Have you ever thought of spending your vacations at a hill station? Well, Shimla may be the perfect place for you. But why only Shimla? What is so special about this place? Equipped with scenic beauty and picturesque views, Shimla has delighted millions of hearts.
Shimla, also known as the Queen of Hills, offers a gateway to a fantastic weekend with its beautiful tourist spots, snow-capped mountains, stunning peaks & mind-blowing medieval architecture. Explore a guide that will provide you an idea about the best destination to visit in Shimla.
1. Viceregal Lodge
Viceregal Lodge is a fantastic tourist attraction built in the year 1888. This place is a breathtaking blend of both Elizabethan and Jacobean architectural elements. It was designed by the famous British architect Henry Irwin, who served as a summer residence for the Viceroy of India.
During the pre-independence era, this lodge was a powerful symbol of British colonial power in India. Later, in 1964, it underwent a rapid transformation as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS). This institute is now dominant in social science, advanced studies, and humanities research.
2. Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls is a popular tourist spot located at a mere altitude of 1586 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by pine and dense oak forest and is a superb location for nature enthusiasts and trek lovers. You can enjoy the refreshing cold water flowing rapidly from the hills. The water looks like sparkling crystals and is a refreshing treat to the eyes.
To enjoy this lavishing scenario, one can visit from July to October due to the drastic increase in the water levels. It is one of the highest waterfalls, carrying chilled water from the Himalayas. A short trek to this place can give you a peek into the lovely snow-cladded mountains, rated among the best destinations in Shimla to visit with family.
3. Himachal State Museum
Enjoy the beauty of Himachal’s cultural history and ancient archaeology in the Himachal State Museum. It is one of the best places in Shimla to visit with family, especially those fond of art and culture.
This museum was founded in 1974 and reflects the old British architecture. It has a rich collection of artefacts that preserve the country’s historical heritage and artistic culture.
Strolling through the museum, you can explore alluring paintings, photos, and handicrafts and witness coins belonging to the ancient era. The miniature Pahari painting showcases the efforts of students from various art schools.
4. The Ridge
Ridge is a famous must visit destination situated in the epicenter of Shimla. An enormous open space gives a delightful scene into the age-old Christ church built in the Neo-Gothic style.
It is an important place to celebrate the most famous summer festival in April and May. Moreover, what’s more fascinating is its connection to top-rated places in Shimla, like the Jakhu Hills, Scandal Point, and Lakkham Bazar.
5. Himalayan Bird Park
If you are visiting Shimla, especially with your kids, in that case, Himalayan Bird Park is a beautiful place to explore. The Himalayan Bird Park is home to various exotic bird species, including the rare Himalayan ones.
Explore the park’s stunning views with sounds and sights of different birds. You will love the place if you instantly connect with nature and its beauty, as there are various faunas to explore in the surrounding areas.
Bird lovers will fall in love with this place, where they can see rare birds such as peafowls, monal peasants, Himalayan woodpeckers, snow partridge, and fantastic black francolin. A recommended place to all those nature and bird admirers, it is one of the best places in Shimla to visit with family and friends.
6. Kasauli
Kasauli is an enchanting hill station that stands at an altitude of 1800 meters. Colonial landmarks and dense oak-cheddar forest engulf this extraordinary place, and one can enjoy sightseeing and heartwarming mountain views.
It Is well-known for its panoramic views of plains on one side while the other is covered with lofty snow-driven mountains. Walking through this place, you will most likely encounter endangered species.
- Sunset Point At Kasauli
People love admiring the beauty of the sun, especially during sunsets. But what if you get to observe unique colours displayed during sunset? This renowned place in Kasauli, known as the Sunset Point, offers a breathtaking view during sunset hours.
You can reach it easily through Kasauli Market Road, at the end of Upper Mall Road. Get a phenomenal view of the horizon and click beautiful pictures sitting on the railing. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to capture the beauty of the sunset point during sunset hours.
- Monkey Point At Kasauli
Monkey Point is another of the best places in Shimla to visit with friends. According to one such tale of Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman was returning from the Himalayas after acquiring the Sanjeevani for Lord Laxman, his foot touched the hill.
This place is divine to the eyes, filled with many monkeys. Visitors can observe Choor Chandani Peak, the highest peak of the lower Himalayas, from the monkey point. Moreover, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman has also been built here; one must visit it.
7. Timber Trail
Timber Trail displays the scenic charms of Himachal. It is a mesmerizing hill station covered with emerald beauty and coniferous trees. This place is utterly well known for its ropeways.
You can enjoy the thrilling experience of sliding alongside the mountain ways; however, the plunging curves right below the ropeway are all set to give you an enormous adrenaline rush in your veins. It is one of the best places in Shimla for couples.
8. Christ Church
It is one of the religious places for the Christian community. It is situated near the Shimla bus stand and was once constructed by a British family living in Shimla. This church displays a magnificent structure in the shape of a cross. It was earlier known as Angelic church and served as a prime location in the central city of Kasauli.
9. Chail
Chail is an appealing place to visit in Shimla suitable for campers during summertime, on the Himalayas’ foothills. The place gives an immersive view of the valleys and high-altitude trekking trials.
The former Maharaja of Patiala built Chail Hill Station. It is a romantic gateway that makes it one of the best places in Shimla for couples. One can witness several nearby beautiful attractions.
- Kali Ka Tibba
A vital pilgrim place for all Sanatanis, this magnificent temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is an epic tourist place and a must-visit destination near Chail. One can experience moments of peace and calmness here.
Millions of tourists visit the temple yearly and seek Goddess Kali Maa’s blessings. One can admire the pictorial hills of Chandni Choor and the Shivalik Range from this temple, making it the best place to visit with family in Shimla.
- Chail Palace
If you love admiring ancient architecture, the Chail Palace is the place you should visit the most. It is a palace built during the British Raj by the Maharaja of Patiala. It is merely at a distance of 49km from Shimla.
- Chail Sanctuary
Chail Sanctuary will give you a fascinating view, and it is home to various animals like Goral, Sambhar, and Cheer pheasants. The sanctuary is the main attraction and the best place in Shimla to visit with family and friends.
It is covered with thick deodar and oak trees, diverse species of flora & fauna, and spread over 10k hectares of land. This sanctuary connects through the significant routes of Shimla and Chandigarh.
10. Mashobra
Connected to the state’s capital, Mashobara delivers a mesmerizing view and drives us through the scenic beauty of the Dalhousie. It was built in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie and is near Hindustan-Tibet road.
Well known for its apple orchards, delicious jam pickles, and densely covered pine and deodar forest, Mashobra will likely drive more tourists to this spot, making it one of the best places in Shimla to visit with friends.
Some Attractive tourist places near Mashobra are Carignano Nature Park, Shali Tiba, St Crispin Church, Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, and Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station.
Conclusion
Shimla offers an authentic blend of natural charm and beauty for families seeking a memorable tour. It has everything to offer, from historic landmarks to serene views. Get your bags ready and embark on this beautiful journey with the best destination in Shimla.
