Shimla Tourist Attractions

The Ridge:

The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks, the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new-Tudor library building, are worth seeing.

The Mall:

It is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre, is a center of cultural activities. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall. A passenger lift of HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road and the Mall. Lakkar Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and souvenirs.

Christ Church:

Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Kali Bari Temple:

Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there. Jakhoo Temple 2455 metres: An ancient "Lord Hanuman" temple located at Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic view of the town. One can hire pony or taxi to visit the temple.

Shimla State Museum:

Ancient Historical Sculptors and paintings of Himachal Pradesh. Visiting hours 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Monday and gazetted holidays. The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. There is a collection of miniature Pahari paintings, sculptures, bronzes wood-carvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:

This magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge which was built in 1884-88 during the British times. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket. It has spacious gardens and is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a student of literature or politics.

Prospect Hill 2155 metres:

Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi; 15 minutes walk from Boileauganj on shimla Bilaspur road. The hill offers a spectacular views of the area.

Summer Hill 1983 metres:

A picturesque superb on Shimla-Kalka Railway line. It offers shady walks in quiet surroundings. The Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, during his visit to Shimla, lived in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur. HP University is situated here.

Chadwick Falls 1586 metres:

Surrounded by thick forests. About 45 minutes walk from Summer Hill Chowk.

Sankat Mochan Temple (Shimla) 1975 metres:

On Shimla-Kalka road (NH-22) is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. It commands an excellent view of the Shimla town. The place can be visited by Bus/Taxi.

Tara Devi Temple (Shimla) 1851 metres:

On Shimla-Kalka road (NH-22) this holy place is accessible by Rail, bus and car. From the station/road-one can visit the temple either on foot or by taxi/jeep. Fagu 2450 metres: On Hindustan-Tibet Road. It has enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom.

Narkanda 2708 metres:

On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. An uphill trek through Deodar woods leads to Hatu Peak (8 Km). Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu, and in winters short skiing courses are organised. Kotgarh 1830 metres: Motorable, bifurcation from Narkanda (18 Km); Land of apples and apricots.

Rampur 924 metres:

On the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj River. Big Commercial Centre and famous International Lavi fare which is held in November every year, Dumgir Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.

Sarahan 1950 metres:

On Hindustan Tibet Road from Jeori Sarahan is (17 Km) with spectacular view of Srikhand range. Sarahan has the majestic Bhimkali Temple. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Shrikhand. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting.

Kharapathhar 2673 metres:

Motorable on Shimla-Rohru road. A famous religious shrine Giriganga is 7 Km on foot or by jeep. HPTDC Tourist complex Giriganga Resort under construction.

Jubbal 1892 metres:

Headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal has a superbly maintained Palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930 and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.

Hatkoti (104 Km) 1400 metres:

Motorable on shimla-Rohru highway. Famous for ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on the right bank of the Pabber River. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber here.

Mashobra 2148 metres:

Motorable on Shimla-Naldehra road. Surrounded by thick forests and offers ideal walks. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing.

Craignano 2149 metres:

Motorable on Shimla-Naldhera road, ideal picnic spot with lawns and garden.

Naldehra 2044 metres:

Motorable On Shimla Tattapani road. This is a nine-hole golf course. It was designed by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon, who was so enchanted by this place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. Ancient Nag temple is also situated here. Himachal Tourism runs Hotel Golf Glade here.

Tattapani 680 metres:

Motorable on Shimla-Mandi Highway via Naldehra. Tattapani has hot water springs having sulphur contents, also Hindu temples and Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) are worth seeing places

Chindi 2010 metres:

Motorable on Shimla-Mandi highway via Tattapani - A beautiful place in Karsog Valley. Himachal tourism's tourist Resort is opening shortly. One can also visit famous mahunag Temple (18 Km). Mamleshwar mahadev Temple (13 Km) Kamaksha Devi temple (19 Km) Pangna Killa/temple (8 Km) and Shikari Devi Temple (18 Km).

Chail Sanctuary:

Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. One can see Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja. Visitors are welcome to the Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. Barking deer and Kalijin in the forests are sure to meet and greet the visitors at dusk and dawn. Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks. Range Officer Wildlife Chail and his staff welcome the visitors and assist the wildlife lovers to see wildlife in the sanctuary area.

Nature Park, Kufri:

Kufri is a well-known tourist resort near Shimla. Many tourists visiting Shimla also visit Kufri where a nature park has been established. In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings.