Shimla, one of the most popular hill stations in India, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the northern Himalayas, Shimla is renouned for it’s colonial charm, cool climate, lush green landscapes, and scenic beauty. It has a rich cultural history and is famous for its role as the summer capital of British India.
If you are planning a visit to this beautiful hill station, here is a list of top 10 places that you must visit.
The Ridge
If you want a spectacular view of the mountain ranges or you are in a mood to go for shopping and collect souvenirs, The Ridge is a great place to go in Shimla. The Ridge is connected on both ends to other well known areas. On the eastern end is a wooden crafts market known as Lakkar Bazaar and on the western end is Scandal point.
The Ridge is usually the venue for celebrations and events in Shimla. The most famous festival held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival.
Mall Road
The mall road of Shimla is the centre of the city is the favourite hub of locals and tourists alike. Apart from the classical and legendary buildings here, you would really be tempted to check all the local and lavish shopping places that are dotted in the area.
We suggest you park your car some metres behind this road and walk hand in hand with your partner to explore this area (and thank us for this romantic tip later).
Kufri
Kufri, a small hill station, is situated around 16 kilometers from Shimla and is known for its natural beauty, skiing facilities and adventure activities. Kufri is surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar trees, which provide a stunning backdrop to the rolling hills and valleys there. It is also home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and animals, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Tourists can enjoy skiing on the snow-covered slopes of Kufri during the winter months, or take part in adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding.
Jakhoo temple
The temple is dedicated to a Lord Hanuman. Amazingly, you will find a whole lot of monkeys in number. The mega statue of Lord Hanuman which is also the world’s largest statue is one of the best things in the temple.
It is believed that the temple dates back to the time of the Ramayana and that the footprints of Lord Hanuman can be seen in this temple. The monkeys here are not afraid of visitors and turn to tourists for food. They often even check tourist’s pockets! However, they are not aggressive. It is advisable not to carry anything in your hands when visiting the temple.
Christ Chruch
Christ Church is an excellent example of neo-gothic architecture, it is an evergreen part of Shimla’s skyscape. Built in 1857, it is located on The Ridge and took nearly 3 years to complete and is a prominent landmark of Shimla The gorgeous frescoes lining it’s interiors with stained glass windows and a clock tower are iconic to Shimla’s skyline.
The church is known for its beautiful architectural structure, which includes commendable glasswork, which attracts many tourists and architecture lovers. At night, the church is decorated with colorful lights, its view is very spectacular.
Himachal State Museum
Himachal State Museum protects the history of the northern state and gives you a chance to understand it’s culture and heritage. It is an ideal place for art lovers and a must-visit spot for experience seekers and connoisseurs.
The museum offers a calm and peaceful setting to enjoy the serene surroundings at its backdrop. Here you can take a short stroll in it’s lush green garden or capture the picture of some interesting artifacts. There is also a fine collection for Indian miniatures for tourist’s interests.
Annandale
If you are one of the travelers who is fond of open landscapes, surrounded by lush green forests, you must visit Annandale at least once. Annandale is a flat terrain located near the Shimla Ridge and now has turned into a playground where one can see locals playing sports like cricket, golf.
Annadale Ground served as a racecourse during the colonial era and was primarily a spot for sports and recreational activities by the elite. It was also used by the army for military training and served as a parade ground for the British.
Summer Hill
Summer Hill is among the popular places to visit, rejuvenate amidst nature. The pleasant atmosphere and varied flora and fauna make this perfect romantic escape for the newlyweds.
You can click pictures together with the backdrop of scenery, making your honeymoon unforgettable. Also, trek through the dense forest to spend quality time in the lap of mother nature in a secluded place.
Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls has always been a delightful experience for tourists. If you are a nature lover then the serenity, dense forests and tranquil atmosphere surrounding the area of the waterfall gives you enough reason to visit this attraction time and time again.
It is an amazing place to hang out with your friends and offers a great hiking trail that lets you explore its quietness, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This place is located just a few minutes away from Summer Hill and has everything that you need to relax and rejuvenate your senses.
Fagu
Fagu is a peaceful little town that is situated around 21 kilometers from Shimla. It is known for its mystical foggy ambiance that creates a magical atmosphere. You can experience the calmness and admire the splendid scenic beauty while you are here. The picturesque mountains, apple orchards, pine woods, and the small houses look like a sight out of a postcard or a painting.
A unique experience to have in Fagu is to visit the apple orchards here. There you might learn a lot about apple cultivation, from seedlings to fruit plucking. Trekking the scenic path from Fagu to the Chharabra village through the Tattapani stream, and indulging in marvelous sunrise and sunset, is another lovely experience.
