Places of tourists interest in and around Shimla

Places of Tourist interest in and around Shimla. Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Shimla

Table of Contents

Introduction

Shimla, nestled amidst the picturesque Himalayan foothills, is a charming hill station that attracts tourists from far and wide. With its pleasant climate, breathtaking landscapes, and colonial-era architecture, Shimla offers a delightful experience for every traveller. Let's take a closer look at some of the must-visit places within Shimla and its surrounding areas.

Reached Shimla in the Evening.

Shimla is the queen of all hill stations. Shimla is an ideal place for those who are searching for tranquillity. It is situated on the northwest side of the Himalayas and is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864. After India’s independence. At present, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and now become a favourite place for shooting romantic scenes in movies. 

In Shimla railway holiday homes/rest houses of the northern railway /railway board are available near Shimla railway station. I booked a room at a subordinate rest house from the IOW office and stayed there. But the condition and maintenance were very poor. Actually, I had a mind to stay in Shimla Kalibari rest house. So, keeping my luggage I went out towards Shimla Kalibari. Reaching there on foot, had darshan Kali Mataji and went to the temple office where I was informed that rooms and beds were available. I came out and began walking through Mall Road, gradually walking descending to a circular (cart) road, walking a little more crossing the railway station entered the rest house at about 10 pm in the night.

The Mall Road: Shop, Dine, and Stroll in Shimla's Heart

The next morning I went out of the rest house to see this beautiful queen city. I began to walk through the cart road towards the main town. After a while, came to a place where an ascending road started on the left side, this is Mall Road approaches scandal point, the general post office, Christ Church and Shimla Kalibari. 

The Mall Road was constructed by the British, and precautions to ban entry of vehicles on the road were taken so that the road does not affect it. On the side of the road, several stores, showrooms, shops, restaurants and cafes are situated very densely. Here you can find all kinds of handicraft products from Himachal Pradesh. The market on Mall Road is famous for its wooden furniture. The Mall road is very long and beautifully located on Shimla Hill, it attracts tourists for the surrounding picturesque beauty and makes anyone stay here for a whole day long. This Mall road is going to a shopping centre at the Mall market and tourism’s lift point. The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla and always bustling with tourists.

No visit to Shimla is complete without a leisurely walk along the famous Mall Road. Lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, this bustling street offers a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in some retail therapy, savour local delicacies, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you stroll along this iconic promenade.

The Ridge: Shimla's Social Hub and Spectacular Views

Located near Mall Road, The Ridge is the social heart of Shimla. This open space offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and serves as the venue for various cultural events and celebrations. Another point where the Mall joins the Ridge is Scandal Point, a statue of Lala Lajpat Rai found here. The Scandal Point is situated at the end point of the Mall road in Shimla attracting a large number of tourists for a majestic picturesque view of the countryside. Take a leisurely walk, relax on the benches, and capture memorable photographs of the stunning vistas surrounding you.

The Christ Church: Second oldest Church in Northern India

The Christ Church is located on the Mall. The church is the second oldest church in Northern India. It is an example of the classic art of British structures. Shimla general post office also situated on Mall which was constructed beautifully by wood and has its own Tonga mail delivery system in Shimla. Kali Bari temple, which is located on Mall was constructed in the year 1845. It is believed that earlier the name Goddess Kali was Goddess Shyamala and the shrine of Goddess Shyamala had been located on Jakhu Hill and subsequently brought to this new site.

HP Tourism’s lift Facility: Connecting Mall Road to Lower Cart Road

Shimla City is located on a hilltop, so all the major places such as Mall, Ridge, Kali Bari, and Lakkar Bazaar are also located on Mall. If anyone goes to these places one has to walk on foot by climbing from the ring road to Mall. Again, one can use HP Tourism’s lift facility to reach Mall from the cart road. This Lift is connected to High Mall Road to Lower Cart Road near the taxi stand. 

Between Mall Road and Card Road on the slope of the hill situated Lower Bazar. Crossing Lift where Mall Road is divided into two is the marketplace worthy for buyers. On the opposite side are Lakkar bazaar and one bus stand. But the main bus stand is located on Cart Road, popularly known as Govt. bus stand.

Jakhu Temple: Seek Blessings and Encounter Monkeys

The peak is located about 2 km from the city and it is Shimla’s highest peak at a height of about 2455 metres, offering a panoramic view of the town. Jakhoo Hill Shimla, which is covered with Alpine trees, is the city's highest point. 

The colourful Jakhoo Temple and the recently erected Hanuman statue are located at the summit of the level slope. However, be prepared to encounter mischievous monkeys along the way, who are known to be quite curious. Remember to be cautious with your belongings. For tourists seeking tranquilly and relief from the bustling metropolis below, Jakhoo Hill Shimla is a popular destination.

Himachal State Museum: A house at the Top of Inverarm Hill

The Himachal state museum is located about 3 km from the city centre. The Himachal State Museum is a cultural museum located in Shimla, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It was established in 1974 in Inverarm, a house at the top of Inverarm Hill that during the British Raj was the hot season residence of Lord William Beresford and subsequently of Edwin Henry Hayter Collen and then Edward FitzGerald Law.

The museum is housed in a large Victorian house that was built in the 1860s. The collection includes wood carvings, bronzes, archaeological artefacts, coins, jewellery, manuscripts, paintings including many miniatures, postage stamps, and weapons.

The museum is divided into five main galleries:

The Pre-Historic Gallery displays artefacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
The Wall Painting Gallery exhibits murals from temples and monasteries in Himachal Pradesh.
The Archaeology Gallery displays a wide range of archaeological artefacts, including coins, jewellery, pottery, and weapons.
The Numismatic Gallery houses a collection of coins from different periods of Indian history.
The Wood-Carving Gallery features a collection of wooden sculptures from different parts of Himachal Pradesh.

The museum also has a number of other galleries, including a gallery dedicated to the Indian military, a gallery of photographs, and a gallery of Himachali traditional clothing and jewellery.

The Himachal State Museum is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh. It is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Shimla.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Himachal State Museum:
The museum's collection includes over 20,000 artefacts.
The museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The entry fee for the museum is INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners.
The museum was founded by the then-Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Yashwant Singh Parmar.

Prospect Hill: Ideal picnic spot for families and friends.

The Hill is located amidst the excellent views of the surrounding countryside. From Boileauganj it is 15 minutes walking distance. The Hill is a hidden gem that offers a serene and peaceful escape from the bustling city. Located just 5 kilometres from the heart of Shimla.

Atop Prospect Hill, you'll find the renowned Kamna Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Local devotees and tourists flock to this sacred site to seek blessings. One of the unique attractions of Prospect Hill is the Shimla Heritage Park, located near the temple. 

This beautifully landscaped park showcases a variety of colourful flowers, lush green lawns, and artistic sculptures. It serves as an ideal picnic spot for families and friends. 

An exciting option to reach Prospect Hill - the Shimla Ropeway. This cable car ride offers a thrilling and scenic journey, providing stunning aerial views of Shimla and its surroundings.

Prospect Hill in Shimla offers a dream vacation for those interested in nature, spirituality, or just a quiet retreat.

Kufri: A Winter Wonderland and Adventure Hub

Situated about 16 kilometres from Shimla, Kufri is a popular winter destination renowned for its snow-covered slopes and thrilling adventure activities. Embrace the thrill of skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape. During the summer months, Kufri transforms into a scenic escape with lush green meadows and pleasant weather.

Naldehra: Golfing Amidst Breathtaking Landscapes

For golf enthusiasts, a visit to Naldehra is a must. Situated approximately 22 kilometres from Shimla, Naldehra is home to a picturesque golf course surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains. Experience a round of golf unlike any other as you tee off amidst the breathtaking views. Even non-golfers can enjoy the natural beauty of this location by taking leisurely walks or riding horses.

Glen: A Year-Round Destination.

The forest is located at a distance of about 4 km from the Ridge at a height of 1830 metres. It is the most popular picnic spot in the city, one of the highlights of Glen is the Chadwick Falls, a cascading waterfall that adds to the allure of the valley. The valley is adorned with dense forests, gurgling streams, and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly transports you to a world away from the city's chaos.

As you make your way towards Glen, you'll be greeted by winding roads, tall trees, and the melodious chirping of birds. Glen is also a paradise for adventure seekers and trekkers. The valley offers several trekking trails that lead to higher altitudes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valleys

Glen is a year-round destination, each season adding its unique charm to the valley. During spring, the valley comes alive with vibrant flowers and blossoming trees. Summer brings pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The monsoon season enhances the beauty of the valley, with the raindrops glistening on the leaves. And in winter, Glen is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes creating a mesmerizing sight.

Summer Hill: Summer Hill: Tranquility Amidst Nature's Splendor

This picturesque spot is situated on the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway line at a height of 1983 metres which is about 6 km from the city. This place is appropriate for pleasant shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Himachal Pradesh University is also situated here.

Famous for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience, this quaint hill station offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Take a leisurely walk through the pine and deodar forests, enjoy a picnic by the sparkling streams, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this lovely location.

The Indian Institute of Advance Studies: Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla

Shimla's Viceregal Lodge, currently called the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, is a significant cultural landmark. This Scottish building, which is still the biggest and most magnificently beautiful in relation to British time, was constructed from 1884 to 1888 while Lord Dufferin served as viceroy. It remained in use as the Viceregal Lodge till the Indian independence and later was handed over to Indian Government when it became the Rashtrapati Niwas. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study was established here in 1965 after it was taken over by the Ministry of Education (Shiksha Mantralaya). From 1888 to 1947, this building housed the imperial government.

The building is located at the westernmost peak of the ridge, 3.5 kilometres from Shimla's main centre. From the building's main entrance near the parking area, you must first gradually climb for over 300 metres before arriving at Observatory Hill. 

• The Institute remains open for tourists from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (National holidays and Monday closed).
• Guided tours are conducted for the tourists to understand the historic relevance of the building. The tickets for the guided tour (Inside ) are categorized into various slots, and will be issued on a first come first serve basis.
• The first tour usually begins around 10:30 AM and the last tour at 4:30 PM. Guided/printed tour time once missed will not be adjusted in any case in the next guided tour.
• In one group maximum, 50 pax are allowed.
• The duration of the guided tour is 30 minutes.
• All the tours are conducted by professional guides who have a thorough knowledge of the historical background of the building.
• All tours are conducted in both languages – Hindi and English.
• Lunch break timings will be either from 1 to 1:30 or 1:30 to 2 PM.

Sankat Mochan Temple: The wishes of Neem Karoli Baba were fulfilled

Sankat Mochan is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is located on the road to Chandigarh, at an altitude of 1,975 m above sea level and about 7 km from Shimla. Neem Karoli Baba, a well-known religious figure, founded the shrine in 1950. He was so moved by Shimla's beauty that he stayed in the jungle for 10 to 12 days. Baba had an intuitive feeling that a Hanuman temple should be built in this location while practising yoga and meditation. Following Baba's request, his followers began building the temple in 1962 under the leadership of the then-Lt. Governor Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh and other devotees.

These days, both locals and visitors from Shimla come here daily. On Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a lot of people go there since it is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Additionally, a big Bhandara is held here every Sunday. Nearby the main temple is a little temple constructed in 1998 and dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba. The temple provides a view of Shimla as well.

The Tara Devi Temple: Most visited religious place in Shimla

The Tara Devi Temple is located along the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge railway line at a height of 7200 feet above sea level and is 11 kilometres away from the Shimla city centre. It is one of the most visited religious places in Shimla, and during the holidays, a considerable number of visitors and locals are attracted there by the beautiful surroundings.

Tara Devi temple was built by the Sen dynasty kings sometime around 1766. It is thought that in the 18th century, Goddess Tara was brought from West Bengal to Himachal, a state situated in the Himalayas. Some claim that as the goddess of the stars, she keeps watch over everyone from the heavens and bestows blessings.

Huge feasts are organised for festivals like Dussehra and Durga Ashtami, and many devotees attend them. Visiting the temple during the snowy and wet seasons is particularly challenging.

Temple is open for visitors every day from 7 AM to 6:30 PM. It takes around 2 hours to visit the place. On weekends the temple is visited by 12000 to15000 worshippers.