Shimla is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh that also serves as the state’s capital. It is 2213 metres above sea level. Shimla gets its name from the goddess ‘Shayamla Devi,’ another name for Goddess Kali. Shimla is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks, and it has been blessed with natural beauty. Its green valleys, the beauty of its trees, pine, oak, and deodar, and its pleasant weather draw visitors all year.
The spectacular cool hills, combined with colonial-era structures, create an atmosphere that has earned Shimla Hill Station the title of “Queen of Hills.” Though Shimla receives a steady stream of visitors throughout the year, the peak months are May and October. Tourists flock to Shimla in December to enjoy the pleasant snowfall.
Shimla’s colonial heritage is preserved, with grand old buildings, charming iron lampposts, and Anglo-Saxon names. Shimla has seen the construction of new buildings in addition to the old Tudor and Georgian cottage-pattern houses built by the British. Shimla is also known for its flowers such as lily and rhododendron, as well as many undiscovered and anonymous beauties.
Shimla is well-known for its architectural structures, wooden crafts, and apples, in addition to its natural attractions. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in the hill station include The Mall, The Gaiety Theatre, Himalayan Bird Park, Kufri, Chail, Nalderao, Fagu, Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum, Sanjauli, Temples, and Daranghati Sanctuary. Shimla is also well-known for its adventure sports, such as trekking.
Most major Indian cities are easily accessible by bus, train, or air. It is well-known for its beautiful scenery, colonial British architecture, and pleasant weather. The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (Viceregal Lodge), Jakhoo Hill, the Mall Road, The Ridge, Lakkad Bazaar, Daranghati Sanctuary, and many other attractions are popular here. Shimla is also well-known for its adventure activities, such as trekking and paragliding. Shimla hotels include the Hotel Combermere, Honeymoon Inn, Snow Valley Resorts, Hotel Kapil, and Hotel Willow Banks.
- Chadwick Waterfall
The tranquil Chadwick waterfall, located in the Glen forest, is one of the things to see in Shimla. The waterfall, located 7 kilometres from Shimla, is an excellent place to begin your day. The combination of aesthetic beauty and a tranquil environment makes it ideal for some alone time. And, yes, seeing the sunrise at Chadwick Falls is one of the best things to do in Shimla if you enjoy nature. The hike to the waterfall is both peaceful and enthralling.
- Pine forests of Shimla
There are numerous interesting short hikes from Shimla that take you through the city’s pine forests. Beautiful trails take you to the Glen, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, and the Kamna Devi Temple. These are some of Shimla’s most popular and appealing tourist attractions. These nature walks are among the best things to do in Shimla for couples because of their beauty and the romantic weather.
- Scandal Point
Scandal Point is a flat platform on the Ridge Road that is one of Shimla’s most popular tourist attractions. It provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and lush valley. Scandal Point is a photographer’s and nature lover’s dream, with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
- Toy Train Ride
The Kalka-Shimla toy train ride is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Shimla and the first thing that comes to mind when discussing what to do in Shimla. The old railway line that runs through the mountains paints a peaceful picture of the area. From your window, observe the other end of the train as it snakes along the curved tracks. And you’ll be lucky if it starts to rain!
- Lakkar Bazaar Shopping
When the sun sets in the evening,shopping at Lakkar Bazar takes on a completely different appearance. Some of the finest woodwork artefacts can be found in the long stretch of shops on either side. Aside from artefacts, you can also get cheap winter clothes. It’s a great place to get souvenirs and small gifts for your loved ones.
- Jakhu Temple + Trek
Jakhu Hill, at an elevation of 2,455 metres above sea level, is said to be Shimla’s highest peak and one of the best things to see in Shimla. Trekking to the top of Jakhu Hill is one of Shimla’s most popular activities. Though tiring on a sunny day, this 2.5 km trek can become one of the most enjoyable activities of your trip on cloudy, windy, or rainy days.
- Shimla Ridge
Known as Shimla’s cultural centre, visiting the Ridge should be on your list of things to do in Shimla. Ridge is the place to go if you need a cup of coffee or just want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. It is also the city’s focal point during festivals and events. The best months to visit are April through August and December through January. For a unique experience, add it to your list of things to do in Shimla at night.
- Kufri
Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla that sits at an elevation of 8000 feet above sea level and is one of the most popular Shimla attractions. The scenic beauty draws visitors from around the world, and visiting this location is one of the most exciting things to do in Shimla. There are numerous points of interest, ranging from Kufri’s highest peak, Mahasu Peak, to the Himalayan Nature Park. It is also a popular destination for photographers.
- Summer Hill
Summer Hill’s breathtaking view is one that you will never forget. It is one of the seven hills that make up Shimla, and it is now home to the famous painter Amrita Shergil. It is also known as Potter’s Hill and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. During the winter, the hill is covered in snow, but during the summer, it is a beautiful sight that will completely enchant you.
- Ice skating
When deciding what to do in Shimla, one of the things to do in Shimla during peak winters is to show off your skills at the open-air ice skating rink. Every year, thousands of people visit the rink in search of an unforgettable ice skating experience. The ice is formed using a special technique taught to the Garhwali highlanders by the British. The densely forested hillside keeps it shaded, and the cold winter temperatures keep it from melting.
