Are you looking Best places to visit in Shimla in terms of location and tourist attractions. This article will help you to find best places in shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Back in the day, it used to be the summer capital of the British Raj and therefore, the architecture of the place has a distinct colonial air about it. Today, Shimla is but a popular tourist destination.
Often hailed as the “Queen of Hills,” Shimla rises to an altitude of 2,205 meters and is draped with alpine woods, rhododendron, and oak trees.
List of Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Shimla
Shimla experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. Here are the top tourist places you can visit in Shimla:
1. Naldehra
Naldehra is about 23 km out of Shimla. It is home to a nine-hole golf course – the oldest in India. Naldehra is said to have derived its name from the Nag temple located there. It is known for its picturesque beauty and serene atmosphere, and is a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Naldehra is surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar, and is home to a number of natural attractions such as the Naldehra Golf Course, which is considered one of the oldest and most picturesque golf courses in India. The Naldehra Temple is also a popular spot to visit, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The area has good wooded walks with fragrant pine trees and is a favorite for people wanting to take leisurely walks and breathe in some clean, cool air. The place also offers an array of adventure activities such as horse riding, paragliding, and trekking. Naldehra is also famous for its apple orchards and visitors can take a stroll through the orchards during the peak harvesting season, which is from June to September.
2. Colonial Architecture
During the days of the Raj, the Viceroy and the other administrative members used to spend their summers in Shimla, along with their families. This is the reason why Shimla has buildings, homes, churches, and lodges that are typically British in architecture. The style is characterized by the use of European design elements, such as symmetry and classical ornamentation, combined with local materials and construction methods.
3. Summer Hills
One of the best places to visit in Shimla is the Summer hill – a picturesque township is located 5 km from the famous ridge of Shimla. This hill is carpeted by rich greenery that offers breathtaking views from the top. Summer hill is also a part of the 7 hills that make this escape one of the best visiting places in Shimla and its beauty is sure to leave you overwhelmed.
The main attraction in Summer Hill is the Himachal Pradesh University, which is situated on top of the hill and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The University campus also offers a peaceful and tranquil environment, making it a popular spot for students and faculty. Summer Hills being surrounded by tall deodar trees on all sides, nature lovers like this place a lot. Here you can also enjoy colorful moments alone with your partner.
4. Jakhoo Hill
Believed to be the highest peak in Shimla, this hill is 8000 feet high and is a major tourist attraction in Shimla. This temple is a heaven for all the nature lovers and pilgrims who come to visit the historic 108 feet tall Hanuman statue at the Jakhoo temple. It is almost a short trek for adventure seekers which makes it one of the best places to visit in Shimla in February.
The Jakhoo Hill also offers a pleasant and peaceful environment, making it a popular spot for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can also go for a trek to the top of the hill and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Jakhoo Hill is also known for its rich biodiversity, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Himalayan black bear, leopards, and various species of birds and butterflies.
5. The Ridge
At the center of the town is The Shimla Ridge, which offers spectacular views of the mountain peaks of the land. You can find several British establishments dotting the Ridge, full of shops, restaurants, and cafés. It is the church that people believe is faith, fortitude, charity, patience, and humanity. It is a worthwhile place to visit while in Shimla.
The Ridge also offers a number of recreational activities, such as horseback riding and paragliding. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the mall road, which is located on one side of the Ridge, and has a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Ridge is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Shimla Heritage Walk, which is a walking tour that covers the city’s historic buildings, churches, temples and other landmarks.
6. Arki Fort
Arki Fort is a must visit for all history buffs. It was the built in the year 1660 AD and has been through many rulers in the past. The Fort is located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and lush green forests. The fort is open to visitors all days of the week, and there is no entry fee. Visitors can take a guided tour of the fort, which includes a visit to the palace, the temples, and the ramparts.
Arki Fort is a combination of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The fort has a palace and several temples within its walls. The palace has a beautiful Durbar Hall, which was used for royal receptions and ceremonies, and several other smaller halls and rooms. The temples inside the fort are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Lord Hanuman.
7. Shimla Kalibari
The Goddess Kali or Maa Kali always remains a huge Hindu Goddess. Shimla Kalibari is a temple located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is a Hindu goddess associated with power and destruction. The temple is said to have been built in the 19th century, and it is one of the most important Kali temples in the region.
The temple is also known for its religious and cultural significance, and it is a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike. The temple is visited by a large number of people, especially during the Navaratri festival, which is celebrated in honor of the goddess Kali.
8. Toy Train Shimla Tourist Places
The thing that is most in demand by the tourists coming to Shimla is the Shimla Toy Train. In this 96 kilometer long journey, the toy train will take you through 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges. The views found in this journey are mesmerizing. Many people do not go directly to Shimla, but come to Kalka. The rest of the journey is completed in this toy train. If you want to enjoy the journey of this train, then you have to make advance booking.
9. Scandal point
The visitors will love this place situated amidst the snow-capped mountains all around. Especially lovers keep looking for such a place. Here you can roam daily between 8 am to 6 pm. Here you will also be able to see the sun rising and setting, which is a wonderful sight in itself. Many young couples come here and get ecstatic in love.
10. Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple is dedicated to Maa Tara, the goddess of stars situated on Shimla Kalka Road, which is about 250 years old. The temple of Tara Devi is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, in between which one can go for darshan anytime. According to ancient legends, Goddess Tara also showers blessings on her devotees. After reaching the summit of the temple, the beauty of Shimla will make you happy.
The spring and summer season (January to June) is the best for visiting Shimla as the temperature remains within the range of 9 to 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, according to convenience, visitors can visit this city. Summer is a pleasant time to visit Shimla. It usually lasts from March to June. Just a single visit to this place and you wouldn’t forget the life-changing experience of tourism.
Where To Stay In Shimla
There are many hotels to stay in Shimla. Here you will also find private to low budget hotels, you can stay anywhere according to your budget. If we talk about private hotels, then their charges are 1500 to 2000 rupees, which you can book online or directly by going there. Couples often like to stay in this type of room. It is completely safe for the youth and they can enjoy their special moments alone.
But if your budget is not good and looking for a cheap place then you can stay at Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Agarwal Dharamshala. Here you will get a bedroom without AC for only 400 rupees and you may have to pay 800 rupees for AC. Which is very cost effective. If you are going to Shimla with friends then this is the best place where you can stay.
FAQs – Top 10 Places to Visit in Shimla
The top activities in Shimla are Forest Camping, Camping in Shimla with Trekking, Cottage Stay in The Woods Of Shimla, Offbeat camping and more.
The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti.
1. Manali – 248 km from Shimla
2. Dharamshala – 237 km from Shimla
3. Chail – 45 km from Shimla
4. Kasauli – 72 km from Shimla
5. Mcleodganj – 242 km from Shimla
Shimla is a city located in the Shimla district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, which is one of the best places to visit. Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in North India and is also known as the “Queen of Hills”. For years all the people come here to enjoy their holidays. If you are also going to Shimla then you can visit these beautiful tourist places. The serene and elegant atmosphere here will invite you to visit again and again.
If you would have liked our article Best Places to Visit in Shimla. If you plan to visit Shimla with friends and family sometime in the future, then definitely visit these places.
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