Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shimla from Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages boasts a wide range of attractions for all types of visitors, from history buffs and nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts. This Himachal Pradesh Tourism presents the Best Places to Visit in Shimla, enabling you to derive value from your visit to this bewitching city.
The Ridge
The Ridge is the core of Shimla, a large open space stretching alongside Mall Road. It is one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the town and offers picturesque views of the surrounding hills. The Ridge also comprises various landmarks like Christ Church, State Library and several statues of famous Indian leaders. In summer, it becomes a place for summer festivals, which include cultural performances, fairs, etc. Moreover, it is an ideal place for leisurely strolls since it gives you an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of snow-capped peaks as well as vast green valleys. With benches and cafes scattered throughout this area, there are many opportunities to sit back and relax while enjoying the beauty of Shimla.
Kufri
Kufri is situated around 14 kilometers away from Shimla, and it is a small hill station where one can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and adventurous activities. In the winter, skiing enthusiasts flock to Kufri while during the summer, various hiking trails are accessible to hikers and trekkers. The Kufri Fun World has rides such as go-karting that are enjoyed by families that visit there. The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is a place that nature lovers must not miss since there are different species of plant life and animals there. Moreover, Kufri’s apple orchards are well known for their quality produce. Visitors get a chance to take a walk through these orchards before tasting the succulent, juicy apples. Furthermore, Mahasu Peak at Kufri offers breathtaking views of mountains and valleys around. Adventurers can either take a short trek or ride on ponies to scale this peak. Besides, several bird species inhabit this area, making it an excellent spot for bird watching as well. Moreover, every year, tourists come here from everywhere to participate in the Winter Sports Festival, which offers a variety of snow sports. Whether you love adventure or nature, there is always something for everyone at Kufri Hill Station.
Jakhu Temple
The highest peak in Shimla, Jakhu Hill, is the abode of Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is known for the statue of Lord Hanuman, which stands 108 feet tall and can be seen from different parts of Shimla. Some legends state that Hanuman rested here while searching for the Sanjeevani herb during the Ramayana period. The temple offers panoramic views of Shimla and the surrounding mountains, thus making a walk up there worth it. Hiking to Jakhu Temple is very common among tourists as they have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air. There are tall deodar trees along the path, which makes it more enjoyable. There are also many monkeys around the temple. Hence, visitors need to be careful not to carry food with them when visiting this place. A museum situated within this temple compound holds a number of artefacts associated with Ramayana and the temple's history. Every year, worshipers from all over celebrate the huge Dussehra festival at Jakhu Temple.
Christ Church
One of the oldest churches in North India, situated on the Ridge, is Christ Church. Built-in neo-Gothic style, it has amazing stained glass windows that symbolise faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Visitors should definitely see Shimla’s serene atmosphere of the church and its magnificent architecture. A beautiful altar, intricately carved pews and a grand pipe organ are among the highlights of this church’s interior. Again, there are also photographs that date back to when Shimla was still under colonialism. There are numerous picturesque shops and cafes around it, which makes it a nice place to have a leisurely afternoon. To take pictures of stunning architecture or take scenic photos, one can visit this church. For both residents and visitors to Shimla alike, Sunday services at Christ Church offer an opportunity to learn about their spiritual as well as cultural heritage.
Jakhu Ropeway
Jakhu Ropeway is one place you may want to visit in Shimla. It gives an aerial view of the city and its surrounding forests, thereby enhancing your journey to the temple. The ride offers wonderful sights for photographing as well as posing for photos. Given that ropeway cabins are fitted with large windows, travellers can have a clear look into the deep-rooted forests and peaks covered with snow. Tickets can be obtained at the ropeway station at Ridge and there are no difficulties involved in getting there. The Jakhu Ropeway is loved by many tourists, including families and adventurous individuals visiting Shimla. This ensures all people are safe while riding because safety measures are put in place throughout the trip, and maintenance is given priority, thus letting everyone enjoy their moments without any challenges. Moreover, travellers will get different views of Shimla from this ropeway, which indeed provides them with a unique experience of a particular city they know very well from elsewhere. Whether you plan on making a scenic trip or simply need an opportunity to get quick access to Jakhu Temple, consider taking Jakhu Ropeway when in Shimla.
Chail
A 48 kilometre distance from Shimla brings to mind the quiet hill station of Chail, which is famous for its tranquil atmosphere and abundant greenery. This hill station boasts a cricket pitch that sits at the highest altitude in the world and an amazing Chail Palace that has turned into a heritage hotel. Additionally, tourists can see different types of creatures in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. In case one wants to withdraw oneself from Shimla’s noises and live in peace and tranquility, then Chail would be the right place to be.
Naldehra
Naldehra, which is around 22 kilometres from Shimla, is famous for its green golf course, which is among the oldest and most beautiful in India. The Naldehra Golf Course, which is enclosed with pine trees, offers a different golfing experience. It’s a favourite place for many golf lovers because of its rolling green fields and spectacular scenery. This area boasts charming cottages and resorts surrounding the golf courses that make excellent relaxation destinations for holidays. It also has wonderful landscapes and a pleasant climate, making it an ideal place for picnics and nature walks. Sipi Fair, held annually in Naldehra, is a cultural extravaganza that draws people from all over the world. Also known as the Naldehra Trekking Trail, this area will take you through an adventuresome journey across the natural beauty of that region.
Green Valley
Green Valley, along the road to Kufri, takes a breath away when one sees it for the first time. This region boasts mighty trees or lush greens with scenic views around hills, forests, etc. For photography lovers, this valley becomes an attraction where they often stop to capture these stunning images on camera film or a sensor chip’s digital memory card. Green Valley should not be missed out by any person who really loves nature, mainly due to its dense cover of deodar and pine trees. There are other living creatures, such as deer, yaks, and bird species, found at every corner of this valley. It’s an ideal place for picnic goers and those seeking to have quiet walks in the nature of a place. In Green Valley, during monsoon season, when everything is green, and the valley is covered with green grass, it is the best time to visit this place. Those who love adventure would find a good number of trekking routes here. There are several trekking routes on these hills surrounding them where one can explore beautiful areas.
Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple is a historic temple located in Tara Parvat, around 11 km away from Shimla. The temple provides a tranquil atmosphere and amazing views of the mountains’ vastness as well as the valleys' beauty. This pilgrimage site is famous for its serene ambience that attracts tourists who engage in spiritual practices and meditation. It is believed that the temple was founded over two centuries ago, and now it serves as an important destination for those who worship Goddess Tara. This includes a central shrine, numerous minor shrines, and a lovely garden within the complex of the temple. Every year, the Navratri Festival is held at Tara Devi Temple, and many pilgrims come to Shimla to attend. If you are interested in spirituality or want to see nature at its best, then visiting Tara Devi Temple should be part of your itinerary during your stay in Shimla.
Himachal State Museum
Himachal State Museum in Mall Road is a collection of valuable items that reflect Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage. The museum has huge collections of ancient coins, drawings, statues and relics. The library inside also contains numerous books, magazines, and journals, which are preferred by researchers and historians. It is amazing to see the museum’s display, which offers insight into its culture and history. The building in which the museum is located was constructed during the colonial period, hence adding to the charm of this place. Exhibits at Himachal State Museum are well-arranged so that one can easily obtain information about various aspects of Himachal Pradesh’s past and tradition. This place regularly holds exhibitions as well as cultural events to give local artists a chance to exhibit their talents, as well as craftsmen who sell their works here. The gardens around it are well-kept and provide quiet environments where visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy natural beauty.
Chadwick Falls
About 7 km from Shimla, Chadwick Falls is a calm waterfall. Ringed in by thick deodar and pine forests, it gives peace and quiet, which can only be wished for in the middle of these noisy cities. Visit Chadwick Falls at this period of the year when water falls down to its full capacity. To those who enjoy trekking and walking in nature, this place is perfect. These falls are like magic when water pours over rocky cliffs with an approximate height of 86 metres above them. Different types of plant and animal life occur in this area, hence making it suitable for naturalists. Trek to Chadwick Falls is quite easy, but it does not make it any less beautiful. From there, you can view further horizon yet within the vicinity, be delighted by mother nature.
For anyone going to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages would be useful. This normally includes guided visits, comfortable hotels as well as transport all around, rendering your stay trouble free and more enjoyable than ever before.
