Best places visiting in Shimla 

1. The Ridge of Shimla

All tourist activities in Shimla exist at their center along the Ridge making it rank among the most visited destinations in town. Tourists can conveniently reach the Mall Road as well as the Scandal Point and Lakkar Bazaar through this Ridge location while the Summer Festival each year in April or May takes place on the same grounds.

A travel itinerary through Himachal Pradesh must include seeing the Ridge because this site offers both historical landmarks and cultural destinations and magnificent perspectives. Among all sites at the Ridge area Christ Church stands out as the principal attraction. The second oldest neo-gothic religious building throughout northern India stands since 1857.

The Ridge stands out with its architectural wonders and lush greenery and pleasant landscape along with its ideal conditions to shop and dine and enjoy nighttime activities. Travelers following both Himachal routes and weekend plans must include this famous site in their destination lists.

Suggested length of visit: 2 to 3 hours

The site is open between 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM during every day of the week.

In Shimla The Ridge stands as one of the most renowned landmarks positioned adjacent to Mall Road at the heart of the hill station.

Cost: Entry free

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 2.1 kilometres

2. Green Valley

Tourists consider Green Valley among Shimla’s most renowned attractions while making it one of the premier photo destinations in the city. The scenic paradise with lush vegetation became popular for Bollywood movie filming because its stunning landscapes appeared in numerous big-screen productions. The elite character of Green Valley attracts attention through travel books and published articles.

Tourists visiting Himachal during their honeymoon prefer this spot to take remarkable photos that they can treasure throughout their lives. Green Valley serves as an outstanding picture-perfect location for celebrating romantic moments that truly replicate the charming scenes from Bollywood films.

Determining an adequate time length for visiting the destination reveals that one hour will suffice.

Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM

Near Kufri rests the Green Valley within Shimla and this valley receives its stunning charm from the abundant green forests surrounding it.

Distance from Shimla bus stand: Around 8 KM.

3. Kufri

Tourists consider Kufri to be one of the top destinations in Shimla because of its peaceful setting together with impressive natural views. The eastern version of Switzerland represents Kufri as it remains a destination of interest to visitors during every season.

The attraction draws newlywed couples during Shimla honeymoon trips because it provides them beautiful snowy views together with peaceful locations to make eternal memories. Visitors to Kufri should include skiing and hiking among their activities given how suitable this location is for these adventure experiences. Skiing takes place at the pristine white mountain hills of Kufri making it a popular destination that every traveler must experience.

Suggested length of visit: All-day

Timing: All days of the week.

Kufri exists approximately 19 kilometers from Shimla where easy transfers are available from Shimla.

Distance from Shimla bus stand: Around 19 KM.

4. Viceregal Lodge

Among the significant historical landmarks of Shimla stands Viceregal Lodge because it functioned as the summer estate for Indian Viceroy during their governance of India between 1888 to 1946. Among all of Shimla’s destinations to explore the grand Victorian estate stands as the most crucial site because of its perfect gardens and historic architectural style.

Only select staterooms from the Lodge remain accessible during tours while the rest of the building has switched to university function. Observatory Hill holds Viceregal Lodge in position to deliver a full sight of the natural scenery beneath.

The Viceregal Lodge should be at the top of your itinerary if Shimla figures among your family travel destinations. Visitors of all ages can appreciate this destination because of its multiple historical value together with magnificent construction style and excellent scenic landscape perspective. Viceregal Lodge serves as Rashtrapati Niwas while maintaining its position as the second highest hill in Shimla after Jakhoo Hill.

Suggested length of visit: 1-2 hours

Visitors can experience Viceregal Lodge between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM daily from Tuesday to Sunday.

Location: Observatory Hills, Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 2.9 kilometres

5. Chadwick Waterfall

The unique attraction among Shimla Tourist Places stands as the Chadwick Waterfall which sits peacefully inside Glen Forests. The 100-meter height of Chadwick Falls is complemented by the stunning forests the visitor must pass through as they approach the waterfall.

For experiencing the waterfalls at their prime spectacle you should visit the site during monsoon months. Guests can always find renewal whether or not the monsoon rains are present at this site marked by fragrant flowers under towering pines.

Suggested length of visit: 1 to 2 hours

Timing: All-day

Location: New Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171005

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 4.9 kilometres

6. Experience the Ride on Toy Train

This scenic five-hour rail journey that presents pine tree landscapes represents an essential attraction you should explore in Shimla. The 96-kilometer course passes through 20 stations which travel through 103 tunnels and 800 bridges as well as 900 mesmerizing curves.

This journey is best experienced when the train reaches Barog for its difficult slope ascent because it gives passengers time to see remarkable views. Advance booking is recommended.

Location: Kalka-Shimla-Kalka.

Barog Station stands out among other locations because it contains the lengthiest tunnel.

Cost: INR 65 to INR 500.

7. Annandale

The flat Annandale land in Shimla serves as the main recreational area for the city. Annandale functions as a field for playing cricket. Golf and Polo together with additional sports are among those played at this venue. Picnics too are organized here. Shimla offers numerous exciting tourism activities at this destination which makes it one of the top choices for tourists in the city.

Local tradition indicates that the ground in this area gained its fame under British control. During British Colonial rule people of British descent used to participate in races and cricket matches while playing polo at this location. The organizers presented entertainment activities during both times.

Suggested length of visit: Around 1 to 2 hours.

The grounds are open from 10 AM until 5 PM during all working days except Monday. Monday closed.

Location: Near Ridge Shimla

Cost: Free of cost.

Distance from Shimla bus stand: Around 3 KM

8. Take a Historical Walk in Kuthar Fort

People who seek activities within Shimla will find enjoyment at Kuthar Fort. Exploring Kuthar Fort by foot stands among the best activities that Shimla provides. The historical Kuthar Fort takes its position within the eternal Himalayan mountains to create one of Shimla’s top historical destinations.

The fort occupies 52.8 square kilometers of space while situated between picturesque landscape surroundings and picturesque pools with attractive gardens.

Kuthar Fort exists at a short distance both from Arki and Subathu.

A large expanse within the region encompasses numerous natural fresh-water springs that pass through this area. The fort sits near picturesque places that include Subathu and the Gurkha Fort together with Kunihar and Kasauli hill station.

• Each child visitor pays INR 5 for entrance while adults undergo a fee payment of INR 10. Foreign visitors need to pay INR 100.
• INR 10 per person for Adults
• INR 100 per person for Foreigners

9. Shaily Peak

Travellers choose Shaily Peak for its tranquil environment and enchanting weather conditions among other places to see in Shimla. The trek to Shaily Peak begins at Naldehra hills and gives spectacular views at the summit despite the uphill journey.

Your journey to reach Shaily Peak leads you through forests with dazzling natural vistas even though the trek proves demanding. Visitors interested in diverse experiences should think about using pony rides to reach the peak beside enjoying motorbike renting for riding the mountain paths.

Suggested length of visit: Half a day

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset

Location: Near Mahakali

The entry is free but pony ride prices range from INR 100 to 200.

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 22.8 kilometres

10. Mashobra

Among the numerous tourist places located in Shimla stands the small town of Mashobra which visitors must experience. A combination of misty hills and towering pine trees and cedar and oak forests together with the beautiful stream flowing within valleys provides Mashobra destination which welcomes both weekend vacationers and nature enthusiasts.

Adventure seekers visiting Shimla will find Mashobra the best unique destination because it contains numerous exciting outdoor activities. The place offers multiple recreational possibilities including trekking and quad biking alongside paragliding and rappelling with the option to try skiing.

Suggested length of visit: 1 day

Timing: All day

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Cost: No Entry Fee

Distance from Shimla bus stand: 12.1 kilometres