Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh picturesque scenery and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for tourists. However, there are numerous unexplored, preserved hill stations near Shimla that offer stunning natural beauty. These hidden gems, known as Kangojodi, Jibhi, and Shoja, are perfect for romantic couples, families, honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts, and photography buffs. It also offers a variety of Shimla hill stations for tourists, including ancient Hindu temples, challenging Himalayan treks, and stunning landscapes.
10 Famous Hill Stations Near Shimla
Shimla is a popular destination for tourists seeking to witness the Himalayas’ magnificent glory. Following are the 10 top hill stations near Shimla for a mesmerising and fantastic experience:
1. Chail
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
Chail is near Shimla and is a part of the Golden Triangle of Himachal, leading tourists to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. Chail Palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Patiala in the year 1894 during the British regime and it won fame for its architectural style and is home to the world’s highest cricket stadium and polo ground. Some of the things that visitors can do include camping, rock climbing, horse riding, and nature walks and popular tourist attractions include Sidh Baba Ka Mandir, Tibba, and the Junga Fort.
Distance From Shimla: 52.7 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chail On Your Next Himachal Pradesh Trip
2. Kasauli
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Kasauli is one of the beautiful and quiet hill stations near Shimla and is situated at a height of 1,800 metres from the sea level. It is blessed with pine and oak trees, stunning viewpoints, and colonial-built structures. It offers a calm and serene atmosphere for refreshment and relaxation. Visitors can also explore temples, sunset points, nature trails, and monkey points. The site is perfect for adventurous activities like trekking, camping, and hiking. Established by the British during British India, today’s Kasauli is a perfect escape from city life and a nature’s delight for tourists.
Distance From Shimla: 67.4 km
3. Parwanoo
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
Parwanoo is an industrial town in Himachal Pradesh with a huge wholesale market in flowers and fruits, eye-pleasing hills, and fresh orchards along the slopes. It is situated on Chandigarh Shimla Highway and acts as a starting point for such nearby attractions as Kasauli and Pinjore. Visitors can also enjoy a cable car ride to get the best view of the sunset, surrounding terrains and the Kali Mata temple. It gives the rural amenities, a scenic view of the mountain and green valleys and as a whole, acts as a weekend getaway destination from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Kasauli.
Distance From Shimla: 84 km
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Himachal Pradesh For Fresh Mountain Air
4. Barog
Photo: NikkSingh / Wikimedia Commons
Barog hill station is situated in the Choor Chandni hills of Himachal Pradesh and is fit for those who seek for calmness and leisure in the beautiful destination of Shimla. Located on the Kalka-Shimla Highway, it provides a perfect getaway from the hustle of city life with the world’s straightest tunnel – the Barog Tunnel. Visitors can enjoy camping, sightseeing and visiting cultural places like Mohan Shakti Temple. Barog is also a famous tourist place having a railway station on the Kalka-Shimla Railway which falls under the World Heritage Sites.
Distance From Shimla: 47.4 km
5. Naldehra
Photo: Vworlikar / Wikimedia Commons
Naldehra, located near Shimla, is an untouched place perfect for weekend vacations. It is famous for its nine-hole golf course, where tourists can enjoy a serene environment with calmness and peacefulness. Another famous place that tourists can visit is the Kogi Mata temple and experience thrilling river rafting. Naldehra is an eyesore for the nature lover with rolling mountains lying in the misty clouds and cedar forest standing tall. Tourists can take a peaceful stroll around the beautiful green valley or take a horse ride to the popular Naldehra Golf Course.
Distance From Shimla: 24.5 km
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places Near Shimla
6. Fagu
Fagu is a beautiful place and hill station near Shimla. It is a small village famous for its natural beauty, panoramic views of the Himalayan range, and trekking trails. As the highest point in the Shimla region, it encourages visitors to enjoy snow during winter. This hamlet is located in the clouds and provides a hermitage for admirers of the mountains and nature. Go to the beautiful village located at Hindustan-Tibet Road and experience the swaying green fields and snow-capped mountains.
Distance From Shimla: 19.3 km
7. Theog
Photo: Hill Grovers Technoman / Shutterstock
Theog is an unexplored region in the geographic territory of Shimla district that boasts spectacular vistas of the Himalayas. It provides tranquillity, and recreational facilities, and serves as an entrance to attractive locations such as Narkanda. Theog is famous for its scenic views, local products, and the fruits that are available, especially during summertime. It is also the best camping site for campers. Its charm lies in its unspoiled beauty and warm hospitality, offering a variety of attractions for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking relaxation.
Distance From Shimla: 73.5 km
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Shoghi To Explore The Pristine Nature
8. Shoghi
Photo: Anup Sadi / Wikimedia Commons
Shoghi is an emerging suburb of Shimla and is surrounded by trees of rhododendron, oak, deodar and lovely slopes of hills. It is a picturesque destination with unspoiled scenery and favourable weather that provides an atmosphere of relaxation making it an excellent spot from the bustling tourist attractions. Shoghi stands at an elevation of more than 5000 feet above sea level and it offers a variety of trekking trails for trekkers. Overnight treks and camping expeditions are also available, offering the opportunity to explore remote wilderness areas and camp under the open sky.
Distance From Shoghi: 13.6 km
9. Mashobra
Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons
Mashobra, a picturesque hill station, is situated near Shimla and is famous for its trekking trails, apple orchards, and dense forests of pines, rhododendrons, and deodars. It also serves as the summer residence of the Indian President. Mashobra includes the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary which offers bird-watching opportunities and nature trails. Nestled at 2246 metres above sea level, with a serene environment and plenty of resorts. It is an ideal place for history lovers, spiritual tourists and those who are interested in culture.
Distance From Maashobra: 10 km
Suggested Read: Enhance Your Vacation With These Things To Do In Shimla
10. Sarahan
Photo: TravellingAdvaita / Wikimedia Commons
Sarahan, a beautiful village in Himachal Pradesh, is a major tourist destination known for its picturesque landscapes and the Bhimakali Temple, a testament to Indo-Tibetan architecture. Located at an altitude of 2165 metres above sea level, Sarahan is known for its apple orchards, pine forests, small streams, rustic settings, and slate-roofed houses. Sarahan is situated on the banks of the Sutlej River and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the unique Shrikhand Peak.
Distance From Shimla: 160.9 km
Hill stations near Shimla provide a serene escape into nature, offering unique attractions like Kufri, Naldehra, and Chail. To fully enjoy the hill stations near Shimla, it’s crucial to visit Shimla and explore the Mall Road. Book your hotel in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and create unforgettable memories. If you’re interested in visiting these Shimla hill stations near Himachal, plan your adventure and gear up for a thrilling journey with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Amit kg / Shutterstock