Ankit ChandnaPlaces To Visit In Shimla
The places to visit in Shimla in the central part of the town can be best enjoyed on foot (vehicles are generally barred here) and of course nobody can detach adventure from any Shimla itinerary. Here’s a 3- day itinerary to help you explore Shimla and the nearby towns of Kufri and Chail to make it a memorable summertime escape for you.
How to get to Shimla
Shimla is well connected to neighboring places like New Delhi and Chandigarh through national highways. The journey from Delhi to Shimla by road takes approximately 10 hours. A lot of volvo sleeper buses ply on Delhi-Shimla route and most of them are an overnight journey to Shimla. The nearest railway station that connects to Shimla is Kalka which is about 96 kms/ 6 hours away from Shimla and an overnight journey from Delhi. Kalka-Shimla railway is a well-known route and is in itself one of the top things to do in Shimla.
Also, frequency of trains on the Kalka-Shimla route is decent i.e. around 4 round-trips daily. You can easily hire a taxi with a local tour company or a local taxi driver for all your travel plans for the places to visit in Shimla and around it. State/local government as well as private buses that well connect Shimla to nearby places could also be taken and you can walk to nearby places.
Best time to go to the places to visit in Shimla
Best time to make a plan for the places to visit in Shimla is from March to June when temperature ranges between 15 to 30 Celsius and there is hardly any rainfall.
If you have not been to places to visit in Shimla and the rest of Himachal as of yet, you have definitely missed out on one of the most enthralling mountainous terrain that you can explore in India.
For a lot of people travelling in North India, the places to visit in Shimla are the first additions to their itinerary. It is interesting to note that the city used to be the summer capital of India during colonialism. The enchanting and gorgeous places to visit in Shimla have maintained the reputation among citizens post-independence as well. Year after year, throngs of tourists from near and far explore the places to visit in Shimla. Hence, even though the places to visit in Shimla can be crowded during the peak season, you need to experience the magic of this place at least once. By following this guide, you won’t have to wonder what to do in Shimla. Refer to it to navigate through the many awe-inspiring places to visit in Shimla when you are organising your next trip.
Spending a few days in the hills can fill you with optimism and awe. The places to visit in Shimla make for a perfect treat for the eyes and the mind. When you would leave the places to visit in Shimla, you would go back with some real memories of the magnificent Great Himalayas!
Shimla
Begin your day with a stroll down the mall road.
Mall Road, the Ridge and the Christ Church are top places to visit in Shimla. Though they offer a great view from the edges at all the times, it is recommended to spend sometime in the morning when it’s less crowded and rather refreshing. It will help you in experiencing the prolific view from the ridge as the day begins. These are the best places to visit in Shimla in one day.
Chail
Another place that your places to visit in Shimla itinerary must include is Chail, a quiet hill town 45km away from Shimla. Start the drive early in the day for compelling views that are absolute treat for the eyes. You can also plan to stay at Chail for the night since the town offers places to stay in a serene and less crowded environment, in comparison with the places to visit in Shimla.
Hike to the hilltop at Kali Ka Tibaa
The 360 degree panoramic view from Kali Ka Tibba is breathtaking and ideal for photography enthusiasts. The Kali temple situated on the peak is old and famous in Chail and you could find locals on the trail throughout the year. The views of the Choor Chandni and Shivalik Range from the peak are pure finds for nature lovers. This beguiling destination is even considered to be as good as the places to visit in Shimla.
Visiting the highest cricket ground in the world.
At an altitude of around 2,144m, the Chail Cricket Ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. A short 2km walk away from the Chail market, the stadium is encircled by the tall deodars on all sides and the location of the stadium also offers stunning views of the Sutlej Valley and the hill stations of Shimla and Kasauli.
Jakhoo Temple
This ancient temple near the hill town of Shimla is at an elevation of 8000 ft and offers panoramic view of the surrounding Shivalik Ranges. It is one of the most spiritual places to visit in Shimla. The long walk to the temple amidst the thick shade of the pines can be a refreshing walk to end your day. The 30 meter tall statue of Lord Hanuman the tallest one of it’s kind idol in the world. Jakhoo Temple timings are 5am-12pm and 4pm-9pm. Entrance is free.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens
The former Viceregal lodge of Shimla is now better known as the Rashtrapati Niwas and is one of the most ancient places to visit in Shimla. The majestic colonial mansion is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla and makes for an amazing afternoon excursion. The structure is reminiscent of the Victorian era when Shimla was the summer capital of the British Government in India. It is one of the historic places to visit in Shimla. Viceregal Lodge is open from 930am to 530pm and it is closed on Mondays. Entrance fee is ₹40 for Indians and ₹85 for foreigners.
Kufri
This summer trip to the hills is incomplete without excursions to places to visit near Shimla such as Kufri, which is within 20 km radius of Shimla. A day trip to Kufri and Naldehra can be planned while it is recommended to stay back in Shimla during night.
Spend a day at the exciting Kufri Fun World
If you’re fond of rides, go-karting and adventure sports, Kufri Fun World is the adventure just for you. It boasts of the highest go-karting track in the world, Get set to experience the adrenaline rush with breathtaking Himalayan hills and valleys in the backdrop. This park is one of the best things to do in Kufri for a family to make a memorable day and is equipped with various rides and pools for a great afternoon in the outdoors. Kufri Fun World timings are 9am to 7pm. Entrance fee is ₹500 onwards. People on average spend three hours in the amusement park.
Take an excursion to the Mahasu Peak
Mahasu Peak is the highest point in Kufri and a horse/mule ride to this hilltop is definitely a fulfilling experience on the second day of the trip. On a clear and sunny summer afternoon, you can enjoy the enthralling panoramic views of the Kedarnath and Badrinath ranges from the Mahasu Peak.
Best Hotels In Shimla
1. Springfield’s, Shimla
2. Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Best Rated Places To Eat In Shimla
1. Visit the Wake and Bake Cafe located on the Mall Road for freshly ground organic coffee, hand tossed pizza, great cakes, international cuisine and live music. It is one of the best places to visit in Shimla
2. Krishna Bakers situated on the Mall Road is a small outlet, one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla for its delicious Chinese food.
Best Rated Place To Eat In Kufri
1. HPTDC’s Cafe Lalit is a nice place to hang out which offers mostly Indian cuisine. It is also the historic location for the famous Shimla Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan.
Best Hotels In Chail
1. Hotel Ekant
2. Vue Magique Resorts & Camps
Best Rated Places To Eat In Chail
1. Chail Palace restaurant is one of the finest places to dine-in in Chail which offers a multi-cuisine menu with a lot of options to choose from.
2. Soni Ka Dhaba at Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Janedghat offers homestyle wholesome meals. You can also visit the restaurant ti try out the authentic himachali sigri wala khana.
Ankit Chandna
