Shimla is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage with its verdant landscapes, colonial architecture and snowcapped peaks. Whether you are an adventure lover, a foodie or a shopaholic, Shimla will definitely have something for everyone.
Adventure Activities in Shimla
Shimla is one paradise for those who love adventures. The rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes provide excellent opportunities for different types of thrilling activities.
Trekking and Hiking
One of the most popular Adventure Activities in Shimla is trekking. When in Shimla, make sure you don’t miss out on the Jakhu Temple Trek. The trek takes you around Jakhu Hill, which happens to be the highest peak of Shimla, giving amazing views down into valleys all around as well as up towards snow-covered peaks across miles and miles away. The hike is relatively simple as it winds through lush deodar forests, which makes it very enjoyable, especially if nature enchants you. It is dedicated to the Lord Hanuman shrine located at its summit, making it an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, too.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one unique, thrilling activity that Shimla has due to its being home to Asia’s only natural ice skating rink. It opens for public use every day between December and February, and it’s located at Lakkar Bazaar. You will never forget having skated amidst the beautiful ambience of Shimla hillsides. Shimla Ice Skating Club maintains this rink and therefore, organizes annual competitions as well as carnivals for ice skating sports.
Paragliding
Paragliding in Shimla is a must-do activity for those who want to experience flying like birds. Some of the top paragliding sites include Annandale and Kufri. Soar high above over majestic Himalayan ranges and breathtaking views of valleys below. These experiences are conducted by professionals, so everything is safe with all necessary equipment provided as well. The months of March-June and September-November are the best times for paragliding in Shimla.
River Rafting
The rivers in Shimla present great opportunities for river rafting. The Sutlej River is especially known for this thrilling activity. The best months for river rafting are April to June and September to November. The rapids vary from grade II to IV, which makes them suitable for beginners as well as experienced rafters. Professional guides are there to ensure your safety and give you a thrilling experience.
Camping
Camping is also an adventurous adventure activity in Shimla that many people love doing while enjoying calmness during the night beneath the starry sky. Summer Hill, Bantony Hill, and Observatory Hill are a few of the great locations where campsites can be chosen depending on individual preferences such as availability.
Himalayan Bird Park
Situated near Viceroy Lodge, Himalayan Bird Park is an excellent place for bird lovers who come from all over the globe just to get a glimpse of those unique birds that can be found here only. You can find different types of birds living here. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy themselves here in this bird park, where they can see birds such as Himalayan Monal, peacocks, pheasants, and various species of parrots. The park gates open from April through October, when it offers solace away from crowds.
Toy Train Ride
The Toy Train Ride from Kalka to Shimla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its journey through the mountains. When the train passes through 102 tunnels as well as more than 800 bridges, one gets beautiful scenes of hilly surroundings and valleys below them. It takes around 5-6 hours to complete this journey which is a memorable trip for adults as well as children too. During the course, there are several stops where you can enjoy local snacks as well as admire the scenic beauty that surrounds them.
Shopping Places in Shimla
Shimla’s shopping experience is delightful, with its busy markets and quaint shops.
Mall Road Shopping
Mall Road is Shimla's primary shopping hub, and everything from woollen garments to woodcrafts is sold here. You can buy mementos here as well as take a leisurely walk along this road. Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, and wooden articles are some of the highlighted items in this marketplace, which is also home to several coffee houses and eating joints.
Lakkar Bazaar
The Lakkar Bazaar is another attraction where tourists flock for its souvenirs made out of wood. There are many woollen goods available in this market which serves as a good place for winter clothing shopping in Shimla too. The bazaar has wooden products manufactured by local craftsmen, like sticks, toys or decorative objects, among others, at reasonable prices, making this market popular among tourists.
Tibetan Market
The Tibetan Market is famous for its distinctive assortment of Tibetan articles, jewellery and woollen apparel. It is a fantastic place to purchase rare things at a reasonable price. Situated near the Ridge, this market remains bustling with activities throughout the year. Some of what you can buy here include Tibetan rugs, prayer wheels as well as local ornaments. In addition to that, you will find great spots to taste some momos and thupka, which are other typical foods in Tibet.
Foods in Shimla
Local Delicacies
While in Shimla, make sure you taste the local Himachali food. Some popular dishes include Dham, Chana Madra, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhey and Siddu. These meals are full of flavours and show a lot about these people’s lifestyles.
Famous Restaurants in Shimla
Shimla boasts of numerous famous restaurants that offer diverse culinary choices.
Cafe Simla Times: Known for its cosy ambience and delicious food, this café is very popular among locals as well as tourists alike. They serve European, Chinese, and Indian cuisine right on the premises of the café, among other things. The outside area also offers great views of the hills, which makes it an idyllic dining location.
Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar: This restaurant provides Indian, Chinese and Continental delicacies through its highly esteemed services offered amidst a fine setting. Located at Mall Road, it attracts lunchtime customers as well as dinner callers from all around town.
Wake and Bake Cafe: Situated on Mall Road, this cafe is known for its breakfast options and incredible views of the hills surrounding it. It offers pancake waffle sandwiches, among others, for visitors coming to eat here at any time during their stay in Shimla town.
Festivals of Shimla
Ice Skating Carnival
Rhyali Festival
Baba Nath Fair
Nalwari Mela
Rafting Cup Event
Spring Festival
Sipi Festival
Bhoj Fair
Shimla Holiday Packages
If you want your trip to be most enjoyable, then consider Shimla Holiday Packages. They often have options for accommodation, meals and even guided tour so that you don’t have to worry much when on holiday.
Newlyweds who wish to go on a honeymoon in Shimla can choose from many Shimla Honeymoon Packages available that suit their needs best. These may include romantic dinners, sightseeing tours, or special setups meant for honeymooners only so that they can enjoy their honeymoon time together.
Those who want to explore more of the region should consider Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages. Such packages usually take in popular destinations. They generally cover transport, accommodation and guided tours, thus making it easy for one to visit varied regions within the state.
