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Places to Visit in Shimla

The epicenter of all tourist activities in Shimla, the Ridge is one of the top tourist places in Shimla. Easily connected to all other important spots in Shimla such as the Mall Road, the Scandal Point, and the Lakkar Bazaar, the Ridge also serves as the location for the highly significant Summer Festival held every year in April or May.

A Himachal tour is incomplete without visiting the Ridge, as it offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. Among the many interesting spots along the Ridge, Christ Church is the most popular. The neo-gothic style place of worship is the second oldest of its kind in northern India and has been in existence since 1857.

Boasting several architectural wonders, lush greenery, and a picturesque landscape, the Ridge is also the perfect place for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Whether you are exploring Shimla as part of a Himachal tour or on a weekend getaway, this iconic destination should definitely be on your itinerary.

Suggested length of visit: 2 to 3 hours

Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, All days of the week

Location: The Ridge is one of the most famous places in Shimla and is located in the centre of the hill station, right by the Mall Road.

Cost: Entry free

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 2.1 kilometres

The highest point in Shimla, Jakhoo Hill is regarded as one of the most famous tourist places in Shimla. Covered with beautiful alpine trees, the hill’s most popular spots are the Jakhoo Temple and the recently established Hanuman statues. Jakhoo Hill is a good spot for a peaceful break from the bustling touristy environment of Shimla’s downtown.

Follow the 2.5-kilometre footpath to reach the summit of the peak but be aware of the monkeys as they can be menacing sometimes. Once at the summit, enjoy the cool weather and cherish the awe-inspiring views of the Shivalik mountain range.

Suggested length of visit: 2-3 hours

Timing: 6:0M Am to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, All the days of the week

Location: Jaku, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171001

Cost: Entry Free

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 3.4 kilometres

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Easily the most historically substantial structure in Shimla, Viceregal Lodge was once the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy who governed India from 1888 to 1946. Easily the most important in the list of places to visit in Shimla, the Mock-Tudor state mansion, encased by impeccably maintained gardens, is a haven for history and architecture buffs.

Having been transformed into an advanced university complex, the entry to the Lodge is limited to a few staterooms as a part of a tour of this magnificent building. Sitting atop the Observatory Hill, Viceregal Lodge offers unblemished views of the surrounding landscape.

If you are planning a family trip to Shimla, visiting the Viceregal Lodge is a must. The historical significance, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views make it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas (the President’s residence), Viceregal Lodge enjoys its position at the second highest point in Shimla, first being Jakhoo Hill.

Suggested length of visit: 1-2 hours

Timing: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, All days except Monday

Location: Observatory Hills, Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 2.9 kilometres       

A no-frills aviary tucked away in the lap of Shimla, Himalayan Bird Park is a great spot to visit during your vacation in Shimla. Noted among one of the most loved tourist places in Shimla, especially for nature lovers, the Bird Park is home to many rare and exotic bird species, including but not limited to peacocks, pheasants, and the Himalayan Monal.

Situated opposite the Viceregal Lodge, another spot on the most visited Shimla Tourist spots, Himalayan Bird Park is also famous for its exquisite collection of rare plants and trees. 

Suggested length of visit: 1 hour

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location: Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: INR 10 per person

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 2.3 kilometres

One of the most striking Shimla Tourist Places to visit, Chadwick Waterfall is tucked away in an undisturbed corner of Glen Forests. Though the height of the falls is only 100 meters, but the trek through the lush forests surrounding the area makes up for what it lacks in terms of grandeur.

To see the waterfalls at its fullest, it is best to visit here in monsoons. But, either way, the looming pine trees, the fragrance of wild, exotic flowers, and the breezy climate is a certain way to uplift your senses and rejuvenate yourselves. 

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 hours

Timing: All-day

Location: New Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171005

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 4.9 kilometres

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Popularly known as Himachal Pradesh’s first wax museum, Johnnie’s Wax Museum ranks highly in the list of Shimla Tourist Places. A great hit among children and family vacationers, the wax museum houses wax replicas of many notable movie stars and important personalities of India and the rest of the world.

Some of the most likeable wax replicas at the museum include Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Harry Potter, James Bond, and Tony Stark. To make your visit to the museum truly memorable, Johnnie’s Wax Museum lets you get a wax replica of your hand. 

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 hours

Timing: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, All the days of the week

Location: Near willow Bank, Mall Road, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: INR 250 per person, children below 5 enter free

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 1.8 kilometres

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Situated at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from Scandal Point, Shimla State Museum is a must-visit among Shimla Tourist Places. Dating back to the colonial times, the museum was once the private residence of Lord William Beresford.

At the moment, Shimla State Museum boasts of a vast collection of ancient sculptures, photographs, artworks, and coins collected from all the country. The museum library houses over 10,000 books, magazines, and journals that represent the historical importance and cultural diversity of Shimla as well as the rest of India. Among the many collections in the museum, one can find dedicated displays on sculptures, jewellery, history, as well as textiles and many more.

Suggested length of visit: 2 hours

Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, All days except Monday

Location: Chaura Maidan Rd, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004, India

Cost: INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 1.9 kilometres

The perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure sports lovers, Kiala Forest gives you dense vegetation and varied wildlife. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city or capture unforgettable moments in the wilderness, you will never be disappointed and it is one of the best Shimla local sightseeing places.

Location: Kotkhai, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171202.

Highlights: The forest is quite deep and you can also spot leopards and other wild animals while exploring the forest. 

Cost: No entry fee.

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One of the seven hills in the city, Summer Hill is considered one of the most picturesque tourist places in Shimla. Located 2100 feet above sea level, the spot is visited by travelers wanting to escape the heat and chaos of their daily city lives. Surrounded by a dense forest blessed with varied flora and fauna, Summer Hill is the perfect holiday spot for nature lovers.

5 kilometres from the prominent Shimla Ridge, the hills provide for amazing trekking and walking opportunities. To make the most of your time here, stay at one of the many cozy guest houses overlooking the gorgeous landscapes. 

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 days

Timing: All day

Location: Situated on the Kalka-Shimla railway line, it can be easily reached by the railways and is a part of suburbs of Shimla

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 5.1 kilometres

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Blessed with magical weather and lush green surroundings, Shaily Peak is highly popular among travellers who are looking for places to visit in Shimla known for peace and serenity. Getting to Shaily Peak requires a hike through Naldehra hills, but the view from the top makes it worth every bit of effort.

As challenging as it may be, the trek to Shaily Peak takes you through dense forests and stunning landscapes. For something different yet equally interesting, you can take a pony ride to the peak or choose to rent a motorbike for a motorbike trek. 

Suggested length of visit: Half a day

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset

Location: Near Mahakali 

Cost: Entry Free, INR 100-200 for pony rides

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 22.8 kilometres

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The only reserved sanctuary in the town, Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most blissful tourist places in Shimla, especially for nature lovers as well as photographers. Located on the eastern exit of the Hindustan Tibet Road, the sanctuary is spread across 1,000 acres of lush greenery and an intriguing variety of flora and fauna.

Expect to spot foxes, Ghorals, house sparrows, blue Magpies, as well as pythons and other species of snakes during your walk through the Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary. You could either choose to explore the sanctuary on foot or hire a bicycle at the entrance. For an exclusive experience, stay inside the Forest rest house within the sanctuary.

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 hours

Timing: 10: 00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: NH 22 Charabra Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh 171012, India

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 8.7 kilometres

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The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Hanuman and is one of the places to visit in Shimla for nirvana seekers.

Suggested length of visit: An hour and a half.

It is an important landmark and one of the significant places to visit in Shimla if you are keen on seeing the marvels of Neo-Gothic architecture.

Kaman Devi Temple is a very prestigious temple which is situated on the Prospect hill and can be accessed from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The temple is around 6 KM from Shimla and is surrounded by picturesque meadows and valleys and it is one of the best places around Shimla.

It is an amazing place for photographers as well.

Suggested length of visit:around 4 to 5 hours.

Horse riding in Shimla is available at the ridge or in Kufri where you are taken to the Kufri Zoo, through mesmerizing Apple Orchard, dense forest of Hassan valley, Mahasu Peak etc and it is one of the best Shimla tourist places to visit.

You are taken to points from where you get an uninterrupted view of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

The ropeway covers a distance of 8 KM from the ridge that comes along the way to Jakhu Temple and reaches the temple in around 5 minutes. The introduction of ropeway in Shimla has made traveling easy for the once trying to climb to be at the prestigious Jakhu temple and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Shimla.

You get to ride the ropeway at 8054 feet above sea level which bestows some jaw-dropping views of the valley. The ropeway cabins are imported from Switzerland and it is the best way to traverse through some of the popular Shimla tourist places like Jakhu valley and Jakhu temple.

Suggested length of visit: Around 1 to 2 hours.

It is fondly called as the “Mall view balcony,” and is a hub for many activities in winters when the entire town is covered in snow.

This unique amusement park is located in Kufri at an elevation of 8500 feet above sea level. It offers a range of activities like Burma Bridge, Flying Fox, Rock climbing, Commando Net, Bumping boats, Rowing and Valley crossing etc and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Shimla.

The best part of this amusement park is the telescope which enables incredible views of the valley. It is one of the must-go places to visit in Shimla without any doubt.

Suggested length of visit: at least 3 hours.

Popularly known as the ‘mushroom capital of India’, Solan lies on the lower parts of the Himalayas and is a low-key destination, mostly suitable for travellers who wish to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of city life. During your visit to Solan, you will get a chance to explore several ancient temples and monasteries which are visited by several hundred worshipers from all around the country and it is one of the best tourist attractions in Shimla.

Its massive contribution to the production of tomatoes has also yielded the town the title of the ‘city of red gold’. While here, do not miss the chance to pay a visit to the 300-year-old fort and the Shoolini Mata Temple and Jatola Shiv Temple.

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 days

Timing: All day, every day

Location: Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 44.8 kilometres

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One of the smaller towns located within Shimla, Mashobra is a must-visit among the many tourist places in Shimla. Dominated by misty hills, towering trees of pine, cedar, and oak, and a glistening stream gushing down the valleys, the place is pure bliss for weekend travellers as well as nature lovers. 

One of the most offbeat places to visit in Shimla, Mashobra is a haven for adventure lovers for it offers plenty of adventure activities to be enjoyed. Some of the activities that you can enjoy during your time here include trekking, quad biking, paragliding, rappelling, and skiing.

Suggested length of visit: 1 day

Timing: All day

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 12.1 kilometres

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Located 2,500 meters above the sea level, Fagu is blessed with snow-clad peaks, breezy atmosphere, and the majestic Himalayan range. Almost always encompassed by mist and fog, Fagu is as magical as it is romantic. Being so close to the clouds, it gives you a feeling that you are literally walking on the clouds when you are exploring the stunning peaks of Fagu and it is one of the best Shimla tourist places to visit.

Home to a myriad of flora and fauna, Fagu boasts of many pine and cedar trees and beautiful apple orchards.

Suggested length of visit:1 day

Timing: Anytime, any day

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 19.9 kilometres

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A small town in the suburbs of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Shoghi is a perfect place for overnight camping. There are several hotels and resorts offering camping facilities around the area, however, you can choose to enjoy camping at the Shoghi camp.  Shoghi is also one of those tourist places in Shimla which is blessed with lush greenery and an amazing climate. 

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 days

Timing: Anytime

Location: Shoghi is a small town in Himachal Pradesh which is located 14.1 kilometres from Shimla.

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 14.1 kilometres

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Pabbar valley is a little ahead of Shimla and can be accessed from Theog. The beauty of the valley lies in its meandering streams, lush green hills, and the pretty apple orchard belt. It has numerous trekking trails, some of which are unexplored and some of which are being taken up by many trekking companies and it is one of the best places to see in Shimla.

The famous temple of Hatkoti is situated in this valley which attracts hordes of pilgrims during festivals.

Suggested length of visit: Half a day.

Narkanda is a hilly town which is situated 60 KM along the highway running from Shimla to Kinnaur. It is nestled at an elevation of 8100 ft. The winding road leading to Narkanda from Shimla take around 2 hours to reach the destination and it is one of the best places around Shimla.

The place is blessed with the presence of Sutlej River which adds a different charm to the entire valley.

The town is small and boasts of many verdant expanses of hills and vegetation.