Places to visit in Shimla are now must entries on every traveller’s bucket list. They became the most common tourism spot choice for every traveller who wants to find relief after this COVID 19 pandemic crisis. Even under normal circumstances, Shimla and its charismatic beauty are famous all over the world which is why it is visited by thousands of tourists every year.
Shimla has a unique collection of beautiful scenes and magnificent views. Though natives speak Pahadi languages, Hindi and English are the dominant here.
The city is situated at a height of 2200 m. The pleasant weather is a reason which attracts a large number of tourists.
Shimla Sightseeing places – List and Details
If you have been packing your bags to Shimla and want to make the best utilisation of time, a proper planning and itinerary making are needed. Here we have listed some of the Shimla Sightseeing places that you should not miss on your Shimla trip.
Kufri Hills
Kufri is a small hill station present in the Shimla district. Due to its closeness from the main city, it is the most popular places to visit in Shimla without any doubt. Due to high altitude, it has snowfall almost every winter.
You can also explore the splendid view as well as the trekking. From skiing and amusement parks, Kufri offers a lot to its tourists. The place is a perfect destination for couples and young people.
It also has a zoo which offers many activities for children. Being famous for its rich variety of wildlife inhabiting, this place is among the best Shimla sightseeing places which are visited by many visitors.
Things to Note
- Timing: –9:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Entry Fees- Rs 25 for Kufri zoo.
- The time required: – 1 day
- How to reach: -The most convenient way to reach this place is by hiring a cab or taxi from Shimla.
- Best Time to visit: – November- March
Kharapathar
This is among the most beautiful places to visit in Shimla which are yet to be explored. The village roads are not developed which makes it difficult for a tourist to reach this place. Kharapathar is known for trekking and camping among its visitors. The view of the sky and mountain amidst the lush green tall trees is magnificent.
Things to Note
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 days
- How to reach: – This place is about 77 km from Shimla. You can hire a private vehicle to reach this location or you can take bus services.
Related: Dehradun Tourist Places
Jakhu Temple
The temple is situated in the hills of Jakhoo. It has Lord Hanuman as its deity. The place is filled with numerous monkeys. It is situated at a height of 8000 feet. The magnificent and beautiful architecture of this temple attracts many tourists here.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 5:00 am- 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
- Entry Fees: –No entry fees
- The time required: –1-2
- How to reach: – You can walk or you can hire a pony to reach this location. There is also an availability of ropeway.
The Ridge
The Ridge is an open street located in the mall road, Shimla. The shops have everything from artefacts to traditional attires. This place is a delight for every tourist. It is among the most photographed areas of Shimla and serves as a social hub. Vehicles are not allowed at this place.
A winter sports festival is organised at this place. It has a natural ice-skating rink. The festival usually begins in December and ends in February. It is loved by everyone. The Ridge is the most recognised and the most loved Shimla sightseeing places for sure.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 8:00am-6:00 pm
- Entry Fees: No Entry fees
- The time required: – 2-3 hours
- How to reach: – You can reach this place by hiring a cab, taxi or bus facility.
- Best Time to visit: – April to August
Chail
This small village is situated at a height of 2250 m. Surrounded by lush green forest, it is among the beautiful places to visit in Shimla which can be considered for relaxation. It has the world’s highest cricket and polo grounds along with resorts for tourists to relax and rejuvenate. Chail is the best destination for tourists who want to relax and calm from the crowd of the city.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 9 am- 10 pm
- Entry Fees: – Rs 100 per person
- The time required: – 1 day
- How to reach: – The closest railway station is at a distance of 77 km (Kalka) from Shimla. You can also take a toy train to reach this place.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Related: Best beaches in Goa
Tattapani
This village is situated at a distance of 63 km from Shimla. This beautiful place is located on the banks of river Sutlej. It attracts many tourists across the world. Being popular among tourists for its hot sulphur spring water, it is believed that this water heals pains, stress and other skin related diseases.
Shiva’s cave is among the lesser-known beautiful places to visit in Shimla that you can explore along with Tattapani. It is believed that Lord Shiva fulfills every wish of his visitors. Along with spiritual activities, you can also enjoy adventure sports like river rafting, zorbing, skiing, paragliding and trekking.
Things to Note
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1 day
- How to reach: The nearest railway station is Shimla which is located at a distance of 51 km. You can hire a private vehicle to reach this place. Buses and taxis are also frequently available at regular intervals.
- Best Time to visit: – October- June
Mall Road
The Mall road is the main street of Shimla where you can shop as well as eat. You will find everything on this street such as shops, restaurants, post offices and tourist offices. This beautiful spot can be enjoyed with family and friends.
The shops at the Mall road are famous for its woollen clothes, and handicraft jewellery. You can also find antique items which can be used as a souvenir of this beautiful place.
The place is loaded with tons of cafes which will boost your energy to shop and explore even more. Many leisure activities are also there in this street so that visitors don’t get tired or bored.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 9 am- 9 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 2-3 hours
- How to reach: – You can simply reach this place by walking. It is present in the centre of the city or else you can hire a taxi or cab.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Shimla Christ Church
This Church is one of the oldest churches in the Northern area. Being famous for its architecture among tourists, it can be explored to see the real beauty of Shimla. The church’s yellow building with its sleek architecture is visible from far across the town.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 8 am- 6 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 hours
- How to reach: – You can reach this place by hiring a cab, taxi from anywhere in the city.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Mashobra
This place is situated at a height of 7700 feet. Mashobra is a natural beauty to enjoy nature and avoid daily work stress. It is quite close to Shimla due to which it is among the most loved Shimla sightseeing places for tourists. The place is filled with beautiful landscapes and sceneries which will make you love Shimla even more.
Things to Note
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 days
- Best Time to Visit: – In summers
Naldehra
The place is just 22 km away from Shimla which makes it one of the most favourite places to visit in Shimla for tourists. Naldehra is 2004 m above the sea level. Tourists can enjoy horse riding and the soothing weather under the clouds in this beautiful valley. It also offers a golf course to its tourists. The valley has the oldest nine-hole course in India.
Things to Note
- Entry Fees: Rs 100-150 for pony rides
- Time required: 1 hour
- How to reach: – You can hire a car or private taxi to reach this place.
- Best Time to Visit: – May- September
Theog
This place is warmly located in the lap of nature and the most underrated places to visit in Shimla city. Theong is far away from the chaotic life of cities. It is also one of the preferred camping sites for tourists.
Things to Note
- The time required: – 1 day
- How to reach: – The nearest airport is located at a distance of 45 km from Shimla. Cabs and buses are available from airports to reach this location.
- Best Time to Visit: – October- November
Related: Best places to visit in December in India
Annandale
This place consists of a museum, playground and a golf course. The beautiful location of the Annandale attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world. The playground is used for events and functions.
Things to Note
- Timing: –
- For museum 10:00 am-2:00 pm and 3:00 pm-5:00 pm, Monday closed
- For playground 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
- For Golf course 10:00 am-5:00 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: –1-3 hours
- How to reach: – This place is located at a distance of 15 km from Shimla. You can hire a taxi, cab or private vehicle to reach this place.
- Best Time to Visit: – In summers
Lakkar Bazar
Every shopping place in Shimla revolves around Mall road. The bazaar is famous for its collection of woollen clothes, Pashmina shawl, Handicraft and Kullu shawls. This marks a starting point of Jakhoo Peak. Lakkar Bazar also has a unique collection of wooden artefacts like wooden walking sticks.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 9:00 am- 7:00 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: –1-2 hours
- How to reach: – You can reach this place by hiring a can or taxi from anywhere in the city.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year.
Fagu
Being surrounded by Himalayan Ranges, this location is situated at a height of 2500 meters. It appears to be magical when it is covered with snow and fog. Several apple trees are situated at this place.
You can also find yaks and snow leopards in this location. It is the best place to enjoy thrilling activities with friends and loved ones.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 24 hours
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1 day
- Best Time to Visit: –August- December
Tara Devi Temple
The temple is 250 years old and it is located at the top of the Tara Parvat. Goddess Tara (sister of Goddess Durga) is worshipped as deity here. The idol in the temple is made up of wood brought by the Sen Dynasty of West Bengal. The place remains crowded during the time of Durga puja.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 7 am- 6:30 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Chadwick Falls
This mesmerizing waterfall is located in the Glen Forest. The height of this fall is about 100 meters. The adventurous experience in the dark forest is worth exploring. The place is famous for its soothing weather and damp environment.
Things to Note
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: – July- October
Himachal State Museum
This Museum is situated in the Mall road of Shimla. It comprises old coins, artefacts, paintings, handicraft items, books, magazines, and journals. This place also has a doll gallery in which the groom doll and bride dolls are placed. The speciality of this museum is that it has more than 10,000 books for the tourist to explore the world of books.
Things to Note
- Timing: – For Tuesday-Friday: 10 am- 1:30 pm, 2pm-5:30 pm
- Entry Fees: – Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 50 for foreigners
- The time required: – 1 hour
- How to reach: – You can hire a cab or taxi to reach mall road from any part of Shimla.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Scandal Point
This place is the most talked about location in this city. From this point, you can enjoy the picturesque and unobstructed view of valleys and mountains covered in fog and clouds. It is the intersection of Ridge Road and Mall road. Scandal point is famous for sightseeing among tourists.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 6 am-8 pm
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 hours
- How to reach: – This place is well connected with every corner of the city. You can hire a cab or taxi to reach this place from any part of Shimla.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year.
Related: Famous places in Trivandrum/Thiruvananthapuram
Himalayan Bird Park
This bird park shelters many rare and exotic species of birds. You can walk and explore the variety of flora and fauna present at this place. It is a simple yet beautiful Shimla sightseeing place for nature and bird lovers. In winters the whole place gets covered with snow due to the excessive fall in temperature.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
- Entry Fees: – Rs 10 per person
- The time required: – 1 hour
- How to reach: – This Park is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Shimla Railway station and 2.5 km from the old bus stand. You can hire a cab or taxi anywhere in the city to reach this location.
- Best Time to Visit: – Preferably in summers
Gurudwara Sahib
This Gurudwara is situated at Padhawa hills, Shimla. Although the temple is small yet it has a detailed interior structure. It is counted among the beautiful Shimla sightseeing Places for visitors. The temple is famous for its simplicity and uniqueness among tourists.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 6 am- 6:30 pm
- Entry Fees: No entry
- The time required: 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Bantony Castle
It is a heritage site built during the time of British era. The site consists of a castle and cottage. The beautiful architecture of this place is worth exploring. The main motive for the redevelopment of this site is to get a glimpse of the British Colonial era. Most tourists like the melancholic vibe of this place.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 24 hours
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 1 hour
- How to reach: – The place is well connected with every corner of the Shimla. You can hire a taxi or cab to reach this location.
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Retreat Building
This place is located at a distance of 10 km from Shimla. The main highlight of this place is the wooden architecture which is delicately and beautifully designed. The architectural design and the beautiful surroundings make this place one of the most visited Shimla sightseeing places without my doubt.
Things to Note
- The time required: – 1-2 hour
- How to reach: – You can reach this place by hiring a cab or taxi
- Best Time to Visit: – Throughout the year
Kali Bari Temple
Kali Bari is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. The deity of the temple is decorated with beautiful jewellery and flowers. A large number of devotees came to seek the blessing of Goddess Kali. The temple remains crowded during Navratri. The morning and evening aarti is divine that one should not miss.
Things to Note
- Timing: – 6:00 am- 7:00 pm
- Entry Fees: –No entry fees
- The time required: – 1-2 hours
- How to reach: – This place is located near the mall road. You can reach this place by hiring a taxi, car or cab from any part of the city.
Related: Highest Hill stations in India
Shimla Heritage Pass
This is a guided tour of the Heritage Zone situated in Shimla. You can view different architectural style castles, hostels, and cottages. The monuments with lush green surroundings make it a pleasant spot to visit in Shimla.
Things to Note
- The time required: – 1-2 hours
- How to reach: – This place is located near the mall road. You can reach this place by hiring a taxi, car or cab from any part of the city.
- Best time to visit: – Throughout the year
Chanshal Pass
This place is located at a distance of 160 km from Shimla. Sunrise from this location is among the top-notch Shimla sightseeing places that one should not miss. Chanshal Pass is situated at a height of 3755 metres which is the highest peak of Shimla. The breath-taking views and magnificent sceneries make this place favourite among tourists.
Other Important Details
- Timing: – 24 hours
- Entry Fees: – No entry fees
- The time required: – 4-5 hours
- How to reach: – You can reach this place by hiring a taxi or cab
Happy Exploring Shimla!!!!