Vacations are the best time to enjoy and relax with your family and friends. So, if you are also waiting for your vacation and want to do something exciting during these holidays you definitely need a place where you can enjoy and build unforgettable memories. And what will be the best place to relax your mood? Not able to get the right one? Don’t worry! We have a solution for you! “Shimla” isn’t it a good idea? Yes, we have made a list of places to visit in Shimla just for you. What could be the other best place to refresh your mood in the lap of nature visiting Shimla? The capital of Himachal Pradesh is popular for its Victorian architecture. Shimla is named after the Hindu goddess ‘Shyamla Devi’, an embodiment of Kali. The queen of the hill station is at an elevation of 7100 feet. Shimla is also popular among tourists for its cool climate. This cool climate attracts the British to build the city in the dense forests of the Himalayas and became the summer capital of the British Empire. It is the most famous hill station in India, and thousands of people come to Shimla every day to enjoy the natural and scenic views of the place. If you are a married couple then you should plan your visit to Shimla as it is a favorite honeymoon spot. Go and fall in love with the mountains! Let’s explore the places to visit in Shimla.

Places to visit in Shimla

 

1.) Kalka–Shimla Toy Train

To enjoy the scenic beauty of mountains, waterfalls, valleys and surrounding villages, a trip to the Kalka-Shimla toy train is a must. The train covers 18 stations and has 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and 919 curves. This UNESCO heritage world site covers a distance of approx. 96 km in about five and a half hours. The train was started in 1903 and is described as the ‘British jewel of the orient. To watch the mesmerizing sights one has never noticed, this toy train became popular among tourists and local people. One of the most beautiful railway journeys provides special services and takes you to a completely different era in history. There are many trains from Kalka to Shimla. If you are a newly married couple, you can also book a honeymoon coach on the trains. So, if you are planning your trip to Shimla then, it is a perfect place to enjoy your vacation in the lap of nature. This is the best train travel for sure and you will remember this for a lifetime so just add this ride to your list of places to visit in Shimla in the beginning only. 

Timing- First Train Starts At 10:00 AM and Last Train is at 11:00 PM
Entry Fee- Price Varies From INR 70 to INR 300

2.) Jakhoo Temple

 

Situated on the highest peak of Shimla, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is a must-visit spot whenever you plan to visit the famous places to visit in Shimla. According to Ramayana, Lord Hanuman takes a rest at this place while searching for Sajnivani Booti to save Lord Laxman’s life. This oldest temple is situated on jakhoo hills at an elevation of 2455 meters above sea level. There are beautiful views of the Shivalik mountains to calm yourself. There is a statue of Lord Hanuman near the temple but beware of monkeys as there are lots of monkeys here. You can reach the temple by walking, horse, taxi, or rope-way. If you really want to enjoy this place then you must go to the temple through a ropeway. Devotees from all over the nation come during Dussehra’s time. The best time to visit the temple is between March and June as there is a pleasant atmosphere and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the hill.

Timing- 5:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

3.) The Ridge

It is situated along the Mall road of Shimla and hub of all central activities. There are British Style Buildings on both sides of the ridge. This large open space is connected with the major places of Shimla like Jhakoo Hill, Snow-don, Lakkar Bazaar, etc. During summertime, you can enjoy the famous summer festival. All the cultural activities and religious functions are taking place on the ridge and an Independence Day party and a fang march are also taking place here. It is famous for its spectacular view of the mountains. You can also enjoy the stunning view of the sunset from the ridge. If you love adventure sports then, it will be your dream destination as you can also enjoy ice skating from December to February. This traffic-free road is also famous for its British Architecture, Scandal Point, Christ Church, Tara Devi Temple, and State Public Library. Do remember that this place is best for photographs among all the places to visit in Shimla.

Timing- 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

4.) Mall Road

Want to have a relaxing walk after a hectic day, then you must visit mall road this street is the best place to walk and is very famous among other places to visit in Shimla. The main street in the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is connected with the ridge at a scandal point, where a statue of leader Lala Lajpat Rai is situated. Mall road is famous among tourists for shopping as you can purchase everything from shawls to jewelry and books. Constructed during the British colonial road, mall road has numerous restaurants, handicraft emporiums, cafes, and theaters. The main attractions near mall road are Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple, Gaiety Theater, and Town Hall. Mall road during British time means married officers’ accommodation and living lines which were used by Britishers to separate accommodation of officers and other ranks. You should keep in mind that vehicles are prohibited in this area, so the best way to explore the area is on foot.

Timing- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry fee

5.) Kufri

Kufri is located 20 km away from Shimla. Kufri is also a small hill station of Shimla and a must-visit place when you make the list of places to visit in Shimla. Most of the people and tourists come here in winter or snow. It is a very good place for couples, family, and friends to spend valuable time with them in the lap of nature. Himalaya Natural Park and Kufri Fun World is a famous place for the Kufri. This is a good place for sightseeing and horse riding. You can see a large mountain and trees from the Kufri hills. Skiing is the best thing you should try in Shimla and most people do skiing in Kufri. This place looks gorgeous at the time of snow. So, you seriously can’t afford to miss this place. Thus, whenever you travel to Shimla, must visit here.

Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

6.) Christ Church

If you want to spend a peaceful time with some spiritual vibes, then, you seriously can’t miss visiting the church. It is the second oldest church in north India, after St. John’s Church in Meerut, and was designed in the Noe-Gothic style in 1857. The foundation of the church was placed by Bishop Reverend Thomas Daltrey. It is located approx. 50 M away from Scandal Point and alongside the Ridge and Mall Road. This church has five windows each one representing faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience, and humility. You should maintain silence within the church and you are also not allowed to click pictures. If you are staying near mall road, then there is within walking distance of the church. It is the best sightseeing place for tourists of all ages. The night view of this church will also give a mesmerizing view of the place. Visit here and add this place to the list of places to visit in Shimla.

Timing- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

7.) Johnnie’s Wax Museum

Excited about clicking pictures with your favorite celebrities, then why wait, go to Johnnies’ wax museum? It is a newly built museum in Shimla. There are a total of 16 wax Statues of Hollywood, Bollywood, Political, and sports, persons. Here you will find live statues of world-famous personalities like Barack Obama, prime minister Narendra Modi, Harry Potter, Tony Stark, Justin Bieber, Sachin Tendulkar, Paul Walker, Steve Jobs, and many more. It was constructed by the Gurgaon-based company “BM Brothers”, and opened on 11 May 2016.

Are you a Bollywood fan and excited about clicking pictures with them(although they are not real but look like they are), then you can’t afford to miss going to this museum. There are statues of actors too like Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, Amir Khan, and many more. You can also get a copy of your hand or your affectionate one at just INR 450. The first wax statue of Shimla has in total statues of 16 personalities. You can either walk or take a lift which is run by the Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation to go to the upper roads from the main center road of Shimla. The best part of visiting this place when planning to visit famous places to visit in Shimla is you can take selfies next to your favorite celeb.

Timing- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 250 Per Person

8.) Scandal Point

It is the connecting point between mall road and ridge road. This place is also famous among tourists for the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai. The point is popular for its interesting name and also for the stories attached to it. The history behind the scandal point as told by the local tourist guides involves Maharaja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh and the daughter of a British viceroy. The lady fell in love with the charismatic character of the Maharaja and they met at a scandal point. The young lady was then kidnapped by Maharaja and then Britishers with their power refrained Maharaj to come to Shimla, thereupon Maharaja constructed his summer capital in Chail. But now, it is considered the best spot to spend time with family and click stunning photographs. The general post office’s colonial structure is right next to the scandal point. So you got another interesting point to add to the list of famous places to visit in Shimla.

Timing- 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

9.) Summer Hills

Want to spend some quiet or valuable days in the lap of nature? What are you waiting for? Go to summer hills. It is one of the most popular hills, located at an elevation of 1283 meters above sea level. This major tourist attraction is famous for its scenic views and greenery. This is a great place for nature lovers to explore flora and fauna. The thick greenery covers the mountains throughout the year. You can do the shopping and enjoy horse riding or trekking too. It is the best spot for capturing moments with your loved ones. Tourists from all over the world come here to relax their minds as it is a very less crowded place. The best time to visit is during the summer season but if you want to see the stunning view of mountains covered with snow then you should visit during the winter season, in both seasons this place is good to count in famous places to visit in Shimla.

If you want to know more about places to go in summer read more places to visit in summer

Timing- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

10.) Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi temple is the famous holy place of Shimla. Local civilization comes here on a daily basis and tourists or travelers have also come to this place. As it is a holy place so there is nothing much to do but from the backside of the temple you can have a view of a great green valley and a downside view of Shimla. So if love to see the majestic view of Shimla just add this place to the “Places to visit in Shimla” list.

Timing- 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

11.) Kali-Bari temple

If you wish to spend some spiritual time then you must add this temple to your list of best places to visit in Shimla. The goddess Kali temple was built in the year 1845. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shyamala (another name for goddess Kali), from which the name Shimla is derived. The temple is situated on jhakoo hills and offers a gorgeous view of the Himalayas from the hilltop. This temple also provides accommodation for tourists and a canteen where you can have delicious food. It is the ancient temple in the city with a blue-colored wooden idol of the goddess Kali. You can visit the temple any time of the year but visiting the temple during Durga pooja is considered the most. Travelers believe that it will bring prosperity and happiness to the family. Be aware of monkeys around the temple and you are also not allowed to click photographs inside the temple. So just do not forget to visit this temple whenever you are going to places to visit in Shimla. 

Timing- 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

 

12.) Theog

Another famous and most visited place in Shimla is Theog. It is the quietest place among all places to visit in Shimla the city where you will get the experience of a natural view. This place is wrapped under the arms of the Himalayas and is the most popular hill station among tourists. The perfect destination for photography and also perfect for Romance With Nature. Trust me, if you are a nature lover, then this place is just for you, Thus, whenever you travel to Shimla, then don’t forget to visit this place as it is the perfect one to spend your precious time with your affectionate ones.

Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

13.) Lakkar Bazaar

How can you forget about shopping? So, come to the point! The most famous and popular market for shopping in Shimla is Lakkar Bazaar. There is an umpteen number of shops where you can buy anything for your loved ones. This market is also famous for Pashmina Shawls, Handicrafts, and many more. It is the perfect place for a shopaholic from all the places to visit in Shimla.

Timing- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

If you have time and want to explore more places nearby Shimla that you must visit  places to visit in Dehradun

14.) Chail

Another famous tourist place in Shimla among many is Chail. It is also a hill station that is very close to Shimla. It is famous for the cricket ground, hotels, Chail palace, and pine & deodar trees. This place is totally surrounded by lush greenery and has a scenic view of nature. It is at the greatest height and that’s why it is also known as a hiker’s paradise. This is must visit place in Shimla and is famous for its natural scenery and quiet or clean environment. If you want to spend your vacations in such a quiet place then this place is a perfect pick for you. Here you can have valuable time with your affectionate ones and this place is also perfect for photography. Thus, don’t forget to take a walk to Chail with your family and friends. Have a Happy Vacation!

Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

If you are visiting Shimla and want to explore nearby places then Chandigarh is the best choice Places to visit in Chandigarh