List of 14 Famous Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla is a quaint little hill station nestled in Himachal Pradesh and is located at a comfortable driving distance from Delhi and other cities in Punjab. It is without a doubt one of the most popular hill stations in the country, and there many places to see in Shimla and many activities do in and around this quaint little town.

If you are travelling by train, you must take the Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla, it’s a fun and exhilarating ride. Make sure you eat delicious baked goodies from the famous bakeries on Mall road and enjoy scrumptious breakfast at the Indian Coffee House.

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Places to see in Shimla include Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla, Jakhoo Temple, Theog, Scandal Point, Institute of Advanced Studies, Mashobra, Chail, Christ Church, Tattapani, Lakkar Bazaar, Himalayan Bird Park and Naldhera. The best time to visit in from April to September, although it’s a year-round destination.

You can also enjoy many adventure activities such as River Water Rafting, Camping, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Golfing, Ice Skating among other things.

Bear in mind that Shimla is a popular weekend getaway for people in North India, so if you plan to visit on any such weekend break, make sure you make all your reservations in advance. Train booking opens three months in advance, and if you are driving them to make sure you leave early morning, so you can avoid traffic along the way. Keep tabs on the weather and have a backup in case of delays or cancellations.

Shimla is located 358Km from the Delhi Airport; the drive takes around 9 hours. If you want to avoid such a long drive, then you can take a train to Kalka. From there you can either take the toy train, one of the top things to do in Shimla.

Places to See in Shimla

1. Summer Hills

There is a lot do and see in the picturesque town of Shimla. However, there are only a few places that offer uninterrupted Panoramic views that do justice to the surreal beauty of this Himalayan hill station. One such place is the Summer Hills, and that’s why they are at the top of this Places to See in Shimla list. The viewing points there allow you to capture the Himalayan Landscape in its raw and true form. The hills themselves are covered with green pastures, and you can spend an entire day here with your family and have a nice picnic lunch. Summer Hills is also one the seven hills that form the town of Shimla.

• How Much Time to spend: 2-3 Hours
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

2. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies should be on your list of Places to See in Shimla. Shimla is a testimony to the colonial past of our country and this institution built by the British is an integral part of colonial history. The Institute formerly served as the official summer retreat of the Indian President. It was under the reign of Indian President DR. Radhakrishnan that the institute was converted into a research centre for the promotion and advancements of arts and humanities in India.

Tourists can visit the institute and its surrounding gardens and enjoy the marvels of the colonial architecture in India which make it one of the top Shimla Tourism attractions. The building is an architectural wonder in itself as it was built with a proficient fire system, that can rival any that exist in modern times.

• How Much Time to spend: 1-2 hours
• Operating hours: 9 am to 5:30 pm
• Approximate Cost for Two: Entry Ticket is approx. INR 40 Per Perso Garden Entry Ticket is approx. INR 20 per Person
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

Must Read: Be Captivated By The Scenic Splendor Of Shimla

3.  Annandale

Annandale is another top Shimla Attractions that must make it to your list of Places to See in Shimla. Another Colonial building, the place has hosted many British adventure Sports in its day. Nowadays, tourists can visit here and enjoy the natural beauty, a walk down memory lane, enjoy a day mini golf and visit the Army Museum. There is no entry fee, although you may have to pay for the mini golf.

• How Much Time to spend: 1-2 Hours
• Operating hours: 10 am to 2 pm -3 pm to 5 pm
• Approximate Cost for Two: Entry to the Museum is Free
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

4. Jakhoo hill

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Jakhoo Hills is the highest peak in Shimla. The hill is 8000 feet high and one of the most popular Shimla Attractions. A trip to Shimla is incomplete without a visit to the hill, so don’t forget to include it in your list of Places to See in Shimla. You can’t take your drive all the way up to the top of the hill. However, the short trek to the top is exhausting but fun. The winding walkaway is amidst a thick forest lined with tall and beautiful pine trees.

At the top, you can capture the Himalayan Landscape in its raw and true form. You can enjoy uninterrupted Panoramic views that do justice to the surreal beauty of this Himalayan hill station. Once there you can visit the famous Jakhoo Temple.

• How Much Time to spend: 2-3 Hours
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5/5

5. The Scandal Point, Ridge

Although it’s called the scandal point, there is nothing scandalous about this large platform located in the centre of the town. The town, mall road, shops, restaurants etc. are located around here. There are many viewing platforms here, and from there you can enjoy and capture breathtaking views of the Shimla valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. If you visit Shimla during winters, you may view beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges from the viewing platforms. The place is particularly crowded during evenings as people flock here to view the stunning Himalayan Sunset. The famous Tudor Library is located here; you can drop in for a quick visit. If you are already excited to pack your bags and go, do check out the Shimla Tour Packages for the best travel deals.

• How Much Time to spend: 2-3 Hours
• Operating hours: 24*7
• Approximate Cost for Two: Free
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

6.  Naldhera and Shaily Peak

If you are a nature lover and a photography enthusiast, then your you must visit Naldhera and put it at the top of your Places to See in Shimla list. Naldhera is a short drive from the main town of Shimla and offers stunning views of the valley. You can even enjoy the memorising Himalayan sunsets from the various viewing points scattered all around. The place is surrounded by thick forest lined with gorgeous Deodar Trees. You can spend a fun day here with the entire family. Have a nice lunch and enjoy horseback riding.

• How Much Time to spent: 3-4 Hours
• Operating hours: 24*7
• Approximate Cost for Two: Entry is free. However, pony rides may cost approx. INR 100-150/- per ride.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4-Star Rating

Most Recommended: 20 Best Things To Do In Shimla – Queen Of Hill Stations

7. Chadwick falls

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Places to see in Shimla must include the beautiful Chadwick Falls. The falls are a very popular tourist attraction in Shimla and are located at an altitude of 1586 meters. The falls are surrounded by thick forests, beautiful Pine and Deodar Trees and enthralling views. The best time to visit the falls is during monsoons, as the falls gave an increased flow of water and surrounding areas are lusher than ever. The beauty of the falls is truly captivating, and the ambience around it is surreal.

• How Much Time to spent: 1-2 hours
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4/5

8. Mall Road

Mall roads are synonymous with most Hill Station in North India. No matter where you go, you will always find one, and it will most likely spend all your spare time, walking, checking out the cute little stores and of course stuffing yourselves with delicious food. Shimla’s mall road is no exception to this rule. In fact, the mall road in Shimla is very famous for selling woollen clothing, beautiful local handicrafts and many other local delights at reasonable prices.

• How Much Time to spend: A day
• Operating hours: Shops close around 9 pm.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 5-Star Rating

9.  Johnnie’s Wax Museum

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The museum is a popular tourist attraction in Shimla. The locals refer to it as the Madame Tussauds of Himachal Pradesh. The museum houses statues of many prominent Indians and International personalities such as politicians, actors, sportsmen and women among other. You can easily spend a couple of hours here posing with your favourite icons and celebrities. And although it’s not quite the real Tussauds, it’s pretty darn good.

• How Much Time to spent: – 1-2 hours
• Operating hours: 10 am to 10 pm
• Approximate Cost for Two: Entry fees are approx. INR 250/- Per Person
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4-Star Rating

10.  Christ Church

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Christ Church, Shimla needs no introduction. The church is the second oldest church in all of North India and hands down the most famous and popular tourist attraction in Shimla. It’s easy to locate as its big yellow building located at the beginning of the infamous mall road.

If you are looking for a few moments of total calm and peace, then visit the church. The church interiors are quite humble, but the church walls hold within them many tales of the forgotten time. You can sit on the benches and spend some time communing with God, meditating or simply spend time some quiet time with yourself and your thoughts.

• How Much Time to spent: 1 hour
• Operating hours: 8 am to 6 pm
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4-Star Rating

11. Himalayan Bird Park

If you are nature admirer, photography enthusiast and bird lover, then you must visit the Himalayan Bird Park, home to many exotic and migratory birds. The park is open only during summer time, so make sure you plan a visit here accordingly. You can enjoy your time here, admiring the marvels of nature, bird watching and of course photographing your beautiful surroundings.

• How Much Time to spend: As long as you want
• Operating hours: 10 am to 5 pm
• Approximate Cost for Two:

1. Entry Fees for Adults is approx. INR 10/- Per Person
2. Entry Fees for Children (Aged 5-8) is approx. INR 5/- Per Person
3. Camera Fees is approx. INR 15/-
4. Vide Camera Fees is approx. INR 50/-

• Trip Advisor Rating: 3-Star Rating

12. Tara Devi Temple

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Although Shimla has many famous temples such as the Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi is undoubtedly the most popular among them. Just like Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi is perched atop one of the seven magnificent hills of Shimla. You can visit the temple of your way to Shimla from Kala as the way to the temple can be accessed through the main highway.

• How Much Time to spend: 1 hour
• Operating hours: 7 am to 6:30 pm
• Approximate Cost for Two: Entry is free
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4.5-Star Rating

13. Kufri

Commonly referred to as the winter sports capital of India and located 17 km from Shimla. Some of you may not know, but Kufri wasn’t always a part of India and was formerly a part of the Kingdom of Nepal.

During summers you can plan a day trip from Shimla to Kufri and enjoy some uninterrupted Panoramic views that do justice to the surreal beauty of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Make sure you carry your DSLR’s, to capture the beautiful 360 degrees views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

During Winters, you can maybe spend a night or two here and enjoy skiing and ice skating. If you are lucky, you may also get to see some snowfall while you are there.

• How Much Time to spent: 1 Day
• Operating hours: 24*7
• Approximate Cost for Two: Depends on the activities you do.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4-Star Rating

14. Chail

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Chail is a two hours’ drive from Shimla and is home to the worlds highest cricketing pitch. You can visit the cricket grounds, Chail Palace, nearby plantations and the Zoo when you visit Chail. Since Chail is located at a higher altitude than that of Shimla, at night time, you can view the mesmerising city lights. P.S, if you decide to spend a night here, you can do so at the Chail Palace!!!!

• How Much Time to spend: 1 Day
• Operating hours: 24*7
• Approximate Cost for Two: Depends on the activities you do.
• Trip Advisor Rating: 4-Star Rating

Check out: Shimla Tour packages to enjoy the sight of gurgling rapids, local green vegetation and the sight of the distant snow-clad Himalayas.

FAQ’s

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

Shimla is located 358Km from the Delhi Airport; the drive takes around 9 hours. If you want to avoid such a long drive, then you can take a train to Kalka. From there you can either take the toy train to Shimla or hire a cab.

2. What is the Best Time to Visit Shimla?

The best time to visit in from April to September, although it’s a year-round destination.

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

Best places to see in Shimla are:

• Summer Hills
• Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
• Annandale
• Jakhoo Hills
• The Scandal Point, Ridge
• The Shimla State Museum
• Naldhera and Shaily Peak
• Chadwick Falls
• Mall Road
• Johnnie’s Wax Museum
• Christ Church
• Himalayan Bird Park
• Tara Devi Temple
• Kufri
• Chail

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

Activities you can do in Shimla are:

• River Water Rafting
• Camping
• Paragliding
• Mountain Biking
• Skiing
• Golfing
• Ice Skating

5. What places can you visit around Shimla?

Places you can visit around Shimla are:

• Chail
• Mashobra
• Kufri
• Shobha
• Parwanoo
• Kasauli
• Manali

6. What activities can you do at Kufri?

Things you can do at Kufri include:

• Kufri Fun World
• Horse Ride to the Mahasu Peak
• Skiing
• Ice Skating