, located in the foothills of the great Himalayas, was once part of the Nepalese empire. It has some thrilling winter activities, such as skiing and ice skating. With its stunning setting, this area is sure to be on the bucket list of many visitors. Shimla to Kufri distance is approximately 15 kilometers and takes nearly 40 minutes to travel.
- Stay at the Royal Tulip Luxury Hotel, the Galley Hill Resort, or the Treebo Trend Snow View Hotel.
- Activities include skiing, ice skating, and hiking.
- Best Time to Visit: This is a year-round destination.
- Type of Location: Adventure, a must-see for photographers
- Hours of Operation: From sunrise to sunset
- Skiing and ice skating are the best activities.
- Time Frame Suggestion: 1 to 2 days
4. Christ Church
This is the second oldest church in North India and one of Shimla’s most recognized attractions. This church is a haven and a fantastic spot to spend some time alone for those seeking tranquility. Early in the morning or during church prayer is the finest time to visit here. This is without a doubt one of the best spots to see in Shimla!
- Hotels in Shimla include Hotel Holiday Home, Summit Le Royale Hotel, and Hotel Diplomat Shimla.
- Things to Do: Attend the church’s morning prayer service.
- Best Time to Visit: This is a year-round destination.
- Religious and historical sites are the most common types of locations.
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Architecture and history are the best places to visit.
- 1 to 2 hours is the recommended time frame.
5. Mall Road
Mall Road is one of the Shimla tourist attractions that you should see during your vacation. This well-known boulevard is a sanctuary for shopaholics and visitors alike. Everything from warm woolens to gorgeous handicrafts can be found here at moderate prices, making it one of the greatest places to explore in Shimla in February.
- Accommodations include the Woodville Palace Hotel Shimla, the Hotel Windsor Shimla, and the Hotel Surya.
- Shopping, street food tasting, and sightseeing are all options.
- Best Time to Visit: This is a year-round destination.
- Shopping Street is the type of location.
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Best for: Handicrafts, handwoven woolens, Himachal cuisine items
- Time Suggested 1 to 2 hours in length
6. Chail
This is also the location of the famed Chail Palace, which is known for its architectural grandeur. Chail features the world’s highest cricket pitch and is surrounded by giant deodar and pine trees, providing a tranquil and calm atmosphere. Because it is higher up than Shimla, one may enjoy the vista of the glittering city lights below while being awed by the magnificently lit night sky.
- Accommodations include Chail Palace, Village Live In Resort, and Ekant Retreat Resort.
- Activities include a visit to the cricket ground, trekking, and sightseeing.
- From June through September is the best time to visit.
- Location: Highly recommended for peace seekers and photographers.
- Best for Spectacular nighttime views of the city
- Time Frame Suggestion: 1 to 2 days
7. Green Valley
Green Valley is regarded as one of Shimla’s most attractive viewpoints, and why shouldn’t it be? This valley, featured in a few Bollywood films, has grown in popularity in recent years and is one of the most peaceful spots to visit in Shimla for couples! Have you packed your luggage yet to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds this natural paradise? This is what the Green Valley view should look like.
- Woodays Resort and Madhusudhan Homestay are two places to stay.
- Activities include hiking, trekking, camping, and photography.
- March to July is the best time to visit.
- Sightseeing is the type of location.
- Every day from 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
- Perfect for: Photography
- Time Suggested 1 hour in length
8. Hawa Ghar
Are you still hunting for the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla? Hawa Ghar is a popular attraction in Shimla, offering some of the best views of the town. The location is a part of the Lakkar Bazaar. It is situated at a fair height, giving onlookers a beautiful perspective. Hawa Ghar is also known as the ‘Mall View Balcony.’
- Best Time to Visit: This is a year-round destination. Stay at The Legacy Shimla, Summit Le Royale Hotel, or Hotel Greenland.
- Sightseeing is one of the things to do.
- The viewing point is the type of location.
- Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Viewing the valley and taking photographs are the best uses for this location.
- Time Suggested 1 hour in length.
Also Read, Everything you need to know about Chadar Trek
9. Narkanda
kilometersNarkanda is located at an elevation of 8100 feet and may be seen from Fagu, a small hill village located halfway between Shimla and Narkanda. This location is great for those traveling to Spiti Valley and serves as a layover. This village is also 60 kilometers away from Shimla, which is a wonderful town. Narkanda is, without a doubt, one of the nicest spots to see in Shimla.
- Accommodations include The Himalaya Inn & Restaurant, Echor, and Hotel Snowflake.
- Activities Include Hiking, Trekking, and Sightseeing.
- March through September is the best time to visit.
- Hilly terrain is the most common type of terrain
- Hours of Operation: NA
- Best for: rest stops on the way to Spiti Valley, sightseeing, and skiing.
10. St. Michael’s Cathedral
St. Michael’s Cathedral, a Shimla landmark, is one of the top locations to see in Shimla. The church was built by the Catholic community and is known for its exquisite interiors. It is decorated in French-Gothic style architecture and is well worth a visit during your Shimla tour.
- Hotels in Shimla include the Hotel Asia the Dawn, the Hotel Corporate Inn, and the Radisson Hotel Shimla.
- Things to do include a historical tour and sightseeing.
- April through September is the best time to visit.
- Religious and historical sites are the most common types of locations.
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Architecture and history are the best places to visit.
- Time Suggested 1 to 2 hours in length.
