Shimla is a popular hill station located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. There are plenty of things to do in Shimla for travel enthusiasts. This town is situated at an altitude of 2,205 meters above sea level and is known for its stunning scenery, colonial architecture, and pleasant weather throughout the year.
Shimla was founded in the early 19th century by the British as a summer retreat for their officials, and it soon became the summer capital of British India. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world and offering multiple things to do in Shimla.
Shimla is surrounded by beautiful mountains, including the Himalayas, and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also home to a range of flora and fauna, including oak, deodar, and pine trees, as well as wild animals like monkeys, leopards, and Himalayan black bears.
The town is known for its colonial architecture, including buildings like the Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, and the Gaiety Theatre. It is also known for several things to do in Shimla. The Mall Road, which is the main street in Shimla, is a popular destination for tourists, offering a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Without wasting any time, let us further look at a few things to do in Shimla that tourists can enjoy.
Things to do in Shimla (1-2)
Visit the Ridge
The Ridge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shimla. So, visiting The Ridge is one of the top things to do in Shimla. It is a large open space located in the heart of the town and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Ridge is also the cultural hub of Shimla and is a popular venue for a range of cultural events and festivals.
The Ridge is lined with shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and woollen clothing. It is also home to several restaurants and cafes, where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the stunning views. Nature lovers must include this place in their things to do in Shimla’s list.
One of the main attractions at the Ridge is the Christ Church, which is a beautiful church located on the western end of the Ridge. It is one of the oldest churches in North India and is known for its stunning stained glass windows.
The Ridge is also the starting point for the Shimla Heritage Walk, which is a guided tour of the town’s colonial architecture and cultural heritage. The tour takes you through Mall Road, Scandal Point, and the Viceregal Lodge, among other places. So, visiting this place is a must, among other things to do in Shimla.
Explore the Mall Road
The Mall Road is one of the most popular destinations in Shimla, and it is located at the heart of the town. The Mall Road is a pedestrian-only avenue that stretches for about 1.5 km and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visiting Mall Road is one of the best things to do in Mall Road.
The Mall Road is a popular destination for shopping, and it offers a range of shops selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and woollen clothing. You can also find a range of cafes and restaurants on Mall Road, serving everything from Indian and Chinese cuisine to Italian and Continental dishes. To taste these cuisines, visiting Mall Road is one of the top things to do in Shimla.
One of the main attractions on Mall Road is Scandal Point, which is a famous landmark in Shimla. It is said that this is the place where the Maharaja of Patiala eloped with a British lady, causing a scandal in the town.
The Mall Road is also home to several colonial-era buildings, including the Gaiety Theatre, which is a beautiful Victorian-style building that has been restored and is used for cultural events and performances. To witness these performances, one should add these activities to his list of things to do in Shimla list.
In addition to shopping and dining, the Mall Road is also a great place for a leisurely stroll. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Visit the Christ Church – Top things to do in Shimla
The Christ Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla and is located on the Ridge, which is the main promenade in the town. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is known for its stunning stained glass windows. Thus, it is one of the top things to do in Shimla for architecture lovers.
The Christ Church was built in 1857 and is one of the oldest churches in North India. It was designed by Colonel J.T. Boileau and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region.
The church is made of yellow limestone and has a striking appearance, with its tall spire and stained glass windows. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with beautiful wooden pews, intricate carvings, and a stunning stained glass window that depicts the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Thus, you must add this to your list of things to do in Shimla list.
The Christ Church is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is open to visitors throughout the year. It is also used for regular services, and visitors are welcome to attend the Sunday mass.
Take a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway – Fun things to do in Shimla
Taking a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway is a must-do experience when you’re in Shimla. The railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes. It makes it even more appealing among other things to do in Shimla.
The Shimla-Kalka Railway is a narrow-gauge railway that was built in 1903 to connect Shimla to Kalka, which is a town located at the foothills of the Himalayas. The railway covers a distance of 96 km and takes about 5-6 hours to complete the journey.
You must definitely consider it for the top things to do in Shimla if you love scenic views. The train ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests. It passes through several tunnels, bridges, and curves, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. The train also stops at several small towns and villages along the way, giving you a glimpse into the local way of life.
The Shimla-Kalka Railway is also known for its unique engineering and architectural features, such as the 103 tunnels and 864 bridges that were built to overcome the steep gradient of the mountainous terrain.
The train ride is a popular tourist attraction, and several tour operators offer packages that include a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. It will allow you to get the best out of things to do in Shimla.
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Visit the Jakhu Temple – Fun things to do in Shimla
The Jakhu Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Shimla and is located on Jakhu Hill, which is the highest point in Shimla. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is a Hindu deity known for his strength and devotion. Thus, exploring this temple is one of the top things to do in Shimla.
To reach the Jakhu Temple, you can take a steep uphill hike or a cable car ride from the Ridge. The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is a popular activity for adventure seekers. The cable car ride is a more convenient option and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Jakhu Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Hindu architecture and is surrounded by lush green forests. The temple has a tall statue of Lord Hanuman, which is visible from several parts of the town. The statue is about 33 meters tall and is said to be one of the tallest statues of Lord Hanuman in the world. So, one must explore this temple as it is one of the best things to do in Shimla.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is believed that visiting the Jakhu Temple brings good luck and prosperity. The temple also attracts several tourists who are interested in the architecture, history, and culture of the region and in getting the best out of things to do in Shimla.
Visit the Shimla State Museum – Best things to do in Shimla
The Shimla State Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Shimla and is located on Mall Road. The museum is dedicated to the cultural and artistic heritage of the region and showcases a wide range of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. To witness these artifacts, you must consider them for things to do in Shimla.
The Shimla State Museum was established in 1974 and is housed in a colonial-era building that dates back to 1905. The museum has several galleries that showcase different aspects of the region’s history and culture. Some galleries include the Archaeology Gallery, the Pahari Miniature Paintings Gallery, the Woodcarvings Gallery, and the Philatelic Gallery.
The Archaeology Gallery showcases artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient cultures that existed in the region. The Pahari Miniature Paintings Gallery showcases exquisite paintings that were created by local artists and depicted scenes from Hindu mythology, royal court life, and other aspects of daily life. So, walking through this museum is one of the best things to do in Shimla.
The Woodcarvings Gallery showcases beautiful sculptures and carvings that were created by local craftsmen using wood, stone, and metal. The Philatelic Gallery showcases rare stamps and envelopes that were used during the colonial era.
The Shimla State Museum is open to visitors throughout the year, and it is recommended to set aside at least a couple of hours to explore the various galleries and exhibits. The museum also has a small library that contains several books and manuscripts related to the region’s history and culture., making it one of the top things to do in Shimla.
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Enjoy a picnic at Chadwick Falls – Things to do in Shimla for nature lovers
Chadwick Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about 7 km from Shimla city and is a popular spot for picnics and day trips. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. So, if you wish to spend some peaceful time with your family, exploring these falls is one of the best things to do in Shimla.
To reach Chadwick Falls, you can take a short hike through the forest or hire a taxi from Shimla. The hike takes about 30-45 minutes and is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The waterfall is about 86 meters high and is fed by water from the Himalayan mountains. The falls are at their best during the monsoon season (July to September) when the water flow is at its peak. However, the falls are also beautiful during the other seasons, and the surrounding forests offer a peaceful retreat from the heat and humidity of the city, making it one of the top things to do in Shimla.
There are several picnic spots located near the waterfall, and you can bring your own food and drinks or purchase them from nearby stalls. There are also several small shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments near the falls. You can even shop for these souvenirs to enjoy the top things to do in Shimla.
Chadwick Falls is also a popular spot for photography, and you can capture some stunning shots of the falls and the surrounding forests. The waterfall is also a popular spot for birdwatching, and you can spot several species of birds, including the Himalayan monal, the kalij pheasant, and the koklass pheasant. If you love bird spotting, visiting these falls are one of the top things to do in Shimla.
Go ice skating – Fun things to do in Shimla
Shimla offers the unique opportunity to go ice skating even during the summer months. The ice skating rink is located on Mall Road and is a popular activity for tourists. So, you can indulge in such top things to do in Shimla.
The rink is open from December to February and attracts several tourists and locals who want to experience the thrill of ice skating. The rink is well-maintained and is equipped with all the necessary safety measures, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, making skating one of the top things to do in Shimla.
Ice skating in Shimla is a unique experience as the rink is located in the middle of the town, and you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys while skating. The rink also has a small cafeteria where you can enjoy hot beverages and snacks after a session of ice skating. So, you can enjoy top things to do in Shimla such as these.
The Shimla Ice Skating Carnival is a popular event that takes place in January every year and attracts several ice skaters from different parts of India and the world. The carnival is a great way to experience the thrill of ice skating and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Shimla during the winter months to get the best out of things to do in Shimla.
Conclusion
Shimla is a beautiful hill station located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. There are several things to do in Shimla, including visiting the Ridge, exploring the Mall Road, visiting the Christ Church, taking a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway, visiting the Jakhu Temple, exploring the Shimla State Museum, enjoying a picnic at Chadwick Falls, and going ice skating at the Shimla Ice Skating Rink.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a culture vulture, Shimla has something for everyone. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, and valleys, and there are several outdoor activities that you can enjoy, such as hiking, camping, and trekking. Shimla is also known for its delicious food, and you can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at the many restaurants and cafes located in the town. So, one can never feel bored here as it offers plenty of things to do in Shimla.
Overall, Shimla is a must-visit destination in India, and it offers a unique and unforgettable experience to all its visitors. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Shimla has it all.
Other than Shimla, you can also explore Nepal. But be sure to check the best time to visit Nepal.
FAQ
What are some popular outdoor activities to do in Shimla?
Some popular outdoor activities to do in Shimla include hiking, trekking, camping, paragliding, and mountain biking.
Is ice skating a popular activity in Shimla?
Yes, ice skating is a popular activity in Shimla, especially during the winter months when the town is covered in snow.
Are there any cultural activities to do in Shimla?
Yes, there are several cultural activities to do in Shimla, such as visiting the Shimla State Museum, attending a cultural show at the Gaiety Theatre, and exploring the local handicraft markets.
What are some family-friendly activities to do in Shimla?
Some family-friendly activities to do in Shimla include visiting the Himalayan Bird Park, taking a ride on the Shimla-Kalka Railway, enjoying a picnic at Chadwick Falls, and exploring the Jakhu Temple.
Is it possible to go on a trek from Shimla to nearby areas?
Yes, there are several trekking trails that start from Shimla and lead to nearby areas, such as the Shimla to Chail trek, the Shimla to Kufri trek, and the Shimla to Hatu Peak trek.
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