The Ultimate Map For You To Cover Shimla By Visiting These 20 Places

If you are a true street shopper Mall Road is the place for you, haggle to your heart's content and shop till you drop here. It's perfect for shopping, with numerous shops offering woollen clothes, local handicrafts, rugs, pottery, jewellery, and so much more. The evening is the best time to visit and if crowds aren't your thing, there are quaint cafes where you can relax with a hot drink and watch the evening unfold.

Known as Shimla's cultural hub, The Ridge is a must-visit spot. Whether you want a quiet coffee break or to soak in British and Gothic architecture, The Ridge has you covered. It connects to Scandal Point and Lakkar Bazaar (famous for woodcraft). During festivals like the Summer Festival, The Ridge is the place to be for cultural events. Many of Shimla's main attractions, like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, and Jakhoo Hill, are close by. Ice skating is a popular adventure sport in Shimla, with one of the largest ice skating rinks in India. The craziest part? This is a completely natural rink formed during skating season (December to late February). Cost varies based on session length, with sessions available twice a day. The rink offers short-term and long-term membership options too! 

River rafting is a popular adventure sport in Shimla. Going on this would be a memorable experience for sure, within the chilling waters of the Sutlej River near Shimla that offers ideal conditions for rafting. The most popular route is from Chabba to Tattapani, spanning 12 km and taking about 2 hours, but you can also check out other options available. 

Add this five-hour train ride to your Shimla to-do list for some picture-perfect views of pine-covered hills. Covering 96 kilometres, this journey hits 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, and about 900 epic curves. The stretch between Barog and Shimla is the highlight, with the train going through its largest tunnel at the station and slowing down along the steep fall where you can take in the most breathtaking views. Book ahead for this Kalka-Shimla-Kalka trip.

Prices range: INR 65 to INR 500.

The hills here are perfect for paragliding, making Kangra crowded with all thrill seekers. The views of the mountains during the glide are unforgettable. Try paragliding in Kangra Valley for an exhilarating experience. Soar over the valley and land like a boss on its meadows. You'll fall in love with the mountains and valleys all over again viewing them from a bird's eye view, something you would only otherwise see in movies. 

Originally known as ‘Chidku Jhaar,’ meaning ‘bird waterfall’ in the local dialect due to its immense height, it was later named ‘Chadwick Falls’ by the British. Nestled in the Glen Forests, these falls are a major hit among tourists, especially during summer. Cascading from 1586 meters, the falls are surrounded by pine and deodars, with water straight from the Himalayas. Trek from Summer Hill or drive — it's up to you. Either way, the scenery is unforgettable. It's a great spot for picnics and day camps, and a watering hole for local wildlife. 

Jakhoo Temple is a must-visit religious spot in Shimla, located on Jhaku Hill amidst dense Deodar forests with the Shivalik ranges in the background. It's a popular activity, especially for the views as you trek for about 2 km from the Ridge at Shimla centre to reach it. You'll encounter playful monkeys along the way, as the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it that the temple houses Hanuman's footprints when he came here for the Sanjeevani Booti for Lord Lakshman. 

Pro tip: Check out this pit stop cafe in Shimla en route to Jakhoo Temple.

Shimla's lush green pine forests are pure magic, especially on a hike. Feel the wilderness and peace early in the morning as the sun's rays peek through the leaves. It's one of the most soothing things to do in Shimla. Walk, picnic, hike — the forest's got it all.

Explore Shimla's natural beauty and vast landscapes at the Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike or cycle through the greenery for a relaxing time. Just get permission from the Department of Wildlife first. Look out for foxes, eagles, and if you're lucky, leopards. 

Summer Hill offers a view of Shimla that's hard to forget. Also known as Potter’s Hill, it's covered in snow in winter and pleasantly cool in summer. It's the perfect getaway from the city crowds and a must-do in Shimla. In the past, it hosted Mahatma Gandhi and is now home to famous painter Amrita Shergil. 5 km from The Ridge, you can reach it by taking the toy train, which is an amazing experience in itself. Summer Hill is the greenest spot in Shimla, away from the hustle and bustle.

This large fort is located near Arki and Subathu, the fort is surrounded by picturesque locations like the Gurkha Fort from Subathu, Kunihar, and Kasauli hill station. The architecture of this place is quite Rajasthani and the interiors have paintings which are an exclusive collection hard to miss. The place also has a luxury resort which was previously a palace that gives you the experience of living life king-size!

Pro tip: See the best places to stay in Shimla here

Trending all over Instagram is this cosy cafe with picture-perfect views of Shimla. Nestled in the Willow Hotel, this cafe serves various cuisines from Thai to Lebanese, as well as hot beverages to cocktail drinks. Whether you're chilling inside or soaking up the sun outside, it's a vibe. They even have live music from local bands. Perfect for a quick bite after exploring Shimla. This is a Rooftop cafe, a hotspot for tourists, with awesome food costing around INR 1500 for 2. 

Pro tip: Visit this honey nut cafe in Shimla for a more pocket-friendly option

In winter, skiing in Kufri in Shimla is a must. This winter sports hub sits at 2622 meters and offers epic snow adventures. The views are unreal, especially when everything's covered in snow. You can also try Heliskiing, which is pricier but worth it. Located 13 kilometres from Shimla, Kufri's amusement park is the spot for skiing, tobogganing, trekking, camping, and more. Kufri, along with Chail and Shimla, forms the famous Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh.

Price range: INR 300 to INR 500

One of the coolest things to do in Shimla is apple picking in the lush orchards. Shimla's perfect weather produces tons of crispy, sweet apples. You can even learn about apple farming by chatting with the farmers there. Apple picking will give you the most aesthetic photography opportunities to live out that cottagecore, farm girl over your socials. 

No trip to Shimla is complete without a spree at Lakkar Bazaar. If you're into vibrant street shopping, this is your spot. Nestled next to the Ridge, Shimla’s Lakkar Bazaar is a hotspot for all things woolly. You'll find a plethora of artefacts, pashmina shawls, and handicrafts. The dry fruits and "Kullu Shawls" are a big hit too. Don't miss Sita Ram for some great 'chole bhature’ after all that shopping. Also, check out the wooden handicrafts, Chinese shoes, Tibetan mats, and carpets. And if you're lucky, you might spot some handmade shoes, woollen caps, and dolls. Plus, you can explore the local sights around the bazaar.

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, assemble, as Kiala Forest is your go-to, whether you want a bird's eye view of the city or a wild adventure, this place won't disappoint. Best explored on foot, you can use the locker facility if you've got luggage. Away from the city buzz, this is nature's haven. But do keep an eye out for leopards and other wildlife while you're at it.

Green Valley, or as the locals call it, Hassan Valley, is a must-visit spot for a day trip from Shimla. Surrounded by mountains, it's just a 10 km drive from Shimla. Situated on the way to Kufri, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Have a picnic, hike in the dense Deodar forest, or just take in the fresh mountain air. It's a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Shimla.

Situated only 11 kilometres away from Shimla town, Tara Devi Temple is a popular religious spot in Shimla. As it is high above sea level surrounded by peaceful forests and valleys, the temple radiates peace and calm. The wooden structure, renovated to its 250-year-old charm, houses an idol made from Ashtadhatu, a blend of eight elements, which is extremely holy to believers. 

Shaily Peak, about 22 km from Shimla, is a picturesque spot at Nalhendra hill station. Trek through lush greenery and rocky trails for about 8 km from Khatnol. The best time to visit is early morning for misty magic and stunning sunrise and sunset views. There's also a golf course at Naldhera which you can hit up for one of the best golfing experiences. Surrounded by painting-like scenery, this 18-hole course is a must-try. It's one of India's oldest golf courses, measuring 4,285 yards with 9 holes. The course is open year-round and Costs INR 400 for Indians