Shimla The Queen of Hill Stations
Explore Shimla the Queen of Hill Stations in the Himalayan foothills with this ultimate guide. Find out the best stuff to do in Shimla, like taking peaceful strolls on Mall Road or checking out the cool colonial buildings. Dive into the charm of India’s beloved hill station.
Things to do in Shimla
In addition to the usual tourist spots, there are cool things to do in Shimla (The Queen of Hill Stations) that let you explore the city in a whole new way. These adventures in Shimla give you a deeper look into what the place has to offer.
- Skate at the biggest natural ice-skating rink in the country during winter. There’s a festival with food and fun.
- Try out the best Shimla foods on a food trail. You’ll taste traditional dishes like Sidu, Dhaam, Madra, and Chha Gosht.
- Check out the Lakkar Bazaar for cool stuff like antiques and handmade items.
- If it’s spring, go paragliding in Waknaghat or Kangra Valley. In winter, try winter sports in Kufri or Narkanda.
- Explore apple orchards around Shimla. You can pick apples, take tours, and try fresh fruit treats.
- Camp in Mashorba for a great outdoor experience. It’s known for its beautiful pine forests and trails.
Best places to visit in Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a great place for a vacation. It’s got everything you need for a fun time: beautiful mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lots of greenery.
Plus, there are some cool old buildings from the colonial times. So if you’re into nature, history, or just exploring new places, Shimla has it all!
Jakhoo Ropeway
- How to Reach– The ride starts at the Ridge,
- Timings– 9.30 AM-6.15 PM
- Entry Fees–
- Adults- INR 250
- Children (3-12 years) – INR 200
- Children (below 3 years) – Free
- Make sure to visit the locally sacred Jakhoo Temple on the hilltop
Kali Bari Temple
- How to Reach– The temple is located within walking distance from Mall Road. You can also take an auto to reach.
- Timings– 6 AM-7 PM
- Entry Fees– Free
- Enjoy authentic Bengali food at the temple guest house or canteen
Christ Church
- How to Reach– The ancient church is located on Mall Road, 1 km from the bus station and 1.5 km from the railway station. You can easily walk or take a local bus, auto or car to reach.
- Timings– 8 AM-6 PM
- Entry Fees– Free
- Visit the Christ Church library, known for its huge collection of classic literature and ancient scriptures.
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
- How to Reach– The complex is located 1 km from the bus station. You can easily walk or take an auto to reach.
- Timings– 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM, 1:45 PM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fees– INR 10, For camera: INR 25
Mall Road
- How to Reach– This famous road is located 1 km from the bus station and 1.5 km from the railway station. You can walk or take a local cab or auto to reach.
- Timings– 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Entry Fees– NA
Himachal State Museum
- How to Reach– The museum is located at 2.5KM from Mall Road. You can take a local bus or a cab to reach.
- Timings– Tuesday-Friday: 10 AM – 1:30 PM and 2 PM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
- Entry Fees– INR 20
- Make sure to explore the Doll Gallery.
Annandale Army Heritage Museum
- How to Reach– The museum and golf course is located 3.3 km from Mall Road. You can take the local bus or car to reach.
- Timings– 10 AM – 2 PM, 3 PM – 5 PM
- Entry Fees – Free
Gorton Castle
- How to Reach– The old castle is located at walking distance from Mall Road. You can also take an auto to reach.
- Timings– 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fees– Free
Places to visit nearby
Apart from all the famous places in Shimla, there’s a host of scenic locales and smaller hill stations near Shimla. With a Shimla tour package, you can include these destinations in your Shimla sightseeing –
Naldehra Golf Course
- How to Reach– The golf course is located 23 km from Shimla. You can rent a local car or book a cab to reach.
- Timings– 8 AM-6 PM (all days)
- Entry Fees– INR400
- Visit the Sipi Fair in June – a local matchmaking fest and art expo
Tattapani River Rafting
- How to Reach– The rafting starts at Chhaba, 45 km from the hill town. You can take the local bus or rent a car to travel and return.
- Timings– Sunrise to Sunset (October to July)
- Entry Fees – INR 700-6000 (based on time and distance)
Hatu Peak, Narkanda
- How to Reach– Narkanda is 61 km from the town. You can take a local bus or hire a private car to reach and start the trek to the peak.
- Timings– Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees– NA
- Visit the famous apple orchards and enjoy apple picking in Kotgarh, 16KM from Narkanda
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- How to Reach– The wildlife reserve is located 30 km from the hill town. You can book a cab for the day to travel and return.
- Timings– Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees– Free
- You can Camp in the pine forests of Chail or explore the nearby village of Shogi
Gilbert Trail, Kasauli
- How to Reach– Kasauli is 73 km from Shimla. You can book a cab or rent a car for the day to travel and return.
- Timings– Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fees– Free
- visit between February and April or in November for a bird-watching
Naggar Castle
- How to Reach– The castle is 230 km from the town. You can include this on your Shimla-Manali trip. You can rent a private car to travel
- Timings– 9 AM-6 PM
- Entry Fees– Free
Conclusion
Shimla, often called the Queen of Hill Stations, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, colonial charm, and exciting activities. Shimla has something for everyone from strolling down Mall Road and visiting colonial-era buildings to ice-skating, paragliding, and exploring apple orchards.
Explore nearby attractions like the Naldehra Golf Course, Tattapani River Rafting, Hatu Peak, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, and more for a truly memorable experience. For a hassle-free trip, consider booking a reliable taxi service provider in Delhi NCR to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. With its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Shimla is a destination that promises an unforgettable adventure.
To Read more about Manali: A Paradise in Himalayas
