Shimla: One of India's Favourite Hill Stations

Shimla was the erstwhile summer capital of British India. Still one of India's most popular hill stations, you'll witness this place abuzz with life any time of the year.

Shimla: One of India's Favourite Hill Stations

Shimla, like most hill stations in India, was made popular by the British. By 1864, it had become the summer capital of British India. The then Viceroy chose to move here for the summers with his entire staff.

The first thing that a traveller notices about Shimla is the upbeat nature of the place. It is young and also old, trendy and traditional too, and urban with a certain pastoral charm. Churches and temples dot the landscape without any conflict. It is a happy place to be.

Mall Road, the Ridge, and Christ Church are the top places to visit in Shimla.

Mall Road

You can call this road the heart of Shimla, and it is abuzz with activities all through the year. You will be able to buy anything here, from clothes to shoes and trinkets to spices. For the foodies, the Mall Road has many options including hand-tossed pizzas, pastries and organic coffee  No vehicles are allowed here, making it easy to stroll around.

The Ridge

The best time to visit the Ridge is at night. The place is lit up beautifully, and you can quickly capture the moving clouds in the light. It is pleasantly cold and a great place to enjoy the view of the mountains. Do not forget to pick up some pine cones!

Christ Church

This church will remind you of the developments that took place during the British Raj. It is indeed an architectural legacy of the British that shines in the hill station. The church building is done up in neo-gothic style.

 

Good to Know :

Location: 19 km from Sterling Kufri

Other Attractions

Jakhoo Hills: The Highest Peak of Shimla

Jakhoo Hills: The Highest Peak of Shimla

3hrs

For a devotee of Hindu gods, Jakhoo Hill, just 200 m from the Ridge at Shimla, is a must visit. A 33 m high statue of Lord Hanuman looks on from this vantage point.

The Ridge: Shimla's Heartbeat

The Ridge: Shimla's Heartbeat

3hrs

The bustling Ridge Road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla. There is something for all age groups here.

Tattapani and Chindi-karsog: Stress Busting in the Waters of River Sutlej

Tattapani and Chindi-karsog: Stress Busting in the Waters of River Sutlej

3hrs

A calming dip in hot springs, a cold splash in a raging river, apple orchards and pristine valleys - experience the hidden gems of Himachal.

Naldehra Golf Course: Time for Tee

Naldehra Golf Course: Time for Tee

3hrs

The Naldehra Golf Course is a challenging one. It is a long stretch of land, at the height of 2200 m. It has several stretches that require strenuous walking through elevated greens.

Shimla Toy Train: Magnificent Views and Haunted Tunnels

Shimla Toy Train: Magnificent Views and Haunted Tunnels

3hrs

Enjoy a joy ride through the hills, from Shimla to Kalka. This toy train ride has picturesque views and passes through long tunnels.

Viceregal Lodge: Summer Retreat of the British Raj.

Viceregal Lodge: Summer Retreat of the British Raj.

3hrs

This Jacobethan manor was home to India's first Viceroy, the summer retreat of the President of India and currently houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

Narkanda: The Tale of How Apples Came to India

Narkanda: The Tale of How Apples Came to India

3hrs

Did you know that an American first planted apples in India? And it was right in the heart of Narkanda? Today, Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with this fruit.

Shimla: Colonial Architecture at Its Best

Shimla: Colonial Architecture at Its Best

3hrs

Take a walk down the Ridge and the Mall Road to experience Shimla’s architectural heritage.

Mashobra: Since the Days of the British Raj

Mashobra: Since the Days of the British Raj

3hrs

Mashobra is a picture-perfect town, located 7 km from Kufri. Once the preferred summer retreat of the Raj, the President of India maintains tradition and still visits the retreat here.