Shimla Travel Guide: Explore The Queen of Hills

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is the ideal place to get away from the summer heat. Resting in the foothills of the Himalayas, its cool breeze and mild warmth have a calming effect. The temperature is suitable for going outside.

Enclosing a myriad of attractive destinations and the stunning vista, the city offers the best summer retreat in 2025. So this weekend, plan a trip to Shimla- The Summer Capital of British India. The fascinating destinations eagerly await your arrival. And just for you, your own Shimla travel guide is presenting a curated list of things to do in Shimla.

Things to do in Shimla

Ride the Gondola at The Jakhu Ropeway

The Jakhu Temple is the revered pilgrim spot of Shimla. Your journey remains incomplete without visiting this temple as per the Shimla travel guide. Located at the highest peak of the city, the temple depicts an intriguing backstory with ties to the Ramayana. And taking you to the temple is the Jakhu ropeway. Its gondola ride adds the thrill to the journey by transporting you at a height of 8100 ft. above sea level. The Jakhu ropeway trip entices you with the captivating sights of the surrounding landscape- the majestic mountains and the towering trees of pine and cedar. The statue of Lord Hanuman measuring 108 ft. imbues you with unparalleled divinity and tranquility.

Shop at The Mall Road

The hub of social activities in the city is the Mall Road. The spectacular view from the road at nighttime enchants you. The lights of the city resemble the starlit sky above. The shops lining the road sell handmade cotton apparel for you to indulge in a shopping spree. Savor the delicacies at fine-dining restaurants and their charming ambience. Breathe the fresh and clean air at this vehicle-prohibited area. Offer prayer at the Kali Bari temple and entertain yourself at the Gaiety Theater.

Walk on The Ridge

Running parallel to the Mall road, the Ridge is the popular wide street often featured in newspapers. The place represents the soul of Shimla. A delightful walk is one of the best things to do in Shimla. The evening showcases glowing, vibrant fountains and the illuminating yellow Christ Church standing magnificently in its neo-gothic design. The statues at the road and the Victorian era buildings exude the aura of a charming old town.

Immerse in the history at the Viceregal Lodge

Witness the history at the lodge that hosted the renowned Shimla Conference of 1945. The historical significance of the conference originates from the discussion on the self-government of India. Still many photographs, articles, and items exist at the lodge that captured those historic moments. Being a part of Shimla tourism, its Tudor-style architecture, greenhouse, the location on the hilltop, and the tended lawns merge to offer an exhilarating experience.

Take a trip to the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary

Discover nature at its full fervor amidst the lush green forests and the sparkling river streams. The rare species, like leopards, flying squirrels, Himalayan bears, musk deers, red foxes, hyenas, etc. endow the sanctuary with a distinct fauna. The option of cycling is also available. One can also try camping, trekking, and mountain climbing to chase some thrill.

Enjoy the Picnic at Chadwick Falls

Another place for nature lovers is the Chadwick waterfalls resting in the quiet of the forests. It is the hidden gem of the city, accessible by a 7 km walk from the city. The waterfalls is an acclaimed picnic spot for families. The serene surroundings with the water cascading down, creates a picturesque view, instilling calm and peace; it is one of the must things to do in Shimla.

Buy a souvenir at Lakkar Bazar

In addition to the Mall Road, Lakkar Bazar is another place for shopping. The marketplace invites you with its unique woodwork including key chains, toys, decorative items, furniture, etc. These items are too appealing to resist. The market is particularly fitting for purchasing a souvenir.

Savor the Local Cuisines

The local dishes of the city are a must-have. Tibetan influence is evident in babru and chana zor. Dham, sidu, thukpa, etc., are mouth-watering delicacies. Non-vegetarians can relish chicken anardana and cha gosht. The street vendors also offer delightful options, satisfying the hunger and the palate. Don’t forget to try the eateries that date back to the 80s. Immerse in their cozy environment and old-era design mixed with appetizing food.

Make the Best out of your Journey!!

The Shimla travel guide also has a few tips as you plan and enjoy this exciting destination to its fullest.

Tip 1: Plan a trip for at least two days to tour the entire city. If you have more days on hand, then you can also give a visit to the nearby places like Kufri, Narkanda, and Mashobra.

Tip 2: The journey to the city and around it has long, winding roads. So keep the motion sickness medicine handy.

Tip 3: The city roads have uphill and downhill routes, often requiring long walks. So it’s better to wear comfortable footwear to enjoy the strolls.

Tip 4: In summer, you will find cotton clothes comfortable in the mornings. Temperature drops a little in the evening, so carry a light jacket.

Tip 5: Traveling via vehicles saves time and is a good option for those who have less vacation days to spend in the city. On the other hand, if you are a nature lover, walking would be a more enticing option.

How to get to Shimla?

As per the Shimla travel guide, there are three routes to get to the town.

By Road: Traveling by road offers the picturesque splendor of the mountains, forests, and valleys, but it may be taxing for some. Taxis and buses are two ways to go around from the nearby cities, such as Chandigarh and Delhi.

By Air: The airport in Jubbarhatti is around 23 kilometers away from the city. For people arriving from far cities, flying is recommended.

By Train: There is no better way to get to Shimla than by train. Simply arrive at the Kalka train station and choose one of the following trains.

Toy Train: The Britishers designed it for easy access to the city in 1903. It is even enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage site and enchants you with a panoramic view of the mountains, tunnels, and waterfalls on the way.

Rail Motorcar: The government of Shimla also constructed a rail motorcar to promote Shimla tourism. This single coach train has large windows and transparent rooftops, along with cushioned chairs and air conditioning.

Shivalik Deluxe: It is a deluxe train flaunting intricate woodwork and carpeted chairs. The train radiates the vibe of luxury travel.

The Final Thoughts!!

Everyone desires a break from the routine hustle of life, to relax in delightful weather, and recharge. Shimla is the most fascinating travel destination of 2025. With its countless attractions like Jakhu ropeway, mall road, ridge, waterfalls, etc., it promises an exciting vacation. The characteristic charm of the city and its old-era buildings surrounded by the spectacular scenery offers a haven like no other. Merging divinity, serenity, adventure, and scenic beauty, the city satisfies people with varied interests. Follow the Shimla travel guide to discover the key things to do in Shimla. So pack your bags and embark on the journey to charge up.

FAQs

Q – What are the tourist attractions of Shimla?

The Jakhu temple, the Jakhu ropeway, the Viceregal Lodge, the Chadwick waterfalls, the Mall Road, the Lakkar Bazar, etc., are a few of the many tourist attractions of Shimla.

Q – How is the weather in Shimla?

The weather in Shimla remains pleasant throughout the year except for December to early February, when snowfall covers the city in winter.

Q – How does one reach Shimla?

Shimla can be reached by airways, road, and trains. However, trains to Shimla are unique and are worth traveling on once.

Q – What trains are available to reach Shimla?

There are many trains to travel to Shimla, but for a better experience, opt for the toy train, rail motor car, or Shivalik deluxe.