List of 14 Famous Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla does not need an introduction. It is the hill station that basically invented hill stations for India. The British built it, the tourists overran it, and somehow it still works. If you are planning a trip and want a straight list of what to actually see, we are here to help you! Listed below are the places to visit in Shimla. Make sure you explore them when you visit this beautiful hill station.

Most Popular Shimla Tour Packages

If you want someone else to handle the hotel hunt and the Kalka-Shimla toy train booking, Thomas Cook has Shimla tour packages that cover the standard circuit — Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Chail — along with transport and stays. Good for families who do not want to argue about cab rates at 8 PM in the cold. Not mandatory, but useful if you are travelling with parents or kids.

Places to See in Shimla

1. Summer Hill

What It Is

Summer Hill, one of the Shimla places to visit, is a quiet hill suburb sitting about 5 km west of the Shimla Ridge, at roughly 2,100 metres above sea level. It is part of the seven hills that make up Shimla.

Why Visit?

It is where Himachal Pradesh University has its campus, so the place has an old academic calm to it. Also, this is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his Shimla visits, in the manor called Himani Bhavan.

Main Attractions

• Himachal Pradesh University campus
• Himani Bhavan (Gandhi’s residence)
• Thick deodar and pine cover
• Views of the valley without the Mall Road crowd

Quick Tip:

Summer Hill is best reached by the Kalka-Shimla toy train. It has its own small railway station.

2. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

What It Is

The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is a grand colonial building that used to be the Viceregal Lodge. Built in 1884, this is where the British Viceroy lived during the summers. After independence, it became a research institute.

Why Visit?

The building is stunning. Tudor-style timber framing, grey stone, manicured gardens, and interiors that look like they belong in a period film. If you like architecture or Indian history, this is undoubtedly one of the best Shimla places to visit.

Main Attractions

• The main lodge building with its wood-panelled halls
• The library with over 150,000 books
• The grounds and gardens
• The room where the 1945 Simla Conference took place

Quick Tip:

Guided tours are available, so opt for one. Photography inside is restricted. The entry ticket is around ₹40 for Indians.

3. Annandale

What It Is

Annandale is a flat meadow located about 4 km from the Ridge at an altitude of roughly 6,100 feet. The British used it as a playground for cricket, polo, and racing.

Why Visit

It is one of the few flat open spaces in a city built on slopes. The Army Heritage Museum is here, and the golf course is still active.

Main Attractions

• Army Heritage Museum (tanks, weapons, uniforms)
• Annandale Golf Course
• The wide open ground surrounded by deodar forest

Quick Tip:

Reach by taxi or a steep walk. There is no toy train station nearby. The museum is small but well kept. It is a lesser-known but one of the most beautiful Shimla tourist places.

4. Jakhoo Hill

What It Is?

The highest point in Shimla, sitting at 2,455 metres above sea level. A steep 2.5 km walk uphill from the Ridge gets you here.

Why Visit?

The 108-foot Hanuman statue dominates the skyline and is visible from parts of the Mall Road. The temple itself is old, and the views from the top are the best in the city.

Main Attractions

• Jakhoo Temple (Hanuman temple)
• The 108-foot orange Hanuman statue
• Panoramic views of the Shivalik ranges
• Surprisingly bold mountain squirrels

Quick Tip

Do not carry food in open bags. The monkeys here are aggressive, and they may just end up robbing you!

5.The Scandal Point, Ridge

What It Is?

One of the most popular Shimla tourist places, The Ridge is the wide open promenade in the heart of the city. Scandal Point is the specific spot where the Ridge meets the Mall Road.

Why Visit?

This is the centre of Shimla. Everything looks beautiful from here. The views of the snow-capped peaks are clear on good days, and the people-watching is unmatched.

Main Attractions

• The Ridge open space
• Scandal Point intersection
• Views of Kufri and Chadwick Falls directions
• Christ Church and the library nearby

Quick Tip:

Go early in the morning if you want a peaceful experience here, which is among the top Shimla visiting places. It gets quite packed by 11 AM.

6. Naldehra and Shaily Peak

What It Is?

Naldehra is a small town about 22 km from Shimla, famous for being one of India’s oldest golf courses. Shaily Peak is a nearby viewpoint accessible by a short trek or pony ride. Both of these are amazing Shimla visiting places.

Why Visit?

Naldehra is greener and quieter than Shimla proper. The golf course was laid out by Lord Curzon in 1903. Shaily Peak gives you views that rival anything in the main town.

Main Attractions

• Naldehra Golf Course (9-hole, thick deodar surroundings)
• Shaily Peak viewpoint
• Tattapani is nearby if you want to extend the trip
• Dense forest walks

Quick Tip:

You can play golf at Naldehra even if you are not a member. Green fees are reasonable. Carry a jacket as it gets windy at Shaily Peak.

7. Chadwick Falls

What It Is?

Chadwick Falls is an 86-metre waterfall located about 7 km from Shimla, deep inside the Glen Forests. It is not a roadside attraction, so you have to walk to reach this Shimla sightseeing place.

Why Visit?

During the monsoon, the water volume is impressive. The rest of the year, it is a thin stream. The walk through the forest is the real reward.

Main Attractions

• The waterfall itself (best in July-September)
• Glen Forest trail
• Deodar and pine forest cover
• Quiet compared to the Mall Road chaos

Quick Tip:

The path can get slippery. Wear proper shoes. Do not go after dark, as the forest is thick and there are no lights.

8. Mall Road

What It Is?

Mall Road is the main street of Shimla. Built by the British, it is still the commercial and social heart of the city. No vehicles are allowed on Mall Road (except emergency and official vehicles).

Why Visit?

You cannot skip it even if you want to. This is where the restaurants, shops, and old colonial buildings are. The Gaiety Theatre and the Town Hall are here.

Main Attractions

• Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
• Shimla Town Hall
• Scandal Point intersection
• Cafes, bakeries, and woollen shops

Quick Tip:

As one of the top Shimla sightseeing places, it gets quite crowded. Thus, everything here is overpriced. Bargain hard for shawls. Eat at the old bakeries, as they are better than the new cafes.

9. Johnnie’s Wax Museum

What It Is?

Johnnie’s Wax Museum is located near Willow Bank on the Mall Road. Opened in 2016, it is Himachal’s first wax museum.

Why Visit?

It is genuinely well done and has become one of the more popular places to visit in Shimla. The statues include Bollywood stars, political figures, and sports icons. Good for an hour of entertainment, especially if you have kids.

Main Attractions

• Wax statues of Modi, Trump, Michael Jackson, Harry Potter
• Photo ops with realistic figures
• Small but air-conditioned space

Quick Tip:

The ticket price is around ₹250 per person. It is small, so do not expect Madame Tussauds. However, it is quite cool in its own right.

10. Christ Church

What It Is?

Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India, built in 1857. Located right on the Ridge, you cannot miss the yellow tower and the neo-Gothic architecture. Definitely one of the best places to see in Shimla.

Why Visit?

It is beautiful. The stained glass windows are original, the cemetery behind it has graves from the 1800s, and the building has survived earthquakes and time.

Main Attractions

• Neo-Gothic architecture
• Stained glass windows representing faith, hope, charity, and fortitude
• The church clock
• The old cemetery behind the church

Quick Tip:

Evening is the best time to see it lit up. Services are held on Sundays, and visitors are welcome if respectful.

11. Himalayan Bird Park

What It Is

The Himalayan Bird Park is a small aviary located near the Vice Regal Lodge. It houses birds native to the Himalayan region, including pheasants, peacocks, and the monal.

Why Visit

It is a short visit and takes just about thirty minutes. But the monal (Himachal’s state bird) is worth seeing. The colours on that bird are stunning! This makes the bird park one of the top places to see in Shimla.

Main Attractions

• Monal pheasant
• Various Himalayan pheasants and parakeets
• Peacocks
• The walk through the wooded park itself

Quick Tip

Open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Mondays. Entry is cheap, around ₹10. Combine it with your IIAS visit since they are next to each other.

12. Tara Devi Temple

What It Is

The Tara Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara. It is located on Tara Devi Hill, about 11 km from the main town. The current structure was built in 1766 by the Sen Dynasty rulers.

Why Visit?

The temple sits at roughly 1,850 metres, and the views of the surrounding hills are excellent. It is also less commercial than Jakhu Temple, making it one of the best places to visit in Shimla.

Main Attractions

• The main temple structure
• Views of Shimla town and the mountains beyond
• The forested approach road
• A large tree near the temple that is considered sacred

Quick Tip:

You can reach by car or a steep trek from the Shimla-Kalka highway. The trek is about 3 km and not too difficult. Go in the morning for cleaner air.

13. Kufri

What It Is?

Kufri is a small hill station about 16 km from Shimla, sitting at 2,720 metres. It used to be a summer retreat for British officials. Now it is the default “snow spot” for tourists who come to Shimla.

Why Visit?

In winter, this is where you go to see snow. In summer, it is a green escape with pony rides, a small amusement park, and decent views. You will find some of the things to do in Shimla right here in Kufri.

Main Attractions

• Mahasu Peak (highest point, accessible by pony)
• Kufri Fun World (amusement park with a go-kart track)
• Himalayan Nature Park (zoo with local wildlife)
• Yak rides and pony rides

Quick Tip

It gets very crowded in December and January. Go early, carry your own woollens, and do not pay the first pony guy who quotes you a price; bargain hard with the pony operators. They always start high.

14. Chail

What It Is?

Chail is a hill station about 45 km from Shimla, built as a summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala after he was banned from Shimla by the British. Visiting Chail has now become one of the best things to do in Shimla.

Why Visit?

It is quieter than Shimla and Kufri. The palace is now a hotel, the cricket ground is the highest in the world, and the deodar forests here are thicker.

Main Attractions

• Chail Palace (now a heritage hotel)
• World’s highest cricket ground (2,444 metres)
• Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kali Ka Tibba temple with panoramic views

Quick Tip:

You can do Chail as a day trip from Shimla, but staying overnight at the palace hotel is worth it if your budget allows. The cricket ground requires permission to enter. You can ask your hotel to arrange it.

Hidden Gems & Local Favourites in Shimla

Everyone explores the Ridge. Everyone does Mall Road and Kufri. But if you want to see Shimla without the tourist filter, the actual city where actual people live, you need to get off the main routes. Here is where locals go when they are not doing the touristy things:

1. Sanjuali- Quiet Local Neighbourhood

Sanjuali is a residential area on the eastern side of Shimla, and most tourists do not even know it exists. It is steep, it is full of old houses, and it has zero souvenir shops. You will see locals walking to work, kids in school uniforms navigating stairs, and small tea stalls that have not changed their prices in decades! If you want to understand what everyday Shimla life looks like when the summer crowd goes home, spend a morning here. Just walk. Get lost. The city is small enough that you will find your way back.

2. Shimla State Museum

Housed in a colonial mansion called Inverarm, the Shimla State Museum is very underrated. The building itself is from 1900, and the collection inside is solid. You find everything from sculptures from across Himachal, miniature Pahari paintings that are genuinely beautiful, traditional coins, textiles, and old photographs of Shimla before it became a massive tourist attraction. The entry fee is nominal. The crowd is basically nothing. You might have the entire place to yourself. Visit this place, which is a lesser-known but very beautiful Shimla tourist place.

3. Green Valley

Green Valley is not a park. It is a mountain pass on the way to Kufri, lined with dense pine and deodar forest that looks like a desktop wallpaper. Everyone drives past it. Almost no one stops. Pull over. Walk ten metres into the trees. The silence is unsettling at first and then addictive. During the winters, the pines are dusted with snow. In the monsoon, the mist sits between the trees like someone left a smoke machine running. It takes ten minutes. You do not need a guide. You do not need an entry ticket. You just need to relax and soak in all the gifts of nature.

Nearby Scenic Spots & Day Trips from Shimla

Shimla is great, but it is also crowded and expensive. The smart move is to use it as a base and escape to the surrounding areas. The three spots listed below are all doable in a day, and each one feels like a completely different trip. If you are opting for a Thomas Cook holiday package, ensure you get a few visits to the nearby attractions too. Thomas Cook has some wonderful customisable packages, so see what you can include in them.

1. Mashobra – 12 km from Shimla

Mashobra is what Shimla used to be before it became Shimla. Apple orchards, thick deodar forest, and a silence that makes you aware of your own heartbeat. The Presidential Retreat (the retreat building where the Indian President stays in summer) is located here, so security is tight in some areas, but the rest of the town is open. There are old churches, forest walks, and basically no mall culture. If you are the type who reads books instead of posting stories, Mashobra is your place. Stay at a cottage if you can. The apple blossom in April is something else.

2. Tattapani – 51 km from Shimla

Tattapani means “hot water”, and that is exactly what you get in this beautiful town – natural hot sulphur springs on the banks of the Sutlej River. The water is genuinely hot. There are small pools carved out where you can sit and soak while the river rushes past you. It is serene and therapeutic and completely unlike anything else near Shimla. They also have river rafting here on the Sutlej if sitting in hot water is too slow for you. The road from Shimla to Tattapani is a bit rough, but the springs are worth it.

3. Kasauli – 77 km from Shimla

Kasauli is an old British cantonment town, and it still feels like one. The Mall Road here is actually just a walking path. The buildings are still painted in those faded colonial colours. The air is cleaner. The pace is slower. Monkey Point is the main viewpoint. It is a small temple on a hill with views that stretch for miles. The walk from the bus stand to the upper mall is all cobblestones and old shops selling nothing in particular. It is 77 km, which sounds far, but the drive through the hills is beautiful. You can do it as a long day trip or stay overnight at one of the old heritage properties. Either way, it feels like Shimla’s calmer, better-mannered cousin.

FAQs About Shimla

1. What’s the best way to reach Shimla?

By road from Chandigarh, it is roughly 115 km and takes four hours. By toy train from Kalka, it takes five to six hours. The Jubbarhatti airport exists, but flights are unreliable due to weather. If you are flying, land in Chandigarh and take a cab.

2. What is the best time to visit Shimla?

March to June for pleasant weather. July to September if you like mist and do not mind landslide delays. October to November for clear skies. December to February if you want snow and are willing to fight every other tourist in North India for a hotel room.

3. What are the best places to see in Shimla?

The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, IIAS, Kufri, and Chail. That covers the essentials. Add Summer Hill and Annandale if you have an extra day.

4. What are the activities you can do in Shimla?

Walking. Lots of walking. The Mall Road, the Ridge, the walk to Jakhoo. Shopping for woollens. Eating at old bakeries. Ice skating at the natural rink in winter. Toy train ride. Golf at Naldehra if you are fancy.

5. What places can you visit around Shimla?

Kufri, Chail, Naldehra, Mashobra, Tattapani, Kasauli. All within a few hours’ drive. Pick two and do them properly instead of rushing through five.

6. What activities can you do at Kufri?

Pony rides to Mahasu Peak. Go-karting at Kufri Fun World. Visiting the Himalayan Nature Park. Yak rides. Standing in the snow and taking photos. That is basically the list.

7. Is the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train worth it? How do I book?

Yes. It is slow. It is bumpy. It takes five hours to cover 96 km. And it is absolutely worth it once. The views are ridiculous. The tunnels are fun. The stations look like they are from a different century. Book through IRCTC. Book WEEKS in advance. The seats sell out fast, especially in summer and around Christmas. Do not expect to get a ticket on the day of travel. You will not.

8. What is Shimla famous for?

Colonial architecture, the Mall Road, the toy train, apples, and being the summer capital of British India.

9. Is Shimla good to visit in winter for snowfall?

Yes, if you book early and bring proper winter gear. January is the best bet for fresh snow. However, it is one of the most tourist-friendly seasons, so be prepared for huge crowds!

10. How many days are enough to cover all places in Shimla?

Three days for Shimla town plus Kufri. Add two more if you want to do Chail, Mashobra, and Kasauli without rushing. If you are doing the toy train, add half a day just for that. So keep about four to five days total for a comprehensive trip.