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Shimla is known as the “Queen of Hills” for a reason: it has colonial architecture, lush green landscapes, and snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The beauty of this hill station transcends time, and it is generally the ideal retreat during the hot summer months. Shimla offers a variety of activities, including trekking, nature exploration, river rafting, and paragliding. You may see the beautiful architecture while also spending time in comfortable cottages. Explore these things to do in Shimla for a well-rounded tour during the summer months.
Best Things To Do In Shimla
Shimla’s cool climate, breathtaking landscapes, and a plethora of activities make it an ideal vacation spot. Here is a list of the best things to do in Shimla:
1. Explore The Ridge
Photo: Vikas0713 / Wikimedia Commons
The Ridge is the heart of Shimla, an open space that runs along the Mall Road and connects to various significant spots in the town. The highlight of visiting the Ridge in Shimla is to sneak panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and snow-capped peaks. Beyond the nature views, the Ridge is also home to a variety of colonial buildings including the Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in North India. Also, the open area is surrounded by several stalls, which act as a social hub for people to gather around, try some street food and even indulge in festivals and events.
Location: The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001
Timings: 24 Hours
Entry Fees: Free
2. Visit Mall Road
Photo: Virusism / Wikimedia Commons
Mall Road is the lifeline of Shimla, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Not just for food, this road is a haven for shopping enthusiasts. Also, the road is vehicle-free, meaning that you have to walk around and explore the spot. There are lines of stalls and shops selling woollen clothes, handicrafts, etc. Like the Ridge, even Mall Road in Shimla is lined with a variety of colonial buildings, which add to the view. One of the best things to do in Shimla is to take a stroll here. Some of the popular landmarks like Scandal Point and Gaiety Theatre are also located here.
Location: Mall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
3. Seek Blessings At Jakhoo Temple
Photo: Rohan1331 / Wikimedia Commons
Located on Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, Jakhoo Temple is one of the most popular temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Inside the temple lies a massive 108-feet-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, visible from various parts of Shimla. Given its location on top of a hill, it isn’t surprising that you have to embark on an extensive hike to reach the temple and then offer your prayers there. The hike itself is fairly rewarding and takes you through dense deodar forests. For older people or disabled individuals who don’t want to hike, there is a ropeway facility available too.
Location: Jakhoo Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Visit Kufri
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmu… / Wikimedia Commons
Located around 14 km from the main town of Shimla, Kufri is a quaint yet beautiful hill station that’s perfect for tourists looking for a break from the daily chaos of life. Kufri offers a range of activities such as skiing, tobogganing, and hiking, which are all adventurous things to do in Shimla. To witness the rich biodiversity of Kufri, plan a visit to Himalayan Nature Park where you can explore the wildlife around. Kufri Fun World, an amusement park with the highest go-kart track in the world, is another major attraction as well.
Location: 14 Km from Shimla
Timings: 24 Hours
Entry Fees: N/A
5. Indulge In History At Viceregal Lodge
Photo: Abhimanyu / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re ever wondering about the things to do in Shimla, visit the Viceregal Lodge. The lodge is located on top of the Observatory Hill, which is now the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. It served as the residence of the British Viceroy of India and is now surrounded by well-manicured gardens, which adds to the beauty of the place. You can explore the interiors of the Viceregal Lodge to take a closer look at the wood-panelled rooms and antique furniture. To truly immerse yourself in the history of this place, take a guided tour, which is readily available.
Location: Observatory Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171005
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20 onwards
6. Experience The Toy Train Ride
Photo: Raghavan V / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Shimla is ride on the Kalka-Shimla toy train. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique travel experience through the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, going through 102 tunnels, over 800 bridges, and numerous curves. It is one of the most thrilling toy train rides in India and worth it. The narrow-gauge railway, built during the British era, connects Kalka to Shimla and covers a distance of 96 kilometres and the journey lasts between 5-6 hours. There are several spots at the charming hill stations along the way as well.
Location: Kalka to Shimla
Timings: Multiple departures daily
Entry Fees: ₹300 onwards
7. Visit Christ Church
Photo: ShashankSharma2511 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the things to do in Shimla is to visit Christ Church, which is a prominent landmark in the city. It is the second oldest church in North India and is located at the Ridge. It is a neo-Gothic church that was built in 1857 and features stained glass windows, a typical element that represents Christian faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility. The inside of this church is expansive with its high-rise ceilings, brass plaques and a grand pipe organ. You can pray, sit on the benches and truly soak in the peace, calm and quiet inside the church.
Location: The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
8. Visit Chadwick Falls
Photo: Vigneshkannusamy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the must-visit spots in Shimla is Chadwick Falls. It is located in the Glen Forests and flows from a height of 1586 metres, creating a natural spectacle in the area. What adds to the beauty of the waterfalls is the pine and deodar forests located around them. You can trek to the falls from Summer Hill or it’s accessible via vehicles too. The best time to visit Chadwick Falls is during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak, creating a mesmerising sight. However, be aware of the water levels and avoid venturing too close to the falls.
Location: Glen Forest, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171005
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
9. Enjoy a View of Shimla From Summer Hill
Photo: Shahzaib Damn Cruze / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
More commonly known as Potter’s Hill, Summer Hill is another one of the must-visit spots in Shimla. It is one of the seven hills that form Shimla and offers panoramic views of the hill station from the top. Not just that, historically, Summer Hill has associations with Mahatma Gandhi, who stayed at the Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur during his visits to Shimla. Due to the surrounding nature trails around Summer Hill, you can embark on trekking experiences too. If you are wondering what to do in Shimla, this is one of the best spots to visit.
Location: Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171005
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
10. Shopping At Lakkar Bazaar
Photo: Cindy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Among the many markets in Shimla, Lakkar Bazaar happens to be one of the most popular ones. If you enjoy a vibrant street shopping experience, this is the place you need to be in. It is located adjoining the Ridge, the market is renowned for its woollen clothes, pashmina shawls, handicrafts, etc. There are dry fruits and Kully shawls, which are a speciality there. While in Lakkar Bazaar, ensure to stop at Sita Ram, which is a famous eatery there. Try their delicious Chole Bhature to appease your post-shopping hunger. You can also find several stalls selling wooden handicrafts and Chinese shoes.
Location: Adjacent to Ridge in Shimla
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Entry fees: Free
Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” offers a variety of unique experiences, catering to the interests of many travellers. From shopping to trekking and exploring colonial architecture, a lot is waiting to be unfurled. As you plan your next trip with TripXL, ensure to plan a solid itinerary with all the things to do in Shimla Himachal Pradesh to make the most out of your experience there.
Cover Photo: Alexis Ricardo Alaurin / Pexels
