Shimla | Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla

Shimla is known as the "Queen of Hills" because of it stunning natural beauty and pleasant climate. Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, located in North of India in the Himalayas at an high altitude of 2200 meters above the sea level.
 Shimla

The Area is surrounded by the dense forests, deodar, oak and rhododendron trees, The Shimla city is built on a seven hills which offering the stunning views of surrounding valleys and mountains. In the town of Shimla there was open space in the centre, where the cultural events and view of a snow covered peaks. 

The Shimla is also famous for its "Kalka Shimla Railway", built in 1903 a narrow gauge railway features about 100 plus of tunnels and 800 plus of bridges. The Train journey begin from Kalka to Shimla and offering a breathtaking views of hills, valleys and forest makeing it one of the most scenic rail routes in India. This railway route played a crucial role in connecting Shimla to rest of the country during the British era.

The Climate of Shimla is major attraction for the visitors because the temperature of the Shimla in Summer lies between 15°C to 30°C and in winter temperature lies between -1°C to 12°C

Historically, Shimla was a small village before the 19th century and later became the summer capital of British India. In 1819 Shimla had came under the British control after the Gurkha War, the entire British administration shift from Calcutta to Shimla due to intense heat in Calcutta. 

Places to Visit in Shimla

The Ridge

Ridge is one of the iconic and most popular place of Shimla, it is an wide open space that serves as the cultural and social centre of Shimla city. The Ridge offering the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan range which making it favourable spot for the tourists and locals people of Shimla. 

Shimla

Ridge is the cultural heart, historical symbol and social gathering of the City, Major Celebration like Independence Day, Republic Day, Bharara Fair, Bhoj Fair, Lavi Fair, Mahasu Jatar and many more festivals of city are held here. 

Mall Road

The Mall Road of Shimla is one of the famous and vibrant attraction of the city, it reflects the charm of Shimla colonial past. Mall Road offers beautiful; views of the surrounding and valleys, benches are placed along the road which allow visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the cool climate and fresh air. 

Shimla

One of the most striking features of the Mall Road is that"No Vehicle are Allowed", which mean all the tourist enjoy a peaceful and safe walking. The road is linked with a wide variety of Shops selling Handicrafts, Woolen Clothes, Souvenirs, Books and sell famous thing of Shimla like Itricate Wood Carvinig, Local Himachali Caps, Tibetan Handicrafts and many more things. 

Christ Church

The Christ Church of the Shimla is one of the most prominent and historical landmark of the City, located on the Ridge near the mall road. it stands as a symbol of Shimla colonial heritage and spiritual history. It was built in 1857 and stand as the second oldest church in North India. 

Shimla

Christ Church is famous for its "Stained Glass Window", this symbolized the Christian Virtues such as Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility. 

When the Sunlight passes through this window, the interior is filled with soft, colourful light which creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. 

Christ Church is more crowded at the time of Christmas and Easter when special prayer and celebration are held.

Jakhoo Temple

The Jakhoo Temple is dedicate to Lord Hanuman, Located on Jakhoo Hill known as the "Highest Point in Shimla". The area of Jakhoo Temple is surrounded by the dense forest and offering panoramic view of the Shivalik Range and the Shimla City from top. 

Jakhoo Temple is associated with an Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Hanuman stopped at this hill while searching for the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshman to save him from Nagastra. 

Shimla

Jakhoo Temple is considered as the one of the oldest temple in Shimla, although the present structure has been renovated multiple times. The Temple has a serene architecture which reflects traditional North Indian temple styles. 

The Atmosphere of the temple is calm, spiritual and combined sounds of bells and chanting makes a deep peaceful experience for all devotees. 

Kufri

Kufri is known for its scenic landscape, pleasant climate and winter snowfall, It is located about 16 km from the Shimla City at an high altitude of 2720 m above the sea level. The name Kufri mean "Lake" which reflecting the natural charm. 

Shimla

Kufri is surrounded by dense forest, oak and trees, it offers breath taking views of the snow capped mountain range and peaceful surrounding make Kufri, favorable place for the nature lover and photographers.

During Winter, from December to February the region is cover with a snow were Skiing, Snow boarding, tobogganing are down and this snow covered slopes and activities attract the people.

Kalka Shimla Railway

The Kalka Shimla Railway is a historic gauge railway line that connect Kalka in Haryana with Shimla, it is famous for its engineering excellence and scenic beauty of the path. It was built during the British colonial period, to provide easy access to Shimla. 

Shimla

The railway was an extraordinary engineering achievement at that time, as it pass through the Steep Hills and Deep Valleys. The line was constructed with narrow gauge tracks (2 ft 6 inch ) and include 100 plus tunnels, 800 plus bridges and numerous sharp curves. The tunnel number 33 is one of the most famous tunnel which known as the Barog Tunnel, beacause it is longest tunnel on the route. 

Today, Kalka Shimla Railway is one of the major tourist attraction, train such as Shimla Kalka Passenger, Himalayan Queen and luxury heritage coaches allow travellers to experience the hills, pine forests and quaint hill stations. 

Green Valley

Green Valley is famous for its Lush Greenery, dense pine and deodar forests, it is located about 7 km from Shimla. The Green Valley covered in greenery create a perfect backdrop for photography, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Shimla

In Winter, the valley is cover with snow adding is charm and in Summer it provide a cool escape from the heat. The Green Valley is a viewpoint rather than a picnic or adventure spot, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounding and sometimes you spot a yaks, deer and various bird species.  

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Tara, who is believed to be form of Goddess Durga. It is about 11 km from Shimla, situated at an high altitude of approximately 1850 m above the sea level on the Tara Parvat Hill. The temple is surrounded by a dense forests, hills, valleys, oak trees and offers a peaceful atmosphere around him. 

Shimla

The structure of the Tara Devi Temple reflects a blend of traditional Himachal Architecture. It is made up of wood and stone, the temple has intricately carved doors. Tara Devi temple maintain a calm and spiritual environment which make it ideal place for meditation and prayer. 

The temple holds special importance during festival such as Navratri, when devotees from nearby region visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls is known for it serene environment, lush greenery and waterfall, it is located about 7 km form the Shimla City. The area is surrounded by the dense forest and pine, it is a perfect place for the nature lover, travelers and photographers.  

Shimla

Visitor typically walk through forest which is surrounded by dense forest, trees and you can hear a chirping of birds and various glimpses of wildlife. The trek is relatively easy and make suitable for all visitor. 

Best Time to Visit Shimla

  • March to June :- Best for Trekking, Sightseeing
  • December to February :- Best for Skiing, Snow Activities

How to Reach Shimla

Nearest Airport :- Shimla Airport (SLV)  approximate 22 km
Nearest Railway Station - Kalka (KLK) approximate 96 km

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