Shimla, often known as the ‘Summer Capital of British India,’ is one of India’s most famous tourist destinations, with its snow-capped mountains, old-world architecture, and numerous tourist attractions and activities.
With some of the exquisite colonial buildings, wonderfully laid out pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a ridge that is lined with stores, cafes, and restaurants, Shimla preserves its old-world charm. It has always been on the radar of travellers from all walks of life, surrounded by the green landscapes of majestic Himalayan peaks and magical forests of oak and pine.
And whether you want to spend a romantic and calm Shimla tour package in the woods, or indulge in some of the exciting adventure activities like skiing or trekking, then Shimla is definitely a great hill station that has it all.
Here are some of Shimla’s top attractions that must be included in each tourist’s itinerary.
● The Ridge
The Ridge, a large open space that runs parallel to the Mall from east to west, is the hub of all tourist activities in Shimla and a well-known location. With pine, fir, Himalayan Oak, and Rhododendron trees,
It is often the most photographed portion of the hill resort. Cafes, bars, boutiques, shops, and restaurants line the street, attracting the large crowds who go to the iconic Mall Road. The Shimla Ridge is a prominent place for all of the numerous festivals and celebrations.
The Ridge is the ideal location for shopping, dining, and nightlife, with various architectural marvels, rich foliage, and a stunning backdrop. Despite the fact that the Ridge of Shimla is open all year, a majority of tourists visit during the summer months.
● Kufri
Kufri, commonly known as the “Switzerland of India,” is a popular tourist destination recognised for its breathtaking scenery and breathtaking views. In Shimla, Kufri offers a variety of adventure activities such as trekking and skiing.
The primary attractions of Kufri are Mahasu Peak and Fagu Valley, but they are only accessible by pony ride, and once you reach the top after a pony ride, you will want to spend your time playing with the white snow and clicking amazing photos!
Most tourists visiting Shimla visit Kufri and Chail, and both are included in most Shimla vacation packages. Narkanda, Mashobra, Tattapani, and Naldehra are more nearby places to Kufri and Shimla.
● Green Valley
The Green Valley is a stunning mountain range that lies between Shimla and Kufri on the way to Kufri. This breathtaking valley is flanked on all sides by beautiful hills covered in dense pine and deodar trees.
Tourists go to this location to take in the lush green surroundings and take some wonderful photographs. Try some local cuisine at shacks and marketplaces here to rejuvenate after a long trek in the woods. Rare animals such as Yaks can occasionally be spotted wandering and grazing here.
Green Valley is a perfect romantic destination for honeymooners and couples in love. Picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, and photographs are some of the most popular activities in Green Valley.
The Green Valley has been featured in countless Bollywood films due to its beauty and elegance, and thousands of tourists visit Green Valley in Shimla every day to see the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
● Kalka-Shimla Railway
Taking a ride on the famous Kalka-Shimla toy railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is like going back in time. In a world where everyone is rushing to get to their destination via flights, bullet trains, and highways, these relics of the past allow you to relax and enjoy travelling at a leisurely pace.
From Kalka to Shimla, this excursion goes on a narrow gauge, providing passengers with stunning vistas of rocky mountains, thick pine woods, waterfalls, valleys, and picture-perfect hill stations along the way, all of which will tempt you to dismount and absorb in their beauty.
Tourists can relax in the luxury of chair cars while admiring the beauty of nature from toy train coaches. The Shivalik Queen train provides seclusion in the shape of coupes for those who seek a premium ride along the route. There are 20 intermediate stations, each of which has a crossing. Passenger traffic is considerable in the summer, but it is light in the winter, thus the line is always active.
● Mall Road
The Mall Road, one of Shimla’s most popular and romantic tourist attractions, is lined with hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, banks, shops, offices, post offices, and tourist information centres. Honeymooners can take a leisurely stroll up and down the Mall road, taking in the scenery and enjoying their favourite coffee.
Apart from the conventional books and jewellery, the stores on Mall Road are known for their woollen garments and specially created items. Shimla Mall Road is known for its range of cafes and the exquisite cuisine that they serve, in addition to shopping. In these cafes, you can have a very romantic time!
● Jakhoo Hill and Temple
Jakhoo Temple is a historic Hanuman temple located amidst the dazzling magnificence of the Shivalik hill ranges, giving Lord Hanuman devotees a magical aura. You can get a vehicle, ride a pony, or walk the 2-kilometre beautiful hike up the hill to reach Jakhoo Temple.
It is Shimla’s tallest peak, and it is home to a large number of playful monkeys that wait to be fed by visitors. The world’s largest Hanuman statue, visible from most sections of Shimla, is housed in this temple.
It’s a spectacular place to watch the sunrise and sunsets, as well as a thrilling drive for hikers. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise and sunset, as well as a thrilling drive for trekkers. Aside from that, nature enthusiasts will delight in the lush green winding trails.
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