Snow-capped mountains and stunning green pastures are the hallmarks of Shimla, the effervescent capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Once the summer capital of colonial India, Shimla is still home to several interesting colonial-era buildings standing tall amidst the bustling bazaars and the quaint little stores. Move away from the main town and you will be rewarded with stunning trails making their way through the dense cedar forests and opening up vistas of the surrounding valleys.
Here are some things that you can do in Shimla.
Admire the European architecture
Structures like the Viceregal Lodge (also known as Rashtrapati Niwas), the Christ Church and the Woodville Palace are some of the major attractions in Shimla, standing testament to the town’s European influence. Also worth a mention is the 127 years old Gaiety Theatre, constructed in Gothic Style and designed by English architect Henry Irwin.
Annandale
This beautiful picnic spot provides the ideal venue to relax amidst the serenity of nature with apple orchards and gurgling streams for company. The nature lovers can also head to the Himalayan Bird Park to spot some rare Himalayan birds.
The Mall
No visit to Shimla is complete without a visit to the bustling Mall road, the center of all activity in Shimla. The road is buzzing with quaint shops and cafes and is a great place for shopping and people watching. A walk down the mall leads to the second level, that is, the Ridge road, which also has its share of activity, especially horse-riding. Go down a level below and you will come to Wood Bazaar where you can shop for wooden artefacts.
State Museum
The State Museum houses an interesting collection of miniatures from Kangra and Rajasthan, embroidery from Chamba, coins, jewellery, temple carvings, and weapons. You can also proceed to the nearby Scandal Point to take in the views of the steep gorges.
Naldehra Golf Club
If your holiday is incomplete without a round of golf, you can visit the Naldehra Golf Club, an unusual course, and regarded as one of the most challenging courses to play at in the country. Besides, you can also enjoy nature walks or a horse ride through the cobblestoned pathways shadowed by soaring pine trees.
Tara Devi Temple
Perched at a height of 1,851 metres above sea level, the pace is a must visit to take in the serene and peaceful vibes.
Jhaku Temple
This is another popular temple near Shimla with a very scenic trail leading up to the temple. You will have monkeys for the company and so be careful about your belongings.
Kufri
If you fancy a yak ride or skiing on snowy slopes, then head 13 km from Shimla towards Himachal Pradesh’s winter sports capital, Kufri.
There is much to see and do in Shimla? If you are planning a trip to Shimla, we at IHVoyager can help. Offering the best of logistics and well-trained guides, we offer you a personalized experience to enjoy the best of what Shimla has to offer.
