Famous Places to Visit in Shimla

 

Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by pine, deodar, and oak forests and it is used to be the summer capital of British India. Shimla is famous for its Mall Road, Ridge, Toy Train, and Jakhoo Temple. Moreover, Shimla is not only a favorite tourist destination but also a base camp for tourists who want to visit other beautiful hill towns and places in Himachal Pradesh, such as Kufri, Chail, and Mashobra. Hiking, walking, skiing (winter), and other outdoor activities are prominent in the area. This is the reason why it always finds its way on the list of places to visit for those who like nature and being outdoors.

The best time to visit Shimla is in June and July making it a popular escape from the heat of the plains. Shimla enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, with cool summers and cold winters. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping below freezing point. The town experiences snowfall during the winter months, adding to its scenic beauty.

Some of the famous activities in Shimla which you can do in the evening time like–

• Trekking
• Camping with friends
• Paragliding
• Rafting

The Ridge

The Ridge is a large open space in Shimla’s center with stunning views. This is a place where all tourists gather and enjoy the ambiance of lovely natural views for cool selfies, snacks, horse riding, heritage buildings, cafes, bakeries, etc. The best part is that vehicular movement is not allowed, which makes it even better to just walk around. Major places of Shimla like a mall, snow-don, and Jakhoo Hill are connected through the ridge.

Mall Road

Mall Road is a major hangout place and shopping center in Shimla. It has a large number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Mall Road is the heart of Shimla. It’s more than a kilometer-long road and a cool hangout place for family and friends. Handicraft products are easily available here which can be found in Himachal emporium. Other famous products are woolen clothes, pottery items, wooden products, and jewelry.

Shimla provides a variety of regional jewelry, handicrafts, woolen goods, and souvenirs that will make you want to shop all day. Major purchases avenue is aligned on Mall Road where, it is lined up with shops that sell all sorts of goods from age-old heritages and antiques to the local Himachali woolen clothes such as hats, shawls, etc. Additionally, Lakkar Bazaar, another of my favorites, is famous for selling a large variety of wooden crafts and relics including souvenir items and picturesque walking sticks.

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo is one of the oldest ancient temples situated in Shimla – HP. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Rama devotee. It is also called Sankat Mochan Temple. The Jakhoo Temple is the place where Hanuman and his followers are connected. Visitors who see Lord Hanuman as a paramount deity look upon the temple as significant in their spiritual life.

The world’s largest Lord Hanuman statue is said to be on top of the temple which is around 108 feet tall (33 meters). Due to that, It is the tallest statue in the world. The shrine constructed in the name of Hanuman and committed to his protection, courage, and strength, is a place where regular worshippers and pilgrims come to ask for these qualities.

Lord Hanuman went to search for the Sanjivani that he could use to treat the wounds that Lord Lakshmana had suffered on the battlefield; by accident, a pine leaf became a new home for the child Lord, Jakhoo. The story says that Lord Hanuman stopped there while he was traveling and the temple is now on the site.

The monkeys, especially the Rhesus Macaques, most likely inhabit the Jakhoo due to it being one of the unique features there. Monkeys are considered sinless due to Lord Hanuman devotees. Therefore, they are found always inside a Hanuman temple. Even though some of the guests like the company of the monkeys, it is necessary to be careful and not to feed them to prevent accidents that might be unexpected.

The Green Valley

Boasting its lush environs and the surrounding evergreen trees, enormous and magnificent views of the neighboring mountains, the town has a globally recognized topographical incomparable beauty. The Green Valley is hidden in the heart of the Himalayan range and is where visitors come to take in the wonders of nature in a tranquil environment. Unlike those who stay in hotels outside the stopover valley on their journey to Kufri and other local landmarks, more often than not, the visitors at this location make the valley their final destination on their travel itinerary.

Green Valley stands out among many other locations because of the variety of spectacular views and landscapes, attracting artists and nature lovers. The views of the valley’s lush slopes, tumbling waterfalls, and winding streams are a great eye-catcher for tourists. Although its gracefulness is all year round, the changing leaves make this solo spot worth seeing anew each season. Apart from these, it also gives ample opportunity for relaxation and recreational activities such as hiking, trekking, and picnicking.

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement theme park

An eye-catching amusement theme park near the Kufri roadside, where you can enjoy different unique rides. Moreover, there is also a restaurant inside this Theme park. Shimla and its surrounding areas offer various adventure activities such as zip-lining, rope courses, mountain biking, and trekking. These activities can be a source of enjoyment and thrill for visitors of all ages.

Toy Train – Kalka to Shimla

The Toy train is a lifetime train journey experience. The Kalka-Shimla Railway was built in the late 19th century during the British colonial era to connect British India’s summer capital with the rail. The track of the Kalka-Shimla Railway is one of the physically imposing factors that makes the ride of the toy train more daring. Wind through more than 800 bridges, the road is the tantalizing way to determine the area shown through wild mountains, luxuriant valleys, and beautiful panoramas of the surrounding village.

The toy train has several stops on its way and the riders can board and get off at different locations. Many of the common stations have unique characteristics, such as Dharampur, Solan for example, and others, listed as Kandaghat, Taradevi, and Summerhill. In Shimla, the most popular tourist attraction is riding the toy train, giving visitors a sense of the old times and a gradual-paced, nostalgic experience. You can buy tickets at the train stations, and online booking is done on the Indian Railways website. Above all, tickets can be purchased in advance to confirm location since the traffic season is the busiest time of the year.

Kufri

The contiguous place to Shimla and in the Himachal Pradesh state of India is tiny Kufri town tucked atop a picayune hill which is merely 3 kilometers. The valley of Kufri is located in the Shivalik part of the Himalayas, the highest and the most famous mountain range in the world. The site is quite close to Shimla town so it’s easy to reach there while you drive by car from that town which is about 10 miles away or 16 km.

Besides being a renowned place in the world, Kufri is abundant with breathtaking sceneries like mountains and forests capped with snow and windy roads. This place is truly magical with an atmosphere of peace and quietness that is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Kufri authorities have something for all outdoor sports lovers, be it any year’s season. It is a perfect spot for holidaying for adventure seekers.

On the snowy slopes during the winter, the guests can use sledding, snowboarding, and skiing. Summer activities such as hiking, trekking, and horseback riding are among the activities enjoyed by many travelers. The area’s peak, Mahasu Peak, is the highest in the place and has spectacular views of the neighboring Himalayan range. It is a place to visit at Kufri.

The best way to get to the top and see the beauty of the snow-covered peaks and the green valleys below is to trek or hire ponies. Kufri’s Indira Tourist Park, a graceful amusement park with a little zoo, kid’s play area, and donkey rides, is located in the center of the town. The park which is named after Mrs Indira Gandhi, the former Indian prime minister, is a popular destination that provides an exceptional bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains.

While shopping and food tasting near Kufri market and hotel could be done, it is necessary to walk up or down the slopes. They do this by spending very much time and being very patient. Visitors can buy woolen materials, handicrafts, and show pieces from local trading places and eat authentic Himachal Pradesh food such as Chana Madra, Siddu, and Thukpa from restaurants and cafes.

Chail

In the Himachal Pradesh state of India, there is a hill town which is called Chail and it is near Shimla. Settled on top, it has splendid vistas of the adjacent valleys and mountains. Chail is famous for its all-year-round pleasant weather, rich vegetation, and peaceful atmosphere. It is most noted for the Chail Palace, a late 19th-century building that is at present a heritage hotel. Walking, hiking, and eating the local food and culture can all be experienced by tourists. All in all, Chail is the perfect place for those who seek a peaceful retreat in beautiful scenery.

Shimla’s vibrant markets provide a great shopping experience. Here are some famous markets, in Shimla.

Lakkar Bazaar: This market showcases a selection of handicrafts, woolen items, and traditional Himachali attire. It is renowned for its crafts and keepsakes the walking sticks known as “lakkars” in Hindi.

The Mall Road is a hub lined with stores offering a variety of goods like clothing, accessories, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a spot, for shopping and strolls.

Lower Bazaar: If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of goods like clothing, accessories, spices, and local cuisine items, then Lower Bazaar is the place to be. Situated beneath the Mall Road, it’s a fantastic spot to shop for traditional Himachali products and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Tibetan Market: Just a stone’s throw away from the Ridge, the Tibetan Market is famous for its jewelry, woolen goods, and handicrafts imported from Tibet. You can find all sorts of Tibetan-style apparel, and accessories, as well as an array of mementos and antiques.

Himachal Emporium: Run by the government, the Himachal Emporium offers a wide selection of authentic Himachali handicrafts, handloom goods, and mementos. It’s the perfect place to find high-quality traditional items that truly represent the region.