Popular activites and things to do in Shimla
Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is a magnet for tourists with its hill station, colonial past, and cultural significance. The city is located at an elevation of around 2,200 meters and provides families, couples, and tourists of all kinds with plenty of things to do. Tourists come to Shimla year-round to be mesmerised by its landscapes, religious places, adventure activities, and vibrant markets. You may experience adventures in Shimla that combine leisure, discovery, and education. A visit to Shimla provides an opportunity to visit temples, trekking trails, museums, and traditional bazaars and unwind in peaceful environments. For comfortable stays, look into Service apartments in Shimla. Below are few places in Shimla and things to do in Shimla with the entire context of activities you can do in the city.
Top things to do in Shimla
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Walk on The Ridge
The Ridge in Shimla
The Ridge is the central area of Shimla and is linked to Mall Road and other surrounding places of interest. The open area has a view of the surrounding mountains and is a meeting place for tourists. You can stroll around the area, take photos, and go to nearby cafes and restaurants. Christ Church on The Ridge is also a point of interest due to its historical value. On festival days, the Ridge is the central venue for cultural activities and festivities.
Travel Tips:
Comfortable walking shoes should be worn. Early morning and evening are good times with minimal crowds. The Ridge is located in the centre of the city, so you can visit it on foot after arriving at Mall Road.
Timings and Entry Fees:
The Ridge is always open day and night. You don’t pay any entrance fee. You spend two or three hours here, and longer in case of events or festivals.
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Visit Jakhoo Temple
Jakhoo Temple in Shimla
Jakhoo Temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, is located on top of Jakhoo Hill, which is the highest point in the city of Shimla. The temple has a 33-meter-high Hanuman statue visible from various locations in the city. You can walk up the steep road or ride a cable car from close to The Ridge. The temple offers broad vistas of the city and the surrounding hills.
Travel Tips:
You should remain careful of monkeys around the temple, as they often take food or belongings. Carry only essentials and avoid carrying loose items in your hands. The best time to visit is early morning when the weather stays pleasant and crowds are fewer.
Timings and Entry Fees:
The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You get in for free. If you come by cable car, fares are still approximately ₹300 for a return trip. An excursion would take two to three hours.
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Visit Mall Road
Mall Road in Shimla
Mall Road goes through the heart of Shimla and continues to be the most crowded shopping and entertainment strip in the city. You can stroll along the road, shop at stores dealing in woollen garments, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and dine at restaurants or cafes. Mall Road also contains the Gaiety Theatre, Town Hall, and a number of banks and government offices. Taking a walk here in the evening provides you with the full experience of the social life of the city.
Travel Tips:
Vehicles do not have permission on Mall Road, so you should prepare for a walk. Wear comfortable footwear and carry light cash for small purchases, as not all vendors accept digital payments. Evening visits give you more options for dining.
Timings and Entry Fees:
Mall Road is open all day. There is no entrance fee. Stores usually open between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM. You can stay here for three to four hours, depending on your level of interest in shopping and dining.
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Go to Kufri
Kufri in Shimla
Kufri is roughly 16 kilometres from Shimla and is a favourite destination for adventure sports. During winter, people visit Kufri for skiing and snow activities. Summer offers horse riding and walks through the meadows. Amusement park Kufri Fun World also functions here with family and kids’ rides.
Travel Tips:
You must dress warmly during winter as the temperature is below freezing point. Kufri is busy during holidays, and hence an early morning visit avoids the crowd. Bring sunscreen and water if you are going to stroll through the meadows during the summer.
Timings and Entry Fees:
Kufri is open all year round. You do not pay any entry fee to visit the place, but you have to pay fees for activities such as horse riding or amusement rides, ranging from ₹100 to ₹500. A half-day tour from Shimla tends to include Kufri.
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Visit Shimla State Museum
Shimla State Museum in Shimla
Shimla State Museum, or Himachal State Museum, is located on Mall Road and houses artefacts that pertain to the cultural past of Himachal Pradesh. Sculptures, paintings, jewellery, weapons, and handicrafts form the museum collection. There is also a colonial building from the past, which contributes to the historic backdrop. You can visit various galleries and discover the traditions and arts of this region.
Travel Tips:
Bring a notebook if you prefer recording your museum tour. Photography can be subject to special permission within the galleries. Allow roughly two hours for the museum to see all sections without hurrying.
Timings and Admission Charges:
The museum is open between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Admission charges are still roughly ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign tourists. Students can have discounts with ID cards.
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Ride on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
Kalka-Shimla Toy Train
The Kalka-Shimla toy train, a World Heritage railway site, travels on a narrow-gauge track that links Kalka to Shimla. The train travels through mountains, tunnels, and bridges before ending its journey, making the ride a major feature. The ride spans around 96 kilometres and lasts from five to six hours, depending on the category of the train.
Travel Tips:
You should book tickets in advance, especially during the summer and holiday seasons, as trains fill quickly. Carry snacks and water, although vendors also board the train at different stations. Morning rides provide better views with clear skies.
Timings and Entry Fees:
Ticket prices range between ₹90 for general seating to ₹500 or more for first class. There are multiple times a day, and booking through Indian Railways is available. The journey takes a full half day, so leave accordingly.
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Explore Summer Hill
Summer Hill in Shimla
Summer Hill is around 5 kilometres from Shimla and is a peaceful place for walking and small treks. It is surrounded by deodar and pine trees and also has the campus of Himachal Pradesh University. Mahatma Gandhi used to stay here when he visited Shimla. You can stroll around the place, lounge under the trees, and have open grounds to walk around.
Travel Tips:
Wear casual footwear, as the routes consist of walking on inclines. Bring a water bottle and refreshments, since the place does not have many shops. Visits in the morning are calmer with fewer crowds.
Timings and Entrance Fees:
Summer Hill is open throughout the day. You don’t pay any entry fee. People generally spend two or three hours here.
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Go to Annandale Ground
Annandale Ground in Shimla
Annandale lies about 3 kilometres from the city centre and functions as a flat ground surrounded by thick forests. The ground, once used for British sports like polo and cricket, now serves as a helipad and houses an Army Museum. Visitors can explore the museum, which displays weapons, uniforms, and the Indian Army’s history.
Travel Tips:
Bring a valid ID for the Army Museum entry. Dress in comfortable attire and footwear since the ground level involves walking. Rules regarding photography are observed within the museum, so check with the staff first before snapping photos.
Timings and Entry Charges:
The Army Museum operates from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays. You get in for free. Visitors typically stay for two hours.
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Visit Tara Devi Temple
Tara Devi Temple in Shimla
Tara Devi Temple is situated on a hilltop at a distance of around 11 kilometres from Shimla. The temple, named after the Goddess Tara, offers panoramic views of the mountains around. This temple is visited by people for blessings and a serene atmosphere. Temple complex has smaller temples and sitting spaces as well.
Travel Tips:
Bring a shawl or a jacket, since the winds at hilltops tend to be chillier compared to the city. Do not come in the late evenings if you do not have private vehicles, since public buses become scarce post-sunset. The Navratri type of festival has heavy crowds, so book in advance.
Timings and Entry Fee:
The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. You can enter for free. Visitors tend to stay around one to two hours here.
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Go Short Treks Around Shimla
Short Treks Around Shimla
Shimla has various trekking trails for new hikers and frequent hikers. Well-known trails are the Chadwick Falls trek, the Shali Tibba trek, and the Glen trek. These trails go through pine forests, villages, and streams. You can witness the local lifestyle and nature while trekking around Shimla.
Travel Tips:
Take trekking shoes, water, and snacks. Local guides can be hired for longer trails like Shali Tibba. March to June and September to November are the best months for trekking as the weather is clear. Do not take solo trips on unknown trails.
Timings and Entry Fees:
The majority of treks are always accessible throughout the day. You don’t have to pay an entry fee, but hiring guides will cost you between ₹500 and ₹1500 based on distance. Short treks will take two to three hours, and longer ones can take you a day.
Conclusion
Ten key activities in Shimla summarise shopping, cultural heritage, religious visits, natural places, and adventure activities. You can begin at Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and The Ridge for central experiences. Head towards Kufri for adventure or to Tara Devi Temple for a spiritual experience. You can study history at Annandale Ground and Shimla State Museum, and Summer Hill offers you serene walks. The ride on the Kalka-Shimla toy train is a special journey experience, and local treks offer you to see natural environments. By scheduling your visit with the proper tips, you can effectively manage time and resources. Carry necessary items, double-check timings, and prepare for walking, since most of the attractions involve walking. A full tour of these ten activities enables you to witness various atmospheres of Shimla and build an equilibrated travel experience.