Shimla is the place where you get to experience the Himalayas in all its enigmatic glory. Tourist attractions in Shimla include evergreen forests, rolling valleys, breathtaking lakes, pleasant climate, and colonial ambiance.
Ridge is a wide-open street that runs along the Mall Road and connects it to the famous Scandal Point. It offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise against the blue sky. Lined with boutiques, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops, the Ridge serves as the social hub in the region and is one of the most photographed parts of Shimla.
Jakhoo Hill is the highest point of Shimla which is covered in a blanket of Alpine trees. Jakhoo Hill has an ancient Hanuman temple with the world’s tallest statue of Hanuman (108 ft.). It is believed that the temple stands at the very spot where Lord Hanuman had rested for a while during his journey to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s revival during the war of Lanka.
Mall Road is a top tourist place in Shimla which attracts visitors of all ages. It has a plethora of cafes, restaurants, showrooms, departmental stores, and shops selling trinkets and exclusive handicraft works. Since the road is closed to vehicles, taking a stroll here during the evening hours while enjoying the scenic beauty of the hills is a pleasure in itself.
Christ Church boasts of exceptional architectural beauty and is a remarkable example of the neo-Gothic style of architecture. With stained glass windows, brass church bell, and arresting towers, it presents a picture of matchless beauty and also houses the largest pipe-organ in India.
Indian Institute of Advanced Study is the historic location where the decision to create Pakistan and East Pakistan out of India was taken during the days before independence. The building was initially built as a residence for Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. It was known as the Viceregal Lodge and it had electricity connection in 1888, which was way before the rest of Shimla came to use electric power. After India gained independence it served as the summer retreat to the country’s president and was known as Rashtrapati Niwas before being turned into a center for Advanced Study and Research. It draws attention due to its majestic Victorian style of architecture and grandeur.
Kufri is one of the popular tourist attractions near Shimla. It promises you panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Kufri is also an adventure hub that offers training and facilities for exciting winter sports like ice skating and skiing. It is also known as the winter sports capital of India.
Kali Bari temple is believed to have been built in 1845. The temple boasts of architectural beauty as well as religious significance in equal measures. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and houses a captivating idol of the deity. Here Goddess Kali is known as Goddess Shyamala and it is said that Shimla derived its name from Goddess Shyamala.
Himachal State Museum, also known as Shimla State Museum, is housed in a colonial mansion on the Mall Road. It is one of the well-known Shimla tourist places which has a rich collection of miniature paintings, stone sculptures, coins, weapons, armors, dolls, jewelry, handicrafts, and numismatic articles discovered in the valley.
Tara Devi Temple, located atop a hill called Tara Parvat, is believed to be about 250 years old. Goddess Tara, a goddess of the Tibetan Buddhists and one of Goddess Durga’s nine sisters, is the presiding deity here. It is believed that the wooden idol installed in the temple was brought from West Bengal.
Chadwick Waterfall is one of the famous Shimla sightseeing places that is nestled within the Glen Forests. It is one of the most delightful sights that nature has bestowed upon Shimla. The waterfall makes a dive from a height of 86 meters and cascades down a huge gorge. Surrounded by a blanket of greenery formed by the deodar and pine trees, it presents an enticing sight.
Annandale is a flat terrain in the hilly base of Shimla which has been serving as a playground since the time of the British rulers. Today, the destination is popular for several sports, including polo, cricket, and racing. The Annandale Army Heritage Museum is one of the main attractions of this location.
