Overview
Shimla, fondly known as the Queen of Hills, is one of India’s most loved hill destinations 🏔️❄️. Nestled among pine and cedar forests, this former British summer capital charms visitors with its colonial architecture, scenic viewpoints, and refreshing climate throughout the year. A walk along the bustling Mall Road is perfect for shopping, café hopping, and soaking in local culture ☕🛍️. The Ridge offers breathtaking sunset views, while Jakhoo Temple, located at the highest point of the city, rewards visitors with panoramic Himalayan scenery 🙏✨.
Shimla is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. During winters, snowfall turns the city into a magical white paradise ⛄, while summers provide a cool escape from the plains. Toy train rides, heritage buildings, and nearby hill spots make Shimla a timeless destination for relaxation, romance, and nostalgia 🌲❤️.
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Things to do in Shimla
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Top PickSightseeingChrist Church
Standing tall on the Ridge, Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India and the most prominent landmark of Shimla. Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857, its yellow facade and silhouette are visible from miles away. It is the enduring symbol of the colonial era in Shimla. The church is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, which represent Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility. When the sun hits them, the interiors are bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors. The high wooden pews, the brass plaques, and the grand pipe organ create an atmosphere of solemnity and grace. At night, the church is beautifully illuminated, looking spectacular against the dark sky. It is a functional place of worship, conducting regular services. Visitors can enter to light a candle, pray, or simply admire the architecture. The peace inside offers a stark contrast to the bustle of the Ridge outside. It has appeared in countless movies (like '3 Idiots') and photographs. No photo of Shimla is complete without the Christ Church in the background. A visit here is a walk through history and a moment of peace.
Top PickHistoryRashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)
The Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as the Viceregal Lodge, is arguably the most impressive colonial building in Shimla. Located on the Observatory Hill, this Jacobethan-style architectural marvel served as the summer residence of the British Viceroys of India. It was here that critical decisions leading to the partition of India were discussed. Built in 1888, the building resembles a Scottish castle with its grey stone work and turrets. The interiors are equally magnificent, featuring elaborate teak wood work, heavy draperies, and a grand staircase. Today, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), but sections are open to tourists. Visitors can take a guided tour of the main halls, where the guide explains the historic significance of the rooms and the events that took place there. The library and the conference hall are highlights. The photographs from the Raj era on display provide a glimpse into the past. The lodge is surrounded by sprawling, manicured lawns and gardens that are a delight to walk in. The garden features exotic plants and rare trees. The view of the mountains from the lawns is spectacular. It is a place where history, architecture, and nature converge. The walk to the lodge from the main town is pleasant, or you can take a taxi. There is a small cafeteria and a souvenir shop on the premises. For anyone interested in history or architecture, the Viceregal Lodge is unmissable. It stands as a grand reminder of Shimla's imperial past.
Top PickSightseeingSunset at Scandal Point
Scandal Point is one of the most iconic and historically intriguing landmarks in Shimla. Located at the intersection where the Ridge and Mall Road fulfill, it is a bustling square that offers commanding views of the valley. The name 'Scandal Point' is steeped in colonial gossip and legend. It is said to be the spot where the Maharaja of Patiala eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy, causing a huge scandal in the Raj era, leading to the Maharaja being banished from Shimla. Today, the 'scandal' is long gone, but the point remains a favorite meeting place. The most magical time to visit is undoubtedly at sunset. As the sun begins to dip behind the layers of Himalayan ranges, the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery oranges, deep pinks, and purples. The silhouette of the mountains against the twilight sky is a photographer's dream. There are plenty of benches positioned to face the view. Locals and tourists gather here every evening to witness this spectacle. A statue of the freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai stands here, watching over the town. The General Post Office, a beautiful colonial building, adds to the heritage charm of the square. It is the perfect place to pause during your Mall Road stroll. Grab a warm cup of tea or coffee from a nearby vendor, find a bench, and watch the day turn into night. The lights of the city slowly flickering on in the valley below create a galaxy-like effect on earth. Horse riding is also popular here, with ponies lined up to take children and adults for a short joyride around the point. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with chatter and laughter. It captures the social spirit of Shimla. Whether for the history, the views, or the vibe, watching the sunset at Scandal Point is a daily ritual in Shimla that never gets old.
Top PickReligiousJakhoo Temple Trek
Perched atop Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla at an elevation of 2,455 meters, the Jakhoo Temple is a significant spiritual landmark dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is famous not just for its religious importance but also for the colossal 108-foot-tall orange statue of Lord Hanuman that towers over the trees and is visible from most parts of Shimla. Reaching the temple is an adventure in itself. You can embark on a steep but rewarding trek of about 2.5 kilometers from the Ridge. The path winds through a dense forest of deodar trees, offering spectacular glimpses of the town and the surrounding Shivalik ranges. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler and the views more expansive. For those unable to trek, ponies and taxis are available, and there's also a ropeway that offers a scenic aerial ride to the top. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman stopped at this very spot to rest while searching for the Sanjeevani Booti to heal Lord Lakshmana during the epic battle of Ramayana. The temple houses footprints believed to be of the deity. Devotees flock here in large numbers, especially on Tuesdays and during festivals like Dussehra and Hanuman Jayanti, to seek blessings. Be prepared to encounter the resident monkeys of Jakhoo Hill! They are notoriously mischievous and known to snatch glasses, cameras, and food from unsuspecting visitors. It's advisable to secure your belongings and rent a stick at the entrance to keep them at bay. Despite their localized terror, they are an integral part of the temple's charm. Once at the top, the panoramic view is mesmerizing. You can see the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas standing guard in the distance and the town of Shimla sprawling below. The temple complex provides a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection. The sheer size of the Hanuman statue is awe-inspiring up close. A visit to Jakhoo Temple combines spirituality, physical activity, name and nature. It's a place where myth and majesty meet, offering one of the best vantage points in all of Shimla.
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