Shimla is the capital state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the major tourist attractions in India. Every year thousands of visitors visit here both nationally and internationally. Shimla was also the summer capital of British India. However, it was set as the capital of Punjab and then Himachal Pradesh.
Nature has given a lot of things to Himachal Pradesh, and the entire Shimla is surrounded by mountains and forests that make Shimla attractive for the tourists visiting this capital city. The city has several places to visit for joy and entertainment.
This location is having several Tudorbethan and neogothic architectures in its fold from the British period. The city also has several Churches and Temples. The tourists are fully satisfied after visiting the state.
Shimla has some famous attraction sites such as Viceregal Lodge, the Christ Church, the Jakhoo Temple, the Mall Road, and Annadale. This city is a World Heritage site declared by UNESCO and has the largest Natural ice skating ring in South Asia.
Here is the ultimate guide to the 10 Best Places to Visit in Shimla:
1. The Mall Road
The sunset to watch standing at Mall Road will make one very happy and is bound to remain in memory forever. It is the main shopping center of the city. It has good restaurants, bars, clubs and many other necessities such as Bank, Post office, Institutions, Theatre, etc. The magnificent Gaiety Theatre lies at the lower part of Mall Road.
2. The Ridge
It is the largest open space near the Mall and the center of all cultural activities in the city. The famous and second oldest church of North India, the Christ Church lies at the center point of the Ridge. This church represents the hope of people. It is the church where people believe in faith, fortitude, charity, patience, and humanity. It is a worthwhile place to visit while in Shimla.
3. Jakhoo Temple
Over 8000 feet above, Jakho Hill is the huge and highest point in the city covered with the snow of the Himalayas. The Indian God Hanuman sits in the temple at the top of the hill. It is an old temple. One can find peace of mind by visiting this temple. The deity is very popular among tourists as well as local people. A large number of visitors come here to get peace of mind. It is only 2 KM away from the Ridge.
4. Shimla Kalibari
The Goddess Kali or Maa Kali always remains a huge Hindu Goddess. People always bow their heads to this Goddess. Shimla City is named after MaaKali’s fearless incarnation Shyamala. The view from the temple side is beautiful. Watching Annandale, Railway station, Bus stand, ATRAC and TV tower is very famous. One can get peace of mind while visiting this Kali Temple.
5. Annandale
The racecourse of Shimla is the Annandale. 4 Km from the Ridge at a range of more than 6000 feet is the Indian Army Headquarters. The Heritage Museum and a helipad have their pride. Every VIP or Celebrity person while visiting Shimla comes down to this place through this helipad. This place is also famous for Football. In 1888, the first and most famous Durand cup football tournament was held at Annandale.
6. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
This institute is a heritage educational institute among others in India. Built in 1887 at Viceregal Lodge of Shimla. It is a research Institute Controlled by the Government of India. The institute is worth discovering, and a place of attraction in Shimla. IIAS is in Viceregal lodge that itself is a worthwhile place to explore.
7. Himachal Pradesh State Museum
Established in 1974, the museum covers protecting the cultural wealth of the state. A large number of hill culture sculptures and Pahari paintings are here. You can also discover the different species of wood carvings, costumes, jewelry, and local textiles in the museum.
8. Summer Hill
Summer Hill is the railway line of Shimla Kalka Railway Route at a range of more than 6000 feet. Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) visited this place and its surroundings during his visit to Shimla. You can also visit the University of Himachal Pradesh here.
9. Sankat Mochan Temple
The famous Hanuman Mandir Sankat Mochan Temple situates here at a range of 5000 feet at Shimla Chandigarh Highway. Deities from all over India and almost all tourists visit this temple.
10. Taradevi Temple
Taradevi is another idol in a different form of goddess Kali. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of stars and is situated at the top of the hill. Many devotees visit this place during the year. It also has Bharat scouts and guides.
11. Sanjauli
The suburb of Shimla is the Sanjouli. The inhabitants of this place are very simple and mostly engaged in the manufacturing of local textiles. Dhingumata Temple is here at the top. This temple is the 2nd highest hilltop temple after the Jakhoo temple. There is Kamna Devi temple nearby for visit.
12. Chadwick Falls
Fall is a natural gift. Nature has gifted this fall to this state. People visit this fall for scenic beauty, and many Indian films have been shot this fall. This site encounters thousands of visitors throughout the year.
13. Other places
In addition to the above, there are Kurfi, Chharbara, Mashbora, Jutogh, Chail place, Badi Ki Dhar, and many others. All these are worth visiting for scenic beauty. Chail is one place, 45 KM away from Shimla is the palace of Maharaja of Patiala. The world’s highest Cricket ground is situated here at 7000 feet in height. Read Also: Chail Famous Places to Visit Near Shimla.
How to Reach Shimla
Since Shimla is a tourist spot and a huge source of income for the state. It is well connected by all means of transportation for people. The state of Himachal Pradesh and the government of India have provided all the facilities for transportation.
Shimla has got its Airport and is well connected to Delhi. The Railway line from Kalka, Chandigarh, Ambala, Patiala, Bhatinda, Amritsar, Panipat, Delhi, and many other places are connected with this capital town. The road network is beautiful.
A visit from Chandigarh to Shimla through Buses is enjoyable. The circular bus service throughout the city is worth mentioning.
Best Time to Visit Shimla
The spring and summer season (January to June) is the best for visiting Shimla as the temperature remains within the range of 9 to 30 degrees Celsius. July to October remains under heavy rainfall. November to January remains under winter and snowfall season. Therefore, according to convenience, visitors can visit this city. Just a single visit to this place and you wouldn’t forget the life-changing experience of tourism.
