Shimla is one of the enchanting hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, blessed with the glory of mother nature. There are many tourist attractions in Shimla that lures history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. In addition, there are many famous religious sites to worship. For example, the iconic Kali Bari Temple, where Shyamala Devi is the presiding deity, is within walking distance from the famous Mall Road. Some of the best tourist places in Shimla are Jakhu Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and Tara Devi Temple. These places are settled at excellent locations that give visitors a great view of the picturesque landscape.
For nature lovers, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, and Potter Hill are some of the best tourist attractions in Shimla. They are blessed with incredible natural beauty and deserve to be a part of your Shimla sightseeing trip. A walk through the forests, having a misty environment with sunrays gleaming through them, are sure to leave you very mesmerized.
You may miss out on the essence of the city of Shimla if you've not been to the mall. This is undeniably one of the most fantastic Shimla tourist spots. It is a vibrant area filled with beautifully decorated shops and restaurants, and passing by them will surely make you feel hungry. Also, the Gaiety Theater is the center of all cultural activities you should visit on your Shimla tour. So check out the Shimla tourist places to enjoy a great vacation in this hill station of Himachal Pradesh.
Here are the Top Tourist Attractions in Shimla
1. Jakhoo Hill and Temple
Jakhoo Temple is situated on Jakhoo Hill and is one of the top places to see in Shimla. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and interestingly, you can see a lot of monkeys roaming around. A tall 108 feet statue of Lord Hanuman is the main attraction of Jakhoo Temple. Plus, the forest that surrounds the temple is serene and soothes one's mind. To reach Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, you must take a 30-minute hike. Along the route, you can catch views of lofty mountains. For the best experience, visit here during Dussehra.
2. The Mall Road
The famous Mall Road must be included on your trip, and it would not be an exaggeration to address this road as the best tourist place in Shimla for shopping and wandering. It is probably the most visited attraction in Shimla by people of all ages. Located in the city's center, Mall Road keeps tourists entertained with its various restaurants, shops, and more. So you can sit back and enjoy coffee with your loved ones while enjoying the views of the peaks. Shoppers can also get their hands on some fantastic Pashmina Shawls and Tibetan Carpets.
3. Kalka - Shimla Railway
Riding on Kalka - Shimla toy train is one of the best things to do in Shimla. It is one of the most magical experiences and leaves every tourist mesmerized. Starting from Kalka, this toy train passes through various tunnels and takes sharp curves to reach Shimla finally. You can book tickets for the Shimla toy train and witness magnificent views of lush green landscapes in summer and snow-capped peaks in winter. The toy train has five trains and two special holiday trains also operate on this route.
4. Viceregal Lodge
One of the best tourist attractions in Shimla is Viceregal Lodge. This 18th-century building, once used as a retreat for the Viceroys of India during the Raj, has been converted into the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. However, it remains a popular attraction among tourists due to its well-laid lawns. There is also a small cafeteria where you can sit and enjoy a snack or coffee. Guided tours are also available on the site if you want details about the lodge's architecture, furniture, and history.
5. The Ridge
The Ridge is a preferred hangout place, a Shimla tourist spot visited by youngsters, kids, and adults. No vehicles are allowed on The Ridge, so you can easily take a walk with your loved ones here. So whether you are with family, kids, or beloved ones, a walk in this tourist place is a must on your trip. You can witness the stunning peaks and enjoy shopping. The Ridge becomes a snow paradise in winter and is a visual treat for the eyes.
6. Annandale Ground
Nature lovers must plan a visit to Annandale Ground in Shimla. This ground looks breathtaking in the summers, with lush greenery and a magical snowy wonderland in winter. Back in the day, Annandale Ground was used as a racecourse and now is an active helipad and an army playground. It has also served as a recreation park for the Britishers. If you are a history buff, you must take advantage of this place. The perfect blend of beauty and history will leave you fascinated.
7. Green Valley
Do not worry if you haven't heard about Green Valley in Shimla before. You can visit it on your next Shimla trip as it is located just 8 km from Shimla. It is one of the most famous Shimla tourist places among photographers. Many Bollywood movies have been shot in the Green Valley due to their matchless beauty. Also, its pristine beauty has put its name in many travel books and articles. You can visit anytime between 6 am to 6 pm with no entry charges.
8. Kali Bari Temple
Built in 1845, Kali Bari Temple lures many religious tourists from all over India. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, also known as Shyamala, this temple is one of Shimla's best religious tourist attractions. One of the exciting things to note is that Shimla is derived from the Goddess name Shyamala. Kali Bari Temple in Shimla is open from 7 am to 6 pm. It is located around 5 km from the Shimla bus stand and takes about 1 to 2 hours for darshan at the temple.
9. Johnnie’s Wax Museum
If you want to see something unique in Shimla, visit Johnnie's Wax Museum. It is one of the most attractive tourist places in Shimla that catches the attention of kids and adults. This is Himachal's first wax museum, where you can get fascinated by the beautiful wax statues of Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan and political figures like PM Narendra Modi. You can make your visit to Johnnie's Wax Museum unforgettable by getting a wax replica of your hand.
10. Kufri Fun World
Located 15 km from Shimla, Kufri Fun World is one of the best Shimla tourist places for kids. Perched at 2,800 m above sea level, this place is among the highest amusement parks in the world. You can plan an excursion from Shimla and spend the day enjoying activities at Kufri Fun World. Also, this park has the world's highest go-kart track. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, it looks stunning, making it one of the most attractive places to visit near Shimla.
11. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is located on the busy street of Shimla. It dates back 122 years and is a popular Shimla tourist spot among history lovers. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex has beautiful architecture in the Victorian Gothic style, like the other neo-Gothic buildings in the city. Designed by Sir Henry Irwin, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is also one of the oldest complexes in Shimla. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm and charges INR 10 for Indians and INR 25 for foreigners
12. Shimla State Museum
Shimla State Museum, or Himachal State Museum, is one of the major places in Shimla to visit. Home to an old Victorian mansion, it has been tastefully designed to adapt it to the museum. Set on the lonely hilltop called Inveram, Shimla State Museum is a residence of Indian government officials. It was opened on 26th January 1974 and had a collection of ancient artistic, archeological, historical, and human ethnological work. The museum is open between 10 am to 5 pm, and there is a nominal entry charge to see all these artifacts. On Mondays and gazetted holidays, the museum is closed. The best time to visit Shimla State Museum is from September to June, when the weather is pleasant.
13. Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls is the perfect Shimla picnic spot for nature lovers and those who want to escape crowded places. The serene environment and quiet corner of Glen forests make Chadwick Falls one of the best Shimla tourist places. The falls drop from 100 m and are a sight to behold. You can also take your loved one here and spend quality moments in peace. The pine trees, the fragrance of the wild, the sight of beautiful flowers, and the pleasant weather make Chadwick Falls a must-visit tourist attraction in Shimla.
14. Shimla Christ Church
Among the top tourist Shimla places, Christ Church is widely visited by tourists and locals. If you are an architecture admirer, visit Shimla Christ Church. Built during the British era for the followers of Christianity, this church showcases brilliant architectural work. It is an ideal place to get a taste of Christian culture from colonial times. Also, its placement amidst majestic peaks and spectacular landscapes makes it worth a visit.
