Known for the amazing views, breathtaking valleys and the remnants of yesteryear — Shimla has always been an epitome of beauty. The erstwhile summer capital of British India is sprinkled with old world charm. The valley dotted with wooden houses with sloppy roofs and the winding roads that offer breathtaking views.
No wonder, this little hill station has always been a favorite among all and is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Here we jot down all the places to visit and things to do in Shimla :
Things to Do in Shimla
1. Take a Toy Train Ride :
Hop on to one of the oldest toy trains – UNESCO recognized Kalka-Shimla Railway and relive the child within you. Chugging and puffing meandering through pine trees, the toy train journey is punctuated with breathtaking views as the train snakes around the winding trail.
( Source )
2 . Pose in Traditional Dress:
I mean why not ? Years later when you look back you will reminisce the beautiful time you had at the valley.
3. Go for Walks :
There is nothing better than getting lost amidst tall deodar trees all around and the mystic valley covered by fog. Get lost in the serenity !!!
4. Relive the Royal Era :
Wake up early and join in a heritage walk which starts near the Market office on the Mall Road and visits all the historic sites in Shimla with an English speaking guide. From Gaiety theater to the State Museum and the Viceregal Lodge, take a step back in time.
5. Picnicking at the Glen Valley :
Located near the Chadwick falls, Glen is just the place for it. A lush forest area in Shimla, it is calm and serene filled with pine, deodar and oak trees. The perfect place to have a small picnic with family and friends. You don’t need a reason to grab your picnic basket and head to the valley. Don’t you ?
( Source )
6. Go Sightseeing :
Shimla has so much to offer — starting from Gaiety Theatre, Viceroy’s Lodge, Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Scandal Point at Ridge, Shimla State Museum, Chadwick falls, Tara Devi Temple, Jakhoo hill, Annadale, Kamna Devi Temple, Dhilon Pond, Kali Bari Temple and Christ Church.
Plan your itinerary based on your interest.
7. Hang Out at Mall Road :
The most happening place of the city which can’t be ignored. Mall road is the life of Shimla. You can find quirky cafes, eateries, roadside food vendors and a whole bunch of crowd ranging from college kids, newly married couples and families.
Ramble around the mall road, just to soak in everything around – happiness, taste, smell and the thriving energy of Shimla.
8. Go for a Hike :
Shimla is peppered with easy to difficult trails that offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley enveloped in cedar trees. Put on your trekking shoes, grab your backpack and head to one of the trails and spend your time amidst nature. Jakhoo peak is a hiker’s delight. Jalori Pass, Shimla-Chail, and Shimla-Junga are also some of the popular treks.
9. Shop for Souvenirs :
Explore the Lakkar Bazaar for its wooden merchandise and Himachal Emporium to find a perfect souvenir to take back home for your loved ones.
10. Stay or Dine at the Cecil Restaurant :
Oberoi Cecil is one of the oldest hotels in the city’s most charming neighborhood, the hotel is elegantly designed, with a touch of nostalgia from the British era.
You can devour hearty meals at one of the many restaurants that offer sweeping views or take a dip in the indoor pool while sipping a cocktail. The hotel is just steps away from both the Viceregal lodge and the happening Mall road where there’s an endless supply of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Best Places To Stay
from
Rs 9,031 one night Location: Shimla, India All guests are free to use the hotel’s Parking, Airport transfer (price advised by hotel) and Travel desk… |
from
Rs 13,008 one night Location: Shimla, India All guests can use the hotel’s 24-hour reception and 24-hour security free of charge.Oberoi Cecil Hotel… |
from
Rs 10,177 one night Location: Shimla, India Radisson Hotel Shimla is located in Central, Shimla, only 26 minutes from the city’s main financial… |
Getting there
Shimla is well connected from Chandigarh and Delhi. You can easily hire a taxi or board a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Nearest airport is Jabarhatti Airport. The other nearby airports are Chandigarh and New Delhi.
Best Time To Visit
November – March : Winter is definitely the best time when the entire valley turns to a winter wonderland. But to due to global warming, Snowfall in Shimla has become unpredictable. Jan and Dec is the best time to visit if you are up for skiing.
July – October : Monsoon adds its own magic. But occasional landslides might be one of the reasons you might take into consideration while planning your trip.
April – June: The summer months are perfect for adventure sports like river rafting, paragliding, trekking, and camping.
Near By Attractions
River rafting at Tattapani
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir at Chail
Skiing at Kufri
Shilon Bagh
Kogi Mata Temple near Naldehra
Kiala Forest
Shoolini Temple
Naldehra Golf Course
Kotkhai Palace
Pin It.
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Google+ for more travel stories, ideas, and photos from around the world.
Vishu Saumya says
Amazing write-up. I went to Shimla with my parents. It’s an amazing destination. This post is a very well described.
Atulmaharaj says
Its a beautiful place. Infact the drive from Chandigarh to Shimla is awesome. I had gone during the new year’s even back in 2013. Here’s what I feel about the Queen Hills http://socialmaharaj.com/2013/12/31/shimla-the-queen-of-hills/
Atulmaharaj says
It’s a beautiful place. I drove from Chandigarh to Shimla, it was an amazing ride. Was there during New Year Eve in 2013, here’s what I had to say about the Queen of Hills – http://socialmaharaj.com/2013/12/31/shimla-the-queen-of-hills/
rupam { xhobdo } says
Nice informative post. Beautiful pics.
The Untourists says
And eat plenty of good food! I love Shimla!
The Tales of a Traveler says
yooo … 😀 😀 😀 we too love Shimla
Maniparna Sengupta Majumder says
Have done almost everything during our trip to Shimla… 😀
The Tales of a Traveler says
🙂 Thanks Mani for stopping by :*
Mridula says
The train ride is a beautiful one, though slow as hell!
The Tales of a Traveler says
yay but is definitely an experience
Chaitali Patel says
Been there many, many years back! Would love to go back in off season to have it (hopefully) all to myself! 🙂
The Tales of a Traveler says
Go for it. 🙂 🙂
Crystal Luminescence says
I’ve never been to India on my travels, but Shimla is one of the places that I would love to visit in the country and also Varanasi. It looks like a quiant English town, but I suppose it would with the British Raj influence.