After traveling to Shimla for over ten years, each season has left me with memories as varied as the changing skies. But there’s something particularly enchanting about Shimla in September. The city is often bustling in summer, becomes frosting cold in winter, transforms into a serene haven with the monsoon bidding farewell, and then there is beauty when autumn comes knocking on the door around September. As the mist lifts from the hills, a hidden world of less-visited places reveals itself to those willing to explore. Let me take you on a journey to five places to visit in Shimla during September.
Jakhu Temple: A Spiritual Soar via the Ropeway
One of my earliest and most vivid memories of Shimla was when I first stood at the base of Jakhu Hill. The trek up to Jakhu Mandir is like a pilgrimage, not just for the body but for the soul. But if you’re looking to save your legs for further adventures, the ropeway to Jakhu Temple Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is a game-changer. Gliding through the air, you feel as if you’re floating above a sea of green—thick forests of deodar trees stretch out beneath you like a living, breathing carpet. Check out the ticket rates of jakhu ropeway and book your seat today!
The ropeway to Jakhu Temple, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, not only spares you the climb but gives you a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling city below, hemmed in by mountains. As you step out at the temple’s peak, the towering statue of Hanuman greets you, casting its shadow over the city, reminding you that faith, like the mountains, stands tall.
Annandale: The Quiet Echoes of History
A short distance from the bustling Mall Road, Annandale is a world away in spirit. Once a playground for the British during colonial times, this flat expanse is now a peaceful military area. The best part? Few tourists know of it.
In September, with the skies clearing and the post-monsoon greenery at its peak, Annandale feels like a scene plucked straight from a Jane Austen novel. The fields are a rolling canvas of lush greens, framed by the surrounding woods. Visiting Annandale is akin to finding a hidden page in a well-read book—a secret kept away from the main story, but one that changes your perspective entirely.
Though it’s not the top place to visit in Shimla during September for everyone, I always return here, year after year. The tranquility and beauty of the place feel like a deep breath in a city that’s otherwise constantly exhaling.
Chadwick Falls: Nature’s Underrated Masterpiece
September is the perfect time to witness Chadwick Falls in all its glory. With the monsoon waters still trickling down from the heights, the falls cascade gracefully into a rocky pool below, their sound a constant rhythm in the otherwise silent woods.
Nestled within a woodland area lies Chadwick Falls—a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by the lucky few who stumble upon it unexpectedly and find themselves in awe of its serene beauty, untouched by crowds of visitors. Exploring this tranquil oasis in September offers an experience as the cascading waterfalls appear to perform for you amidst swirling mists that mingle with the refreshing chill of an early autumn day.
If you’re looking for a spot to explore in Shimla during September that seems untouched by the hustle and bustle of life, this is the place for you! The peaceful atmosphere that enveloped this place is truly indescribable; it’s an experience that words simply cannot do justice to. It’s something you have to feel for yourself.
Tara Devi Temple: Where Heaven Meets Earth
Perched high atop a hill, Tara Devi Temple offers a panoramic view of Shimla that’s worth every twist and turn in the road leading to it. What makes this temple unique, especially in September, is the clarity of the skies. Post-monsoon, the horizon stretches endlessly, and you can see the distant ranges, their peaks still capped with remnants of last winter’s snow.
Compared to the Jakhu Temple, which sees visitors daily, Tara Devi exudes an aura of secrecy that seems to have been whispered from generation to generation. It may not be as well known as attractions in Shimla in September. For those in search of serenity and a moment of introspection, it stands out as a perfect retreat. The air there is fresher, the breeze gentler, and gazing down at the world beneath you momentarily transports you to what feels like the edge of the world itself.
The nearby forests around Tara Devi are another gem. Strolling through them, especially during early mornings in September, is like walking through a painting where the brushstrokes are made of mist and sunlight.
Craignano Nature Park: An Italian Whisper in the Hills
Most people visiting Shimla miss out on Craignano, and I can’t help but feel it’s their loss. Tucked away near Mashobra, this nature park was once the summer retreat of an Italian countess, and the Italian charm still lingers in its architecture and layout.
September breathes life into Craignano in a way no other month can. The wildflowers bloom, adding bursts of color to the meadows, while the cool post-monsoon breeze stirs the leaves, creating a melody all its own. With every visit, I discover something new—a hidden trail, a forgotten corner with a bench that seems like it was placed there just for me.
As someone who has spent years discovering Shimla, this place always makes the list. It’s not the most famous place to visit in Shimla during September, but it’s one that steals your heart without you even realizing it.
The Shimla Experience Beyond the Obvious
Despite the fact that Shimla is home to a plethora of well-known tourist destinations, it is the lesser-known jewels that I find to be the most captivating aspects of the city. The spiritual heights of the ropeway, the Jakhu Temple in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and the tranquil corners of Craignano are just some of the places that provide the impression that each location is a chapter in a book of hidden beauties.
If you’re planning a visit, especially in September, I urge you to go beyond the Mall Road and Ridge. Seek out the gems that don’t feature prominently on the common guidebooks to truly uncover the charm of Shimla. From its enchanting mornings to its captivating golden afternoons in September that reveal its hidden treasures beyond surface level attractions. Having roamed these hills for more than ten years myself, I hold dear to my heart five spots that are etched in my memory like timeless memoirs. They might just do the same for you.
