Shimla needs no introduction, as it is a well-known hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Popularly called the ‘Queen of Hills’, this place is enveloped with snow-covered mountains, beautiful rolling green valleys, picturesque lakes, & colonial structures. Besides this, another major reason to visit Shimla is the pleasant weather. If you wish to make lifetime memories with your loved ones, there are the best places to visit in Shimla.
Packed with a wide range of attractions, scenic vistas, & artificial wonders, Shimla is genuinely a hilly wonder for solo travellers, & honeymoon couples. This place is an excellent retreat for those wanting to break from their mundane city life. So waste no time packing your bags with all essentials, & get ready to embark on a memorable hilly ride to Shimla.
Places To Visit In Shimla With Your Loved Ones
Below is the checklist of places you should be aware of when visiting this unique hill station of Himachal.
- Kali Bari Temple
Many would not be aware that the name Shimla derives from the name Shyamala, Goddess Kali. There is even a famous temple dedicated to her called Kali Bari Temple, which scores on the high count in terms of its architectural structure, other than historical & religious aspects. This temple was built in 1845, & has a beautiful idol of the deity. So you can begin your journey by taking the blessings of Goddess Kali.
- Jakhoo Hill & Temple
Jakhoo Hill is counted among the top tourist attractions in Shimla. The arrival of snow is first spotted at this spot. Sharing the similar name is the famous Hanuman temple with its tall statue nearby. To visit this temple, you have to climb the stairs that would test your stamina & effort. From here you can also watch the spectacular vista of the Himalayas, & can have the whole view of Shimla town. Beware of monkeys, as they can be spotted along the route. Avoid carrying eatables.
- Christ Church
Christ Church is a famous landmark in Shimla. Located on The Ridge, the construction of this church was built 200 years ago. The clock in the tower is as old as the church itself, & is still accurate. Standing tall with a splendid architectural structure, Christ Church is indeed a masterpiece from the colonial era.
- Tara Devi Temple
Joining the list of holistic spots in Shimla is the famous Tara Devi Temple, dedicated to Tara Devi (goddess of stars). Nestled amidst the bushy rhododendron & oak woods at the elevated height of Tarav Parvat, this temple in Shimla is worth visiting to experience peace with oneself.
- Himalayan Bird Park
Himalayan Bird Park comes as the best tourist attraction for bird lovers. Visiting this place in Shimla, will give you an opportunity to spot the exotic birds including peacocks, Monal pheasant, & more. It is a great place to be away from the noisy city life.
- Annandale
Annandale is the ideal place to visit in November if you are expecting some sporting activities during your trip to Shimla. The site had been a home for adventure sports, including racing, since the British era. Here you can play golf, cricket, & even polo. So now it is a valid reason to pay a short visit to Annandale.
- Himachal State Museum
Himachal State Museum, or Shimla State Museum, is worth visiting for history & cultural enthusiasts. The museum showcases collections of paintings, photographs, artefacts, & sculptures reflecting the rich culture & heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Behind each exhibition you explore, here is a fascinating story to tell. You must visit this museum with your little ones.
- Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a century-old building built in the Victorian architecture style in Shimla. It was once a famous venue for conducting social meetings. Even if half of its portion is dilapidated, the structure remains a grand visual retreat for tourists. The building had been a platform for famous celebrities’ notable performances, including Prithviraj Kapoor & K.L. Sehgal.
- Mall Road
In Shimla, Mall Road is a place that is hard to miss. This shopping place is a major attraction not just for locals but for tourists as well. Here, you can shop for jewellery, beautiful handicrafts, showpieces, woollens, footwear, & so on. Besides shopping, Mall Road also stocks cafes, post offices, banks, clubs, & restaurants. Moreover, you can also enjoy a movie at the Gaiety Theatre, which looks the same as an old theatre from the British era.
- Green Valley
Green Valley is true to its name in being carpeted with lush greenery. Tucked away from the noisy tourist crowd, this is the best place in Shimla, where you will be witnessing all the grandeurs of nature & experiencing a romantic moment with your beloved partner. Because of its pristine beauty, it is counted amongst the top shooting locations for filmmakers in Bollywood.
- Chadwick Falls
For those who love watching waterfalls, Chadwick Falls in Shimla is the most delightful sight to explore. The cascading waterfall flows down from a height of 86 m. To add more fun, you can dare to take a dip in its cold water, & enjoy splashing around with your friends.
- Chail
Chail is a hilly slope that lets people get respite from the scorching summer heat. It is counted among the best tourist spots in Shimla. On your visit to Chail, you will discover beautiful deodar, fir, & pine woods spread across the hilly area.
- Viceregal Lodge
Viceregal Lodge is also among the captivating sights in Shimla, holding a historical significance. This travel spot is unique because of its splendid architecture from the ancient era. From 1888 to 1946, this fantastic setup had been a residential spot for the Indian Viceroy during their summer visits.
- Shailey Peak
Shailey Peak is a perfect weekend getaway for adventure seekers & those capturing the breathtaking views on their cameras. Stranded at an isolated rock face amidst white snow & deodars, Shailey Peak is worth exploring for its fantastic landscape views. It is best for trekking. However, if you are not comfortable with steep treks, you can prefer a ride on ponies with the support of a travel guide.
- Kalka Shimla Toy Train
When visiting Shimla for holidays, you should not miss a fun-filled ride on the Kalka Shimla Railway, a beautiful toy train that brings back your childhood. It must be added to your Shimla Itinerary list. It is an ideal adventure ride for your little ones.
- The Scandal Point
The intriguing name will surely make you wonder about what could be that scandal that led to the name of this place. Well, as per gossip, it was named after the Maharaja of Patiala, got eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy, after which he was banned from entering Shimla. The place is dotted with multiple cafes & shops. Moreover, you can also enjoy horse riding or just resting on benches.
- Johnnie’s Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds is not the only wax museum to take selfies & get photographed with the life-size wax statues of celebrities. In Shimla, you can visit Johnnie’s Wax Museum. Here, you will see the wax statues of iconic personalities placed side by side. All these wax models are imported from London. The celebrity wax statues you will see here include Mahatma Gandhi, Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Harry Potter, James Bond, Salman Khan, Steve Jobs, Aamir Khan, & more.
- Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a great place to be visited by wildlife enthusiasts & nature lovers. The reserve houses many wildlife species, including leopards, jackals, deer, monkeys, & langurs. Besides this, the place is ideal to be visited during the monsoon season, as it is the time of the growth of wild strawberries that brings colour to the forest.
Best Place To Stay Near Shimla
If you are searching for the best place to stay near Shimla, we suggest you book jüSTa Cliffend Resort & Spa, a 5-star luxury hotel & resort in Mashobra. It is equipped with all modern amenities, including 28 rooms with third occupant facility, & also for the physically abled guests, bathtubs (only in Villa Suite Rooms), Sabor restaurant, AIR Bar, Kaafal Cafe, Sixth Sense spa, & a swimming pool.
Conclusion
So, this ends our handpicked list of top places to visit in Shimla. The sites listed in this blog are all worth visiting for solo travellers, family-goers, & honeymooners. If you plan to visit Shimla & Mashobra, you can opt for the best hotels in Mashobra. So now, it’s time to decide which of these places you would like to add to your itinerary travel list per your budget. Overall, your journey to Shimla will prove a perfect vacation.
