Things to do in Shimla

One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital. Read about Shimla tourism and know more about Simla travel. Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Shimla all the more special!

Viceregal Lodge

The earstwhile Viceregal Lodge in India's summer capital, Shimla, which is now converted into Indian Institute of Advanced Studies served as a summer retreat for India's Viceroys during the Raj. It was witness to the crucial India-Pakistan partition talks which were held here. Still, the summer residence of India's president, the 'Rashtrapati Niwas' is frequented by the president for about 10-20 days each year. Its located at a distance of about 3 kms from Shimal's Mall Road, but you can walk till there, if youre used to walking. Apart from the majestic building, it has well maintianed lawns and a small cafetaria. Guided tours are also organised at an economical fee where you are given details of the architecture, the furniture and the history. Do look for a small map behind the building that tells about the places and peaks that are visible from that point on a clear day.

Kalka - Shimla Railway

Kalka-Shimla Railway line has been granted 'World Heritage Status' by UNESCO. If you're planning a journey please make sure that you check the departure timings and grab your seats well in advance as theres a huge crowd of holiday makers. The journey is long (5-6 hours) and takes you through a picturesque landscape full of green hills, oak trees, wild pomegrenates, brick viaducts, himalyan springs. You can criticize it for its long duration (if you go to shimla by road, it wont take more than 3 hours), but the long time is only reason why people take the train so that they can enjoy it. In between the journey, you reach the station of Barog where in during the British Raj the trains were halted so that a lavish lunch could be served. This station has its share of intrigue as well- according to the local lore, at the time of construction of the railway, a british engineer was designing the tunnel close to the railway station of Barog. however, due to small flaw in his calculations, the tunnel couldnt be built as designed. To save himself from the embarassment, the engineer committed suicide. His younger brother then finished the tunnel, which is now one of the longest tunnel on the line ( the authenticity of this story cannot be vouched for). Another interesting feature on this railway is the Railbus (shown in the picture). During the 1972 Shimla Agreement, Benazir Bhutto, Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mr Zulfikar Bhutto took a ride in one of these and discussed the details of the agreement. A seat on this bus comes costly, but is the best way to enjoy the view and is comparatively faster than the usual toy train.

Jakhu Temple

Very beautiful temple dedicated to lord Hanuman . Located on Shimla's highest peak offers splendid view of the city a treat for eyes also the chilly weather but worst part is the monkeys which spoils everything,snatches bags from hands also gettin there through steep terrain is tiring but one can also cover lot of it with a car. In short a must to visit place.

Sankat Mochan Temple

”Shri Sankat Mochan” temple is situated at a distance of about 5 K.m from Shimla and is located at Taradevi on the Kalka - Shimla National Highway. This temple is very easily approachable and is one of the most sought after site to be visited not only by the devotees and pilgrims but also by the tourists of all age groups visiting Shimla, the Hill capital of Himachal Pradesh.

Tara Devi Temple

“Ma Bhagwati Tara Devi” Temple is located on Tarav Parvat in the western side of shimla Town about 15 Km from Shimla situated by the side of Kalka- Shimla National Highway near Shoghi. The road meandering uphill through the sweet smelling pine forests and lush green meadows with the cool gentle breeze touching one softly infusing a freshness and vigor in the devotees, pilgrims and tourists visiting this holy shrine. The location of the temple on the Hill top makes it appear that the goddess Ma Tara Devi seems to keep everyone under the protective gaze, blessings on her worshippers.

The Mall

Simla’s Mall Road is where everyone hangs out to just walk around, shop for souvenirs and indulge in some people watching. The Mall also has a number of good restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you’re in the mood you can catch a Bollywood masala flick, then catch a show at The Gaiety Theatre.

Bhimakali Temple

There are quite a few temples dedicated to Hindu deities to be found in Shimla, the small town famous for being a magnificent tourist destination. Bhimakali Temple in Shimla in India is one of the must see tourist attractions without visiting which Sightseeing in Shimla would be an incomplete affair. Originally it was the temple of Bushair rulers of Rampur (Shimla).

Bhimakali Temple in Shimla in India is reputed to be at least 800 years old. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bheemakali and is regarded as one of the significant Shakti Peeths of Shaivite Hindus. This temple is located in the village of Saharan which is a pilgrimage centre by the Hindus.

The Ridge

Shimla, the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India, by virtue of its magnificent location in Himachal Pradesh, among the Himalayas in northern India has been attracting tourists from all over the globe for years. This is one of the best hill stations in India, where every kind of tourists, from honeymooners to retired persons flock to enjoy the beauty of nature. Sightseeing in Shimla provides remarkable spots to enjoy during one's vacation over here. The Ridge in Shimla in India is one of the much visited tourist attractions which will add a different kind of charm to your trip to this hill station.

The Ridge in Shimla in India is magnificently positioned in the heart of the city. It's actually an area that features the vivacity of this city since this is located just beside the Mall Road which is the shopping hub of Shimla. Meet fellow travelers, shop-keepers, local dwellers and beautiful ladies roaming around this area!