Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Shimla for First-Time Travelers

Shimla is a perennial charmer that has taken decades to enchant the travelers with its beauty housed in the Himalayas. The picturesque destination, referred to as the Queen of Hills is full of colonial charm, panoramic mountain view and pine forest. Shimla can be home to all kinds of people, be it an adventure seeker, honeymooner or a nature lover. Planning a visit? Best Shimla kullu Manali Tour Packages: Visit the best of Kullu Manali.

Here, we have selected an extensive list of the 10 places that are mandatory when visiting Shimla the first time, and that provide a different experience and a reason to fall in love with this hill paradise.

1. The Ridge – The Heart of Shimla  

The Ridge is the most traditional location of Shimla which is situated in the heart of the city. Paved with lovely cafes, colonial houses and crowded shops, it has the best environment to take evening walks with spectacular scenes of snow-capped mountain range. Everything in Shimla is centered around The Ridge whether it is cultural events or a festival. Another thing worth visiting is the famous Christ Church which is one of the oldest churches in North India and is gracefully located at one end of the promenade.

2. Mall Road – Shopper’s Paradise  

Mall Road is the largest centre of life right under The Ridge. This vibrant area is crowded with local shops, souvenirs, restaurants and bakeries that make him/her mouth watering by Himachali delicacies. You can get woolens, handicrafts, wooden souvenirs etc. and one can get the whole experience of what Shimla is about when visiting Mall Road. Have a taste of the local Sidu bread and a cup of hot tea and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the surrounding.

3. Jakhoo Temple -the home of lord Hanuman.  

The temple is located at Jakhoo hill, the tallest point in Shimla, and is devoted to lord Hanuman. Its giant 108-foot-tall statue is visible in most areas of the city. The small walk to the temple is surrounded by deodar trees and naughty monkeys that bring harmony and give a panoramic view of the level below.

4. Kufri – The Winter Wonderland  

Kufri, located some 16km south of Shimla, is a location that must be visited by adventure lovers. Being famous in its skiing trails, snowy mountains, the Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri turns into a snow-covered heaven in winter. You may either ski, or go on a toboggan as well as riding a horse or just observe the breathtaking stories of the neighboring mountains.

5. Christ Church -A Colonial Wonder.  

Christ Church is one of the most photographed in Shimla, which is located in The Ridge. The design of this building (19 th -century, neo-Gothic style) features beautiful stained-glass windows and serene atmosphere. It is a reminder of the colonial past of Shimla and is therefore a must-visit place among the lovers of history and even the photographers.

6. Green Valley – A Scenic Escape  

Green Valley is an astonishing natural site that embodies a dense forest and rich hills that are only a few kilometers before Kufri. Photographers also love this valley as it is one of the stunning untouched beauty and calm nature. To rest and enjoy the nature, Green Valley will be the ideal place to get off the city rhythm.

7. Summer Hill -A Paradise of a Writer.  

Summer Hill is a serene suburb that is approximately 5km away and is characterized by quietness and views revealing a panoramic view of the main city. The green nature and serene environment has been a source of inspiration to many authors where Mahatma Gandhi used to spend his time when he visited Shimla. It is also the location of the Himachal Pradesh University campus giving the place a young feel.

8. Tara Devi Temple Spiritual Serenity.  

The temple is in honor of Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Goddess Kali and is located on a hill that has a 360-degree view of the valley. It is also a religious escape and a picturesque location which offers calmness and religious serenity. Go during Navratri to see the temple at its fiercest.

9. Annandale-A Historical Playground.  

Annandale, a playing field of the British officers, is now an empty space with dense forests. It is ideal in picnics, strolls and golf lovers. This place is the home of the Army Heritage Museum, which is filled with the rich history of India and is a place worth visiting by history lovers.

10. Chadwick Falls -The Secret of Nature.  

Cadwick Falls is a spectacular waterfall, located deep in Glen Forest, and it falls down a height of about 100 meters. The walk to the falls is also an adventure as it is characterized by beautiful trails and birds singing and the calmness of running water. The falls are most definitely best seen during the monsoon season.

Best Time to Visit Shimla  

The beauty of shimla is eternal but the right moment to go there will depend on what you want to get. 

• Summer (March to June) -Best time to sightsee, hike and outdoor games.  
• Monsoon (July to September) Lush and green though subject to landslides now and then.  
• Winter (October to February)- Ideal, snow lovers, honeymooners.  

Shimla has been painted by each season in a different color, and thus the place has been a year-long destination to tourists.

How to Reach Shimla

• Air: The closest airport is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is approximately 23km away in the city.  
• Train: The Kalka -Shimla Toy Train- a route listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, provides a spectacular ride through pine forests and tunnels.  
• By Road: Chandigarh, Shimla and Manali are well linked by road with Delhi and hence easily reachable by bus or by private car.

Make Your Trip Effortless with Go Kite Tours

In Go Kite Tours, we realize that each visitor should have a hustle free experience. Being a reputable travel agency with its headquarters in India, we offer carefully designed itineraries, specialized advice, and convenient booking services so that you can live a life full of memories, instead of having to coordinate logistics. You have a romantic vacation, or an adventure vacation, we are always there to ensure that your Shimla travel is something to remember.

Final Thoughts

Shimla still stuns the tourists with their mixture of colonialism, natural beauty and diverse culture. These top ten sites will welcome you to the very spirit of this Himalayan resort, those who intend to take their first trip. And in case you are seeking the best Shimla Kullu Manali Travel Deals you must have a look at tailor made deals which assure a superb experience at a price to beat.