Shimla, very well known as ‘Queen of Hills’ is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular tourist destination in India.
Surrounded by picturesque green valleys, snow-capped mountains and spectacular structures, the beautiful hill stations of Himachal entices travelers from worldwide.
The Queen of Hills is situated at an altitude of 2215 meter above the sea level. Being one of the largest hill stations/cities in India, Shimla is perfect travel destinations for honeymooners, couples, nature tour lovers and those who look for serenity and come to enjoy their holidays.
Popular destination in Shimla
The Ridge: Above Mall Road is a vast open space called ‘The Ridge’, considered to be the cultural hub of Shimla. With luck, you might be able to catch a dance or music show; or watch the local theatre or entertainment in the outdoor mini-ground. To add to the allure, you will be greeted with panoramic views of the mountains and forests. You might get an opportunity to go horse-riding too. Enjoy the view as you sit on the ‘katta’ or platform outside Gaiety Theatre (built in a signature neo-gothic style) or simply take a leisurely stroll soaking in all the sights.
Jakhoo Hill :It is a great place to be at during the auspicious festival of Dussehra. According to the epic tale of Ramayana, this is the temple or location where Lord Hanuman took rest while he was in search of the Sanjivni Booti for Lord Lakshmana. The world’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman is here. You can enjoy trekking here.
Mall Road :Built during the British colonial rule, the mall road is the main street in Shimla, which is located just below the ridge. Most hill stations of India have a mall road as the key attraction but the one in Shimla is the longest and the most beautiful and happening one. Here you can find various departmental stores, cafes, restaurants and other stalls selling handicraft clothes, jewellery, and many more items
Scandle Point:There is a story behind this intriguing name, which may or may not be true. As per the story, this is the point from where an Indian Maharaja tried to elope with a British lady. The whole affair was a scandal and from that point, this place was named so. This is one of the best tourist destinations in Shimla where you can take some photographs dressed in local attire available on rent.
Kufri:Located 20 km from Shimla is the small hill station of Kufri. The name means ‘lake’ in the local language. It is a skier’s paradise, so plan your trip during the winter months when a blanket of snow envelopes the mountains. Do not miss one of the highest amusement parks in the world, Kufri Fun World, located some 2800 feet above sea level. It is definitely an experience of a lifetime to indulge in Go-karting amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas
Gaiety Heritage :A theatre that was opened in late 1800s, this place is a well-known stage where various artists and great personalities working in the film industry have performed. Now being used as social clubs and for performance arts by schools, the theatre is just like it was before with all its aesthetics and culture intact in order to preserve the history and heritage
Chadwick Falls: Chadwick Falls is located in the Glen Forests and is a 45 minutes trek. One of the favorite spots for sightseeing in Shimla, it looks more exotic and ravishing when the water flows speedily through the woods. Monsoon is the best time to visit the fall as the force of water is stronger than any other time.
Summer Hill: There is a lot do and see in the picturesque town of Shimla. However, there are only a few places that offer uninterrupted Panoramic views that do justice to the surreal beauty of this Himalayan hill station. One such place is the Summer Hills, and that’s why they are at the top of this .The viewing points there allow you to capture the Himalayan Landscape in its raw and true form. The hills themselves are covered with green pastures, and you can spend an entire day here with your family and have a nice picnic lunch. Summer Hills is also one the seven hills that form the town of Shimla
Annandale: This picturesque meadow was used as a ground to play polo, cricket and race. Today, this is a picnic spot in Shimla which is just about 4 kilometres from the Ridge. Travelling this distance is worth it because the view here is just beautiful. You get a scenic view of the Shimla city and you are encircled in by a variety of lush green trees.
Green Valley :Located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Shimla, Green Valley is a favourite stop for tourists heading from Shimla to Kufri. It is located on National Highway 22 and is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Shimla if you want to take a break from your travels or enjoy a little picnic. Green Valley is about 2,500 meters above sea level, so make sure to take your camera along to capture gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The fresh mountain air is mixed with the heady scent of the pine and deodar trees from the forests around. If you have time, stop by and take a walk through the forests in the area, and you might be lucky enough to spot a deer or even a yak. There are small local restaurants and cafes where you can stop for lunch and try the local fare.
FAQ:
What’s the best way to Reach Shimla?
Shimla is located 358Km from the Delhi Airport; the drive takes around 9 hours. If you want to avoid such a long drive, then you can take a train to Kalka. From there you can either take the toy train to Shimla or hire a cab.
What is the Best Time to Visit Shimla?
The best time to visit in from April to September, although it’s a year-round destination.
What are the activities you can do in Shimla :Activities you can do in Shimla are:
River Water Rafting
Camping
Paragliding
Mountain Biking
Skiing
Golfing
Ice Skating
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