The quintessential summer retreat for the British rulers, Shimla was popularly known as the Summer capital of India and is, at present, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by Mandi and Kullu in the North, Kinnaur in the East, Uttaranchal in the South, and Sirmaur in the West, Shimla is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.
Owing to its unparalleled beauty, Shimla receives a massive influx of tourists from all over the country, especially during the summer months. This hill station got its name from Goddess Shyamla Devi, an incarnation of Goddes Kali. It came into existence on 2nd September 1972 during the reorganization of districts of the state.
This enchanting hill station is endowed with bounties of natural flora and fauna, lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and colonial-style buildings. What makes Shimla unique is how the hill city has retained its colonial heritage in the form of ancient buildings, namely the Viceregal Lodge, Charming iron lamp posts, and Anglo-Saxon names.
Located about 2400 m above sea level, Shimla is built over several hills and seven spurs of ridges. The forest surrounding Shimla has a dense cocoon of trees such as oak, pine, deodar, and rhododendron. There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Shimla as well.
Here are a few places to visit and things to do in Shimla that should be on your list.
5 Best Things To Do In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
1. Take the Shimla-Kalka Train
The construction of the Kalka-Shimla railway line in 1906 was an incredible event in the history of Shimla. Traversing a distance of 60 miles, this toy train ride is believed to be one of the picturesque railway journeys in India. When deciding what to do in Shimla, this magnificent train ride can certainly not be missed.
From the flat plains of Kalka to climbing up the heights of Shimla, this journey runs on a narrow gauge and offers astounding views of the rugged mountains, lush greenery, waterfalls, valleys, and more.
The route covers nearly 809 bridges and 103 tunnels and has rightly gained the title of the British Jewel of the Orient. The whole journey takes about five and a half hours to complete. In 2008, this railway line received the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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2. Shop at the Lakkar Bazar & The Ridge
Lakkar Bazar is every shopaholic’s paradise. Situated right next to The Mall, the Lakkar bazaar houses a plethora of wooden and decorative items. Apart from this, if you fancy antique artifacts, warm and durable garments, Pashmina Shawls, Himachali handicrafts, and beautiful jewelry, then Lakkar Bazar should be on your list of things to do in Shimla.
If you wish to lay back and rejuvenate in the lap of nature, then the Ridge near Lakkar Bazaar is where you need to be. The Ridge offers the best offbeat things to do in Shimla and will keep you occupied throughout the day. Whether it is horse riding, getting photographed in Himlayan attire, or simply soaking in the sun, the Ridge has it all. It is located at a distance of 0.6 km from Lakkar Bazaar.
3. Take a Hike to Jhaku Temple
Situated in the enchanting beauty of the Shivalik ranges, the ancient Jhaku temple in Shimla is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The reason why people visit Jhaku temple in such large numbers is that it has the largest idol of Lord Hanuman in the world.
Jhaku temple is open to visitors throughout the week.
With an elevation of 2,455m above sea level, the Jhaku temple is the highest peak of Shimla, and the trek is one of the best activities to do in Shimla. The majestic panoramas make it ideal for hikers and trek enthusiasts. To reach the hill, you need to embark on a short trek and then a climb of 300 steps. The ascent to the mountains is marked by mesmerizing deodar trees and serene green forests.
4. Offer Your Prayers at Christ Church
If you want to experience peace and spirituality in its true form, you must visit this important heritage site in Shimla. Christ Church is the second oldest in Northern India and has become a top-rated tourist destination. The architecture of this Church draws inspiration from the Neo-Gothic style. An essential element here is that the Church has five glass windows that offer insights into the Church. Bishop Reverend Thomas Daltry laid down the foundation of the Church. It is believed that building the Church took approximately 10-12 years.
Being in the prime location of the town, The Ridge, it is massively flocked by tourists in large numbers.
The Church has free entry for all. It is open to visitors from 8 AM- 6 PM.
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5. Take a Trip to Kufri
Widely popular for its snow-crowned mountains, Kufri is located 16km from Shimla. This scenic hill station derives its name from the ‘Kurf,’ which implies a lake. The majestic valleys of this town offer abundant greenery during the summer months and turn gracefully white as winter approaches.
If you are planning out the things to do in Shimla, then Kufri offers plenty of sports and adventure options for travellers. For adventurous enthusiasts, the Kufri Fun World is one of the highest amusement parks in the country and offers some of the best adventurous things to do in Shimla.
The most convenient and safest way to reach Kufri from Shimla is to take a cab, which takes roughly 45 minutes to reach.
All in all, this quaint hill town is a heavenly abode for all kinds of travellers. Be it adventure enthusiasts or nature lovers, the ethereal beauty of Shimla is sure to amuse you!
