From being “The Summer Capital of British India” to sharing the title of “Queen of Hills” with Mussoorie, Shimla is one of the most beloved destinations for tourists. Picture pine-scented air, toy trains puffing along misty hillsides, and colonial architecture. And just when you think it’s all quaint charm, the sunset hits the snow peaks.  

From pine-and-deodar trees to old-world architecture and its distinctive colonial charm, forests of Rhododendrons and Oaks, and Firs with their thick trunks and strong branches, and the sweeping views of snow-clad mountains, Shimla is a treasure trove of beauty and surprises. There are countless places to visit in Shimla for travellers seeking both serenity and adventure. 

Top Places to Visit in Shimla 

Let’s check out some of the popular bits of this heaven on earth called Shimla.  

Jakhu Hanuman Temple 

As per local legend, the Jakhu temple marks the sacred site where the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman rested on his journey to retrieve Sanjivani Booti during the epic war between Lord Ram and Ravana. The temple premises have one of the tallest statues of Lord Hanuman, standing 108 feet tall and symbolises the enduring devotion, courage and humility.  

Location: Jakhu Temple Park, Jakhu, Shimla (Recommended: Take the ropeway near The Ridge for a more scenic visit as you ascend and descend the mountain) 

Mall Road 

If you are craving some retail therapy, the Mall Road will leave you spoilt for choice. This commercial area is one of those must-see places in Shimla that perfectly blends chaos and charm. The complex has everything from restaurants to cute little shops with locals selling handmade wares, woollen clothes and antiques. Since it is a pedestrian-only stretch, you can leisurely stroll through the bustling shops, shop for some souvenirs or maybe drift to quaint cafes like Cafe Shimla Times or Hide Out Cafe that serve excellent food and even better service. 

Viceregal Lodge 

If you are a lover of history and architecture, the Viceregal Lodge should be high on your list of places to visit in Shimla. The Lodge is a majestic building located on the Observatory Hills. It was constructed in the 1880s during Lord Dufferin’s tenure as Viceroy. The building has a distinctive Jacobean architecture and draws inspiration from the castles of England and the Scottish Highlands. The lodge is within walking distance of Chadwick Falls in the Shimla Glen Forest, offering a tranquil escape. 

Location: Rashtrapati Nivas, Chaura Maidan Road, Near Observatory Hill, Boileauganj (Only 2 Km away from Shimla old bus stand) 

The Ridge 

The Ridge is a wide-open street located beside the Mall Road and is the best destination in Shimla if you want to experience the local hospitality. The Ridge is lined with cafes, bars, boutiques and shops that you can explore on a chilly evening walk while enjoying a bowl of bite-sized angoori gulab jamuns or spicy Laphing. Once at the Ridge, you can visit Christ Church, Scandal Point to the west and Lakkar Bazar towards the east. 

Shimla Toy Train Ride 

If you are in for a unique experience and looking for some memorable things to do in Shimla, don’t miss the Kalka-Shimla toy train ride. This UNESCO World Heritage experience feels straight out of a storybook. The train traverses through a narrow-gauge, over a hundred tunnels, 800 bridges and lush green valleys. It is one of the most scenic ways to reach Shimla and offers a slow, immersive experience. 

Kali Bari Temple 

Situated on the Bantony hill, Kali Bari temple is one of the unmissable places to visit in Shimla. The temple houses a shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali, who reincarnated as Shyamala. Featuring a traditional Hindu architecture, complete with intricate woodwork and floral motifs. The sanctum has a blue wooden idol of the Goddess, while the courtyard offers the most beautiful views of Shimla’s skyline. Interestingly, Shimla was first known by the same name, Shyamal, but was later modernised by the British. 

Location: Kali Bari Road, Fingask Estate, Bantony Hill. (Just a short walk from The Mall and The Ridge) 

Gaiety Theatre Heritage Cultural Complex 

While exploring the famous places in Shimla, make sure to include the Gaiety Theatre Heritage Cultural Complex in your itinerary. Located on the Mall Road, this architectural gem is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or colonial heritage. Today, the theatre serves as a venue for plays, musicals, workshops, or cultural shows. 

Location: Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Mall Road 

Timing: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM 

Himalayan Bird Park 

If you’re exploring things to see in Shimla beyond the usual tourist trail, the Himalayan Bird Park is a perfect place to be. The Park is located near the Viceregal Lodge, and is a treat for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike. The Park is home to several rare and exotic species that are native to the Himalayas, including the national bird of Nepal, the Himalayan Monal, vibrant peacocks, peafowl and pheasants.  

Location: Museum Road, near Advanced University, Chaura Maidan, Shimla 

Timing: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM 

Entry Fee: Adults - Rs. 10/ person, Students/ Children (5-8 years old)- Rs. 5/ child 

Skiing and Ice Skating 

Both are exciting winter sports Shimla has to offer. As the town transforms into a winter paradise from December to February, it welcomes thousands of tourists eager to experience the magic of gliding down freshly fallen snow. Paired with a stop at Kufri - located only an hour’s distance from Shimla (in ideal conditions) - skiing in Kufri and ice skating in Shimla make for a unique blend of adventure and beauty.  

Top Attractions Near Shimla 

While Shimla holds a unique charm for tourists, there is a wide range of places to visit near Shimla that are equally, in fact, even more enchanting. 

Solan 

Known as the "Mushroom City of India," Solan is a popular tourist place near to Shimla, making it a convenient stop for travellers en route to the state capital. It has a pleasant climate and lush greenery, offering a more tranquil environment for your trip.  

Distance: 46 Km 

Popular Places: Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, Bon Monastery, Mohan Meakins Brewery 

Chail 

Chail is perfect for a quiet vacation with views of the Shivalik Hills. This quaint little village is surrounded by fragrant pine and majestic deodar trees that make the air smell so refreshingly calm. 

Distance: 52.8 Km  

Popular Places: Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Temple, Sidh Baba Ka Mandir 

Kufri 

Kufri is known for its snow-clad slopes and adventure parks. It is one of the famous tourist places to visit near Shimla and comes alive in winter. Kufri is a paradise for snow lovers, offering skiing, tobogganing, and pony rides along winding mountain trails. 

Distance: 15-18 Km 

Popular Places: Himalayan Nature Park, Mahasu Peak, Kufri Fun World 

Kasauli 

This cantonment town is nestled amidst pine forests and colonial-era architecture. Kasauli offers a slower pace of life, beautiful viewpoints, and a relaxed atmosphere.  

Distance: 70 Km 

Popular Places: Monkey Point, Gilbert Trail, Sunset Point 

Each of these destinations, along with Narkanada, Shoja, Shoghi, Nahan, Tirthan Valley, Naldehra, Jibhi, Manali and Mcleodganj, will add a unique flavour to your trip. 

Best Time to Visit Shimla 

The best time to visit Shimla actually depends on what you want to experience. Shimla’s climate varies significantly across the seasons, making each time of the year unique. The best months to visit Shimla are March to June. Spring offers a lively atmosphere. You can enjoy a range of activities, from trekking to visiting historical sites, or simply enjoying the Rhododendron blooms.  

What are Some Popular Things to Do in Shimla?  

• Take the Kalka-Shimla train ride. 

• Ropeway to the Jakhu Hanuman temple for magnificent aerial views. 

• Ice skating at Shimla’s natural ice rink in winter.  

• Shop for souvenirs at Lakkar Bazaar, Tibetan market, The Ridge and Mall Road. 

• Enjoy the local festivities like Shimla Summer Festival in late May or early June, Lavi Fair in November or Christmas and Ice-Skating Carnival that happens during late December and extends through January, depending on the weather.  

• Enjoy treks and natural walks around Summer Hill, Mashobra, Jhaku Temple and nearby small towns. 

• Try out local Himalchali dishes, street food and cafes with views. Some dishes you must try are: Sidu, Chha Gosht, Madra, Tudkiya Bhaath, Aktori, Babru, Gucchi Pulao, Thukpa and Tibetan Momos. 

Veena World offers well-designed tours for Shimla and nearby destinations. Choose from one of our Shimla group tour packages or allow us to curate a Customized Holiday for you, complete with must-see places in Shimla, bucket list essentials and the best time to visit Shimla. 

FAQs 

Q1. What’s hidden inside the Ridge? 

Beneath the Ridge lies a massive water reservoir, built in 1880 from lime and sand - no cement! It still supplies a big chunk of Shimla’s drinking water today. You can’t usually visit it, but the idea of walking above a Victorian-era water tank is wild. 

Q2. Why does Shimla’s Mall Road have no vehicles? 

Since Shimla is built on fragile mountain slopes, cars were banned to prevent vibration-related damage to the old British structures - and honestly, it’s the best decision ever. You get pure mountain air and leisurely strolls instead of traffic chaos. 

Q3. What’s the deal with the monkeys? 

Shimla’s monkeys, especially near Jakhoo Temple, are not your average primates - they’ve basically declared themselves co-owners of the city. Tip: sunglasses and snacks are high-risk items. 

Q4. Can you really post a letter from the world’s first picture postcard post office? 

The Shimla GPO, dating back to 1883, was one of India’s earliest hill-station post offices. Its red-brick charm makes it feel like you’re mailing a letter straight out of a time capsule. 

Q5. Is it true Shimla once had a Scandal Point - and an actual scandal? 

Legend says the Maharaja of Patiala eloped with the Viceroy’s daughter from that very spot in the late 1800s. The British banned him from Shimla, so he went off and founded Chail - another beautiful hill station nearby.