The Best Tourist Places in Shimla – A Must-Visit Destination

Shimla is the designated tourist spot of India. Present in the rugged mountains of Himachal Pradesh, the city is laden with numerous tourist places. The beautiful Shivalik ranges and the forest cover of pine, oak, and deodar trees enthrall you. The pleasant weather in summer and the snowfall of winter render the city a tourist destination all around the year. The city incorporates the mystical elements of religious sites along with the charming history through its buildings belonging to colonial-style architecture. Whether it’s fun and adventure or peace and tranquility, the city presents everything on a platter.

Embrace the Divine

Shimla offers a religious abode to its visitors, entangled with the tranquil air and a breathtaking view. Divinity fills the air, inspiring you to a spiritual awakening.

The Jakhu Temple

The Jakhu Temple is the most popular temple of Shimla, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Resting at the highest peak of Shimla, it boasts a 108 ft. tall statue of Lord Hanuman. The origins of the temple exist in the Ramayana. Although it is reachable on foot and by car, the aerial lift – the Jakhu ropeway adds to the overall experience of the journey to the temple.

The Christ Church

It is the second oldest church in India famous for its Christmas Eve prayers. Built in 1857, the yellow building of the church stands tall at the Ridge with its neo-gothic architecture. The lighting at night livens up the church. The five stained glass windows, the myriad of antiquities, and the simplicity of the church tug at your soul.

The Kali Bari Temple

The temple is devoted to the incarnation of Goddess Kali, Goddess Shymala. The city derives its name from the Goddess and is present at the Mall Road.

The Tara Devi Temple

 The hilltop location of the temple imbues it with serenity. It is 11 km away from the city and is dedicated to Goddess Tara. The temple was designed in Pahari architectural style, and the idol is composed of the “asthadhatu” -the eight elements.

The Kamna Devi Temple

 The temple is present in the southern part of Shimla and worships Goddess Kamna. It has achieved popularity owing to the belief that Goddess Tara always fulfills the wishes of her devotees.

Experience the thrill

Shimla is known for its myriad of adventure sports amidst the fierce mountains. Level three rapids of the Sutlej River offer a fun-filled river rafting experience for a stretch of 12 km, with towering mountains in the backdrop. Paragliding showcases the stunning vista from the sky, giving a bird’s-eye view of the city. Trekking in the pine-covered forests is a must for nature lovers. One can select the easy and relaxing option of trekking to the Jakhu temple or an exhilarating trek to the Kamna Devi temple. A formidable trekking alternative is the Banjara Valley trek. Camping beneath the star-studded sky and the morning air among the majestic mountains refreshes you. The Shimla wildlife water catchment sanctuary are enthralling with the sights of its flora and fauna. It also avails a cycling option amid the oak and deodar trees along with the rare species of the sanctuary.

Treading through the City

Mall Road is a premium tourist location in the middle of the city. The place is laden with old buildings, fine dining restaurants, and local shops. The vehicle prohibition policy at the Mall Road renders it as a pollution-free zone. Several tourist spots are scattered around the place, such as the Scandal Point, the Gaiety Theatre, the Kali Bari Temple, the Town Hall, Lakkar Bazar, the Ridge, etc.

Famous spots

 The Gaiety Theater is the popular social club of the city. One can find the statue of the late freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai at the Scandal Point. The place obtains the name from the intriguing but questionable story of the daughter of the Viceroy eloping with an Indian king. The place is near the state post office that has a Tudor style design.

Shopping 

Handcrafted cotton apparel in summers and woolens in winters make for the perfect souvenir from the city. The handmade wooden articles of Lakkar bazar are a must-buy.

Local Cuisines

The delectable local dishes like thukpa and sidu are mouthwatering. Local delicacies- chicken anardana and cha gosht- provide wonderful options for non-vegetarians. Dishes like babru and chana zor with Tibetian influence, offers variety.

Feel the History

In addition to the famous church and temples, the city reminds you of the olden times.

Town Hall

 The Town Hall is one of the famous landmarks of the city, present at the Mall Road. Britishers constructed for their own official during colonial rule to supervise the administration of the city. Now the place comprises Indian offices under the Shimla municipal corporation. But the old architectural design gives it a unique charm.

Viceregal Lodge

Another historic building is Viceregal Lodge. Again the Britishers built the place on the second highest peak of Shimla, the Observatory Hills. It served as a summer vacation spot for the British Viceroy of India. It resembles the English style architecture with a hint of designs of Scottish manor. The well-kept lawns and greenhouses add to its beauty. The old antiquities and article extend a glimpse of the pre-Independence era. The equipment, like the steam-based electricity generator and the water collection system beneath the lawns reminds you of the innovative times of the Victorian era. Its significance also comes from the Shimla Conference of 1945 that discussed the self-government of India. After independence, the place was transferred to the President of India and renamed as the Rashtrapati Niwas. Later on, the place was handed to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

The Train Journey to Shimla

There are many travel routes to Shimla. An airport, 23 km away from the city, offers air travel option. Several people even choose car travel from the nearby cities to enjoy the scenery during travel. But the train provides the best travel route through the scenic beauty. One has to reach Kalka, the closest train station to Shimla, and from there many options are available.

Shivalik Express: It traverses a 6 hr journey from Kalka to Shimla and has an added pantry facility.

Himalayan queen: It takes you through the mountain ranges at a slow speed, mesmerizing you in the wonderful landscape.

Toy train: The Britishers designed it for easy access to the city in 1903. It enchants you through the mountains, tunnels, and waterfalls that come in the way.

Rail Motorcar: The government of Shimla also inaugurated a rail motorcar. The train contains a single coach with transparent rooftops. The cushioned chairs, air conditioning, and food service render it as one of the best options to travel.

Shivalik Deluxe: The deluxe train charms with its carpeted chairs and wooden work.

Conclusion

Shimla is laden with tourist places inside and around the city, deeming it the best tourist spot in the country. The Britishers called it their summer capital and even constructed the narrow-gauge toy train for easy travel and several buildings for their officials. The place offers attractions all throughout the year.