Shimla, encased in Rhododendron, Himalayan Oak, and fir trees is crowned with the title ‘Queen of hills’. Shimla has been in importance since the very beginning, from being the summer capital during the British era to being the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has always captivated numerous tourists from all over India and the world. The city has received its name from Shyamala Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali for whom a temple is dedicated on the hilltop of Bantony as Kali Bari Temple. Shimla is one of the favorite hill stations in Indian hearts and is also listed under UNESCO World Heritage sites along with few other hill stations of India. Also, the Shimla-Kalka Railway which still runs on the engine almost a century-old built during British rule is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites. Shimla was brought into importance only after the start of British rule. Shimla is home to the oldest post office and only Natural Ice skating Rink. In 1806 Shimla was invaded by Bhimsen That Nepal. After the Anglo- Nepalese war between 1814-16, the British East India Company took over the territory under control as per the Sugauli Treaty. Due to once being the Britisher’s vacation hub, Shimla has many structures influenced by British culture, one of those is the Second Oldest Church of North- India. Leaders of the freedom movement Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, and many others frequently visited Shimla during the struggling days of Independence. Shimla has an important role in Indian History as the India- Pakistan peace treaty, Shimla agreement was signed by Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at that date in Viceregal Lodge which is now, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.  During its heyday, it attracted many princes, diplomats, merchants, and political leaders of countries like Tibet, Afghanistan, Myanmar, China, and other countries. Shimla is also an Agricultural trade center and has industries like manufacturing, Brewing, and handloom weaving.

Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla Mall Road

The Shimla Mall Road in the heart of the city is the main street that is the busiest and commercial area being a mini-world in itself, with hordes of restaurants, cafes, clubs, shops, tourist offices, post offices, banks, and more. Apart from the mall road is a tourist spot in itself also holds other tourists attractions like Scandal Point and Kali Bari Temple. The Mall road of Shimla truly solemnizes the spirit of the hilltown, The charm of Mall road is enjoyed in groups with family and friends. Woolen clothes and handicraft stores are famous here apart from usual book and jewelry stores. The wooden furniture stores are that sell articles that look like antiques are popular for taking souvenirs. No vehicles except emergency ones are allowed here making it perfect for to amble around in the evenings in the twinkling market. Apart from shopping Shimla Mall road is also famous for Cafes and restaurants.

Timings of Shimla Mall Road: 9 am - 9 pm

Exploration time required in Shimla Mall Road: 2 -3 hours

LocationShimla Mall Road: Shimla City Centre

The Ridge

The Ridge is located in the center of the city just beside Mall Road. The Ridge is a popular shopping and Social hub of Shimla.  It has everything from shops selling exclusive artifacts to the picturesque view of snow-blanketed mountain ranges. Shimla’s rich history reflects through the Gothic buildings here. The Ridge attracts a huge mob with its belted cafes, bars, restaurants, boutiques, and shops. The Ridge runs east to west beside Mall Road and connects to the Scandal point on the west end and on the east connects to Lakkar Bazaar. The Ridge is also housing the city’s lifeline the water reservoir that has storing capacity of 1000000 gallons of water. The water tank was built in the 1880s only with lime mortar. The famous Summer Festival of Shimla which is celebrated for 5 days is held here in The Ridge during April or May.

Timings of The Ridge: 8 am to 6 pm

Exploration Time required for The Ridge: 2-3 hours

Location of The Ridge: Shimla City Centre

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo Temple is set betwixt the plush green Deodar tree forests of the background of Shivalik ranges on Jakhoo Hill, the highest point of Shimla. It is an ancient place dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Jakhoo Hill is complemented by a huge population of monkeys. The statue of Lord Hanuman here is one of the World’s Tallest statues above sea level with a height of over 8000 feet marking a marvelous piece of engineering. Based on the legends about the temple it is believed that Lord Hanuman halted in this spot for some rest during his search of Sanjeevani Booti. One can get a taxi ride or a pony ride. a 2 km trail or a Jakhoo ropeway ride which is free of cost for children below the age of 3 from the city center.

Timings of Jakhoo Temple: 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm

Exploration time required for Jakhoo temple: 1-2 hours

Location of Jakhoo Temple: 1 km from Shimla City Center

Kali Bari Temple

Kali Bari Temple is an ancient temple built in the year 1845 dedicated to the Goddess Kali having immense religious importance. The temple adobes an idol of Goddess Kali ornamented with colorful flowers and jewelry. The temple premises are clean and well maintained and devotees prefer sitting here and enjoying the heavenly vibe by chanting and meditating.  The legend about Jakhoo hills is that Goddess Kali lived on Jakhoo Hill which was the ancient location of the ancient temple that was relocated by the Britishers.  Locals also call this Goddess, Shyamala Mata on whom the name of the city is derived. The temple is gushed with tourists and devotees during the  Navratri festival. The evening  Aarti is worth attending with priests enchanting the mantras.

Timings for Kali Bari Temple: 6 am to 7 pm

Exploration time required for Kali Bari Temple: 1- 2 hours

Location of Kali Bari Temple: 1 km from Shimla City Center

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies / Visceral Lodge

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies / Visceral Lodge is a former building used for important Government meetings by Britishers. It is located on Observatory Hill. It is now an active educational institute for post-doctoral courses. The institute is a majestic structure of Victorian-style architecture. One can take a guided tour to the galleries here and come across the history through the photographs placed here, a part of Visceral Lodge.

Timings for Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:  9 am to 5 pm, Monday closed.

Exploration time required for Indian Institute of Advanced Studies: 1-2 hours

Entry fees for Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:

Indians: 40₹

Foreigners: 85₹

Location of Indian Institute of  Advanced Studies: 3km from Shimla City center

Annandale

Annandale is a famous picnic spot. Annandale has a playground, a resplendent golf course, an army museum, and a cactus museum. It attracts tourists from all over the world especially sports enthusiasts of cricket, golf, and polo. Locals enjoy spending their time in the playground as a picnic spot. Also today the playground is mostly used for events organized by the Indian Army and as a helipad. Entry to any of these is free of cost.

Timings for Annandale:

Annandale Playground and Golf Course: 10 am to 5 pm

Army Museum and Cactus Museum: 10 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm, Closed on Mondays.

Exploration time  required for Annandale:  2-3 hours

Location of Annadale: 15 km from Centre of Shimla

Himachal State Museum

Himachal State Museum is situated on the Shimla Mall Road. The Museum has unique collectibles like ancient paintings, coins, and other handicraft items of aesthetics influenced by the Pahari form of art collected from all over the state and country.  Many art and history enthusiasts visit the museum. The museum also abodes a Library with around 10,000 books, journals, and magazines. The Doll Gallery here has several dolls gracefully decorated as brides and grooms among many others. Some archeological artifacts are also found here that include stones from the 8th century.  During the colonial times, the grand building was an abode for Lords William Beresford, the Military Secretary to the then Viceroy in India. After being occupied by several tenants later, post Independence it housed the government state officials. It was later converted into a museum on January 26, 1974.

Timings for Himachal State Museum: 10 am to 1:30 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Exploration time required for Himachal State Museum: 1-2 hours

Entry fees for Himachal State Museum:

Indians: 20₹

Foreigners: 50₹

Location of Himachal State Museum: 2 km from Shimla City Centre.

Himalayan Bird Park

Himalayan Bird Park is home to Himachal’s former state bird Monal Pheasant and many exotic and rare species of aviary faunas. It is located in the center of the city just opposite the Vice Regal lodge is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year.  The park also has a rich collection of trees and plants. It is a must-visit place for nature lovers amidst the fresh air, green trees, and chirps of birds that soothes one soul for the moment. The park is open to tourists only in summers as the place is covered by snow in winters.

Timings for Himalayan Bird Park: 10 am to 5 pm, Closed in winters

Exploration time required for Himalayan Bird Park:  One hour

Entry fees for Himalayan Bird Park:  10₹

Location of Himalayan Bird Park: 2 km from Shimla City Center.

Shimla Christ Church

Shimla Christ Church is the second oldest church in Northern India, is a pure site of devotion. The construction of this architectural bliss took 11 years to complete during the British Colonization in India. The church is captivating to tourists of all age groups as it twinkles when lightened up at night, the church appears to be a magnificent Castle.  A grand Library is located right next to the Christ Church which is also open for tourists. The church is inspired by the neo-gothic style of architecture, the yellow building, and its silhouette is visible from far across the town. The church has also been featured in a few Bollywood movies like Black and 3 Idiots.

Timings for Shimla Christ Church: 8 am to 6 pm

Exploration time required for Shimla Christ Church:  1-2 hours

Location of Shimla Christ Church: Shimla City Center

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary is an ideal picnic and trekking spot for all animal enthusiasts being able to site jackals, monkeys, barking deers, and deers commonly. The reserve forest is well known for its rare variety of faunas found here. The Pir Panjal Peak of Jammu & Kashmir is visible from Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary. The time required to complete the visit here is 4-5 hours.

Timings for Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary: 8 am to 6 pm

Exploration time required for Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary:  4-5 hours

Entry fees for Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary:  25₹

Location of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary: 7km from Shimla City Center

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a century-old building with the Victorian or Gothic style of architecture designed by Brtish Indian Architect holding immense cultural and historical significance. This building was built in 1887 is of 5- story aboded with an amphitheater, multi-purpose hall, an exhibition hall, and an art gallery. It is an essential and famous center for performing art. The Victorian style of architecture has a glimpse of the importance of art and how it affects the culture of the region.

Timings for Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex: 11 am to 1:15 and 1:45 to 7 pm

Exploration time required for Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex:  2-3 hours

Entry fees for Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex:

Indians: 10₹

Foreigners: 25₹

Location of Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex: Shimla City Center

Chadwick Falls

Chadwick falls located in Glen forests of Shimla is a 100 meters waterfall it is a good place to have an adventurous trail walking in the damp and dark environment made up by the thick canopying forests. The place was originally known as Chidku Jhaar where Chidku translates to sparrow and Jhaar meaning waterfall in the local language as the locals believed only sparrows can reach the top of the waterfall. Later, during the British rule, Britishers found it difficult to pronounce the word and started calling Chadwick. Also, some say it is named after a scientist named Chadwick who did suicide here. It is recommended to return before darkness as due to being the water resource for animals around, many times leopards are spotted drinking water here in dark.

Timings for Chadwick falls: Any time before dark

Exploration time required for Chadwick falls:  1-2 hours

Location of Chadwick falls: 4 km from Shimla City Center