SHIMLA – ” The Hill’s Queen “
Shimla’s cool climate is the precise reason why it is such a popular summer retreat. You can enjoy the Shimla’s cool Climate with your Shimla trip or Shimla tour package get relief from the scorching heat of the plains. Located at an altitude of approximately 2200m above sea level, the region has a hilly terrain and is covered by dense evergreen forests. A few visitors choose to visit Shimla during spring or autumn, when the place is less crowded and the views are too spectacular for words.
Tourist attractions in Shimla
Mall Road Shimla
One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.
Shimla Ridge
Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.
Annandale
Situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city, Annandale is a lovely picnic spot that is a major tourist attraction. One can relax and unwind over here and spend as much time as they want to.
State Museum & Library
The Shimla State Museum and Library is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for is collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.
Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies and the six storey building still stands in all its splendor. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction and must be visited.
Shimla Excursions
Chail
The Chail hill station is located at an altitude of 2250 meters and is one of the smallest hill stations of Shimla. The Chail hill station of Shimla has an interesting story behind it.
Kasauli
The Kasauli hill station is situated at an altitude of 1927 meters above sea level and is a small hill station that still retains its colonial ambience of the 19th century.
Kufri
Breathtaking views, stunning locales and tranquil surroundings – this is what Kufri hill station is all about. Popularly known as Switzerland of the East, the spell binding beauty of Kufri hill station of Shimla will definitely enchant you.
Naldehra
Nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of the Himalayas, lies the Naldehra hill station. The Naldehra hill resort near Shimla is no less than a picture perfect destination.
Narkanda
The beautiful Narkanda hill station is situated at an altitude of around 2700 meters and offers a stunning view of the lofty ranges of Himalayas. Narkanda hill station is at a distance of 60 kilometers from Shimla.
Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake in Shimla is a very famous tourist attraction. This beautiful lake is located at an altitude of 672 meters and lies in the Sirmaur district. The largest natural lake of Shimla, it is situated at the base of the Renuka hill station near Shimla.
Tattapani
One of the most popular excursions from Shimla is the Tattapani hot springs. It is located at a distance of around 51 kilometers from Shimla. Located at an altitude of 656 meters, Tattapani hot springs near Shimla are a major tourist attraction.
Timber Trail
Timber Trail is a beautiful place that is located on the way to Shimla. It is located at an altitude of 5000 feet in the Shivalik range. The most famous thing about Timber Trail near Shimla is that two adjacent hills are connected together with a Cable and it offers cable car journey to tourists.
Religious Places
Bhimakali Temple
The famous Bhimakali Temple in Shimla is a very popular tourist attraction. Also known as Bheemakali Temple of Simla, this architectural wonder is one of the representatives of 51 Shakti Peeths. The unique thing about this temple is that the style of architecture used to build it is a unique amalgamation of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is built of wood and is no less than an architectural masterpiece.
Jakhu Temple
At the top of the famous Jakhu hill is located the famous Jakhu Temple of Shimla. It is hardly 2 kilometers from the Ridge and is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The Jakhu Temple of Simla is dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. The Jakhu temple is located at a height of 2455 meters and is situated on the highest peak in Shimla.
Kalibari Temple Shimla
The famous Kalibari Temple of Shimla is a popular tourist attraction and is situated at a very strategic location. The temple was built in the year 1845 and is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is also known as Shyamala. It is from the name of Goddess Shyamala that Shimla derives its name.
Christ Church & St. Michael’s Cathedral
The famous Christ church & St. Michael’s Cathedral of Shimla is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. The construction of this church took a span of 11 years (1846 – 1857) and is considered to be the second oldest church in North India. This splendid church is located just near the Ridge in Shimla and can be reached very easily from anywhere.
Sankat Mochan Temple
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Shimla, the Sankat Mochan Temple is located among lush green and tranquil locales in this beautiful hill station. Shri Sankat Mochan temple in Simla is located on the Kalka – Shimla highway, on the National Highway – 22. The temple is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings.
Tara Devi Temple Shimla
Tara Devi Temple, located in Shimla is a very famous tourist attraction of this place. Situated at a distance of around 11 kilometers from Shimla, this famous temple can be visited while traveling on the Kalka – Shimla National Highway. The Tara Devi Temple is situated at the top of a hill in Simla and the lush green environs surrounding it give the temple a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Fairs & Festivals
Ice Skating Carnival Shimla
Shimla is India’s favorite winter destination and what makes it truly special is the snowfall that it receives during the winters. Most tourists visit Shimla during the months of December, January and February to indulge in the lively ice sports like skiing, ice-skating or simple throwing snowballs!
Rhyali Festival Shimla
Celebrated during the rainy season in Shimla, Rhyali festival is of much importance over here. Since most people here depend on agriculture to earn their livelihood, the rains are an absolute must. Rhyali festival is celebrated to keep the rain Gods happy so that the agricultural produce does not get affected.
Shimla Summer Festival
The best reason to visit Shimla during summers has to be the famous Summer Festival that is held every year in the month of May. This famous festival is a riot of colors and festivity and is celebrated on a grand scale. The Summer Festival in Simla is a beautiful amalgamation of various talented people of India who make it an event that is remembered for a long time to come.
Baisakhi
One of the most important festivals celebrated in Shimla is Baisakhi. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Baisakh (mid – April). Baisakhi is called as Bissu or Bisha in Shimla. It is celebrated just before the onset of the harvest season.
Bhoj Fair
This fair is held in the month of November for three days in Shimla. This fair attracts thousands of people from Shimla who come to pay respect to the presiding deity known as Devta Bansor.
Christmas
Shimla has a white winter and Christmas is celebrated with much joy and fervor over here. The true spirit of Christmas is experienced over here, as the place is famous for a beautiful church that is decorated beautifully during Christmas. Shimla also receives heavy snowfall which makes it all the more fun to celebrated Christmas.
Diwali
Like anywhere else in India, Diwali is celebrated in Shimla with much devotion and enthusiasm. Not just the Hindus, even the local native people of this place celebrate Diwali. The whole of Shimla lights up and it looks no less than a wonderland.
Lavi Fair
One of the most important fairs of Shimla, Lavi fair is celebrated as a tribute to the signing of a mutual trade treaty between Tibet and the former Bushahr state. Many cultural shows are organized and the main focus is on small-scale trade and business among the shepherds and other locals.
Lohri
Lohri is a festival that is celebrated to mark the beginning of the sowing season. In January every year, the skyline of Shimla lights up by numerous bonfires that are lit across the place. The first Rabi crop of the season is sown during Lohri.
Navaratri
The festival of Navaratri is celebrated with much joy and fervor in Shimla. Every year, Dusshera is celebrated at the end of Navaratri festival and huge effigies of the demon king Ravana are burnt to mark the triumph of good over evil.
Sipi Fair
This fair is celebrated in the month of May in Sihpur as an honor to Sip Devta. The fair is very popular among people and thousands throng the Sipi fair to participate. The fair has been celebrated since a long time and the Rana of Koti used to be the main spectator in the fair. Many cultural programs are organized which include archery competition, magic shows, jugglers, acrobats, etc.
How to reach Shimla Dharamshala
Shimla can be easily reached by air. The place has its own airport at a place called Jubbarhatti, which is located at a distance of 23 kilometers from the main city center. Flights from New Delhi, Chandigarh and Kullu (another hill station) operate on a daily basis. Jagson Airlines is the flight that operates from these places on a regular basis.
By Rail/ Train
The nearest railway station that connects Shimla to neighboring states is at Kalka. This place is located at a distance of 96 kilometers from Shimla. From Kalka, it takes around 6 hours to reach Shimla. The frequency of trains that ply from Kalka to Shimla is pretty good, with atleast 4 trains plying to and fro from Shimla. The journey from Delhi to Kalka is an overnight journey and reaches Kalka early morning. There are many tunnels en route with the longest being 1.2 kilometers long!
By Road
Shimla is well connected to neighboring places like New Delhi and Chandigarh through national highways. The journey from Delhi to Shimla by road takes approximately 8 hours. The highways are well maintained by the authorities and are a pleasure to drive on. There are many tourist buses that ply from neighboring places to take tourists to this beautiful hill station.
