Snow-covered hills, breathtaking waterfalls, wonderful weather, and captivating greenery-the picturesque town of Shimla offers something for everyone. Widely known as the Queen of hill stations, Shimla and the multitude of places nearby never cease to amaze with the mesmerizing beauty of the famous tourist attractions that are bound to captivate you and leave you enthralled. The hill station is evergreen and the perfect place to unwind and celebrate your vacation, irrespective of the month you choose to visit. With a plethora of attractions and famous places, the pleasantry hill station of Shimla is definitely one of the most visited tourist destinations in India owing to a unique colonial-era (summer retreat of Britishers), trekking options, lush green vegetation, and snow-capped Himalayan ranges. No matter how often you have visited this place, the Mall road, the Scandal point, Kufri, and other best tourist places in Shimla never ceases to charm you and promise some great adventures, spiritualism, and nature-close moments. Read on to enrich yourself with the famous places to visit in Shimla and a few around Shimla.
1. Annandale
This historical masterpiece was a favorite amongst Britishers, who used to enjoy several thrilling entertainment sports like racing, golfing, and horse riding during their rule. Annandale has a low-lying terrain that has now been developed as a playground of Shimla for hosting various sports like Golf, cricket, and Polo, and is located just about 3.5 km from the popular Ridge. At the height of about 1,864 meters, the area falls under the authority of the Indian Army and is enveloped by beautiful deodar and Oak trees, offering one of the best views of Shimla and its surroundings.
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Best time to visit: November to February
2. Kufri
Well-known place for horse riding around the year, the quaint town of Kufri promises an adrenaline rush and makes for a popular tourist attraction near Shimla for skiing on snow-covered slopes, go-karting, yak rides and other winter sports. This little hill station is also the place from where most of the treks to Manali and Shimla commence. Trails and nature walks through thick foliage and grooves make this place a great spot to get engulfed in nature's wanderlust. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant bazaar or interact with the locals to know more about the place.
Distance from Shimla: 15 km
Best time to visit: November to February (for snowfall) and April to June
3. The Scandal Point, Ridge
This flat vast platform is one of the most famous places to visit in Shimla. With the enthralling scenic beauty and mesmerizing views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains surrounding Shimla, it promises a complete treat to all mountain lovers. Apart from offering a breathtaking view, this place also houses the famous Tudor library.
The place has a gripping story behind it involving the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh the then British viceroy and, Lord Kitchener's daughter. Scandal Point rests at the center of the two busiest spots of Shimla, Ridge Road and Mall Road, and is difficult to overlook.
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
4. The Shimla State Museum
Located on Mount Pleasant, the Shimla State Museum is one of the many charming places to visit in Shimla around the year. The lofty lawns and the magnificent British architecture make a visit to this place totally worthwhile. The museum was opened for public in 1974, and houses historical artifacts, paintings, sculptures and handicrafts from the Colonial rule showcasing the glorious past of the state with its rich culture and heritage. The building also serves as a residence for Indian government officials.
Timings: All days, except Mondays, 10 AM to 1:30 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
Entry fees: 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners
5. Chail
The panoramic destination of Chail along with its hilly terrains and pristine landscapes makes for a perfect getaway from the maddening crowd of the city. Chail is popularly known for housing the world's highest cricket ground which was built in 1893. The ground is situated at an altitude of 2,445 meters and offers grand unmatched vistas of the Himalayan Mountains. It is also home to a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot the Rhesus macaque, leopard, Crested porcupine, Himalayan black bear and common langur, among others. You can also opt to stay in one of the several private hotels or relaxing cottages in around Chail.
Distance from Shimla: 54 km
Best time to visit: April to October
6. Mall Road
Of all the famous tourist places in Shimla, Mall Road is one place with which you can never go wrong. It is not only an attraction for the tourists and visitors but is also one of the favorite shopping places of the locals. From warm woolens and traditional footwear to beautiful handicrafts, jewelry, and showpieces, this famous shopping street is a haven for shopaholics and one of the famous places to visit in Shimla. It also features several famous restaurants, cafes, banks, clubs, tourist information centers, and post offices. Tourists love to stroll along the Mall, explore the many shops, or watch a movie at the Gaiety Theatre, a replica of an old British theatre.
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
The amazing hill town of Shimla is a haven for you to marvel at nature's untouched bounty and buzzing marketplaces. The hill station continues to enthrall its visitors with open hands around the year. Without a second thought, these are some of the favorite handpicked destinations out of the many famous places to visit in Shimla, so make sure that you have plenty of time when visiting these places!
