Jakhu Temple is a historic and ancient temple in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. The temple offers picturesque scenic views of the Shivalik ranges, which are situated on the top of Jakhu Hill. The tourist attraction of this temple is its Hanuman statue, which is 108 feet tall and attracts devotees to the temple. The temple is believed to be the spot where Hanuman rests while he is in search of SanjeevnI Booti. The peaceful environment, rich history, and spiritual atmosphere make the Temple a must-visit destination for Shimla.
Quick Details About Jakhoo Temple
Address: Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Best Time To visit: March to June
Time Duration: 2 – 4 days
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station, which is 3.2 km away
Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Jakhu Temple (also Jakhoo Temple) is situated at Jakhu Hill in Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. Jakhu Hill is the highest point in Shimla and is known for its wide scenic views.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dalhousie That Leave An Imprint On Your Soul, Forever
How To Reach
Photo: Ilya Lisauskas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tourists can reach Jakhoo Temple road, ropeway, and on foot.
By Walk: The tourists and devotees can walk through the Jakhoo temple from the Ridge, which will take 20-25 minutes and will involve no cost.
By Road: Now you can get cabs or taxis from the Ridge, where you can hire a taxi and reach the temple by experiencing the beautiful Shiwalik ranges and steep slopes and enjoying the picturesque scenery.
By Ropeway: The easiest way to reach is a cable car ride which will take hardly 5 minutes. The two-way journey to Jakhoo temple by cable car will cost 500 per person. These ropeways will help you in over.
Things To Do Around Jakhu Temple
1. Enjoying The Views Of Shimla And The Himalayas
Photo: Gautam1962 / Wikimedia Commons
Jakhoo temple offers stunning views of Shimla city space and its landmarks, which are Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, etc. You can also explore the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range, such as Churdhar, Kinner Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, etc. Jakhoo temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and scenic side of the Himalayas. The views are outstanding during sunrise and sunset when the sky changes with colours and the city lights light up.
Suggested Read: A Complete Travel Guide For The Things To Do In Jibhi
2. Feeding Or Playing With The Monkeys
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Jakhu is popular for its large population of monkeys, who are friendly and curious. They are considered to be the successor of Hanuman and are respected by the locals. Be careful not to provoke them or touch them; you can feed them bananas, peanuts, or biscuits. Ensure the safety of your things because they can be aggressive and snatch your belongings, such as sunglasses, hats, bags, etc. You can explore them via watching, playing and jumping around the temple premises.
Places To Visit Around Jakhu Temple
1. The Ridge
Photo: Tanweer Morshed / Wikimedia Commons
The Ridge Road is a large open space located in the centre of Shimla, which is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Ridge is situated along Mall Road and is also known as the hub of all Shimla cultural activities. The most famous places in Shimla are Sanjauli Snowdown, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Oakover, etc., all connected through The Ridge. This is also known as cultural events and festivals and offers a lively atmosphere with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, etc. It is situated about 2 km from the temple, which you reach by ropeway or local transport.
Things To Do: Enjoy scenic views, Visit Christ Church, Shopping at Lakkar Bazzar, Attend Festivals and Events
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Chamba For An Ultimate Holiday Adventure
2. The Mall Road
Photo: Numerounovedant / Wikimedia Commons
The Mall Road is a pedestrian-only street, a major hangout point and shopping area in Shimla that runs parallel to The Ridge,, which was constructed during British colonial rule. This is known as a popular destination with many branded stores, local shops, and handicraft stalls that will take you to the traditional culture of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This is situated near the Jakhu temple, which is 2.5 km away, and you can reach it by road or taxi.
Things To Do: Explore Scandal Point, Visit Gaiety Theatre, Stroll and Sightseeing, Enjoy Street Performances
3. Christ Church
Photo: ShashankSharma2511 / Wikimedia Commons
Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India, after St John’s Church in Meerut. This church is a prominent landmark of Shimla in India. It was built in 1857 in Gothic style and has a beautiful stained glass window depicting faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility. Returning at night to see this church in the finest well-placed spotlights creates a spectacular glow. It is in the popular raised region in central Shimla, perched atop the Ridge, which can be seen from miles away.
Things To Do: Admire the Architecture, Photograph the Church, Learn the History, Attend Cultural Events
Suggested Read: Uncover The Things To Do In Mcleodganj On Your Next Trip
4. Scandal Point
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Scandal Point is a significant landmark which is situated at the intersection of Ridge Road and Mall Road that carries intriguing tales from the past. It earned its name from the commotion caused by the elopement of a British lady with an Indian Maharaja. This point is a mountain lover’s heaven because you can enjoy a scenic view of gigantic mountains where people relax and rejuvenate amidst the view of the soaring mountains. You can enjoy horse riding at this point and play some arcade games in the small shops surrounding this point.
Things To Do: Shopping and Dining, Photography and Sightseeing, Architectural Landmarks, Cultural Significance
5. Gaiety Theatre
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons
Gaiety Theatre is a testament to Shimla’s cultural heritage. It is located on Mall Road and is in proximity to Scandal Point. This was built during the late 19th century, and it has witnessed numerous captivating theatrical performances, including those by renowned playwright Rudyard Kipling. It is said that the structure of the building was not safe, and a few changes were made, but the theatre is as it is. This place stood as a hub for entertainment for decades.
Things To Do: Famous Personalities, Theatre Museum, Historical Significance, Architectural Marvel
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Palampur For A Fun Vacation Amid The Hills
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ravichandra / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip: A trip to Jakhoo Temple in Shimla is ₹5000 to ₹8000 per person, depending on travel preferences and choices. The expenses for accommodation range from ₹1500 to ₹3000 per night at budget hotels. Transportation cost like bus fares from cities like Delhi is between ₹500 to ₹1000 per person one way. Dining and meal expenses at mid-range restaurants are between ₹200 to ₹500 per meal. Additional costs may apply for other activities.
Tips For Travelers:
- Dress comfortably and wear well-built shoes because the trek to the temple can be physically demanding.
- Be sure to keep a water bottle to stay hydrated and energised during the trekking.
- Be aware of the monkeys around the premises of the temple because sometimes they are aggressive and snatch your things, so keep them in a safe place.
- Plan a trip when the weather is clear to enjoy the scenic views of Shimla and the nearby surroundings of the temple.
- If you do not prefer to go trekking, then you can consider the Jakhu ropeway, which offers scenic views to ride up the hill.
No matter if you are a photography enthusiast or searching for nature’s humble touch, Jakhu Temple is where you will witness all these things. This temple in Himachal Pradesh is an ideal place to visit for both locals and tourists to experience one of the most serene experiences. We at Trip XL offer personalised tour plans for Shimla and other places in Himachal Pradesh so that you can make the most of your vacation without any tension.
Cover Photo: Jishnu Mohan / Wikimedia Commons