Shimla is one of the most loved hill stations in India. Regardless of the season, you will find a heavy crowd all around the year. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh hence it attracts the crowd even more. From serene views to lip-smacking food, from adventure activities to soothing picnic spots, it has a little bit of everything hence, making it a complete package of every kind of a traveler.
Here’s a small guide for your next trip to Shimla just to make things better for you
How to reach Shimla
Reaching Shimla isn’t such a big problem as it is well connected with roads. The easiest way to reach Shimla would be via Delhi. You can get a bus and train from Delhi and even from Chandigarh to Shimla easily. The buses are very frequent so it is a good option.
When to go to Shimla
Your trip to Shimla depends upon the type of experience you what to have. If you want to have a very snowy experience then November to February is a good time but if you want to have a pleasant experience then you might consider going between April to June. Avoid planning in the monsoon season as it may get a bit difficult for you due to heavy rainfall.
Things to do in Shimla
- Visit all the places mentioned in the next topic
- Fill your tummy with lip-smacking food
- Capture a sunset at the Ridge
- Hike up to Jakkhu mandir
- Pull out your picnic basket in the advance study hall
- Shop at the mall road
Top Places to visit in Shimla
- The Ridge – The most and meanwhile crowded place you will find in Shimla is The Ridge. Being the main attraction of Shimla it surely attracts a huge amount of visitors, peddlers and even locals. It is one of those places that no matter how many times you visit, you are not going to get enough of it. Filled with people, the place a whole different vibe to it. A vibe that makes you feel happy about everything around you. If you are in Shimla, you have got to visit here. Take out some time and scroll on the Ridge in the evening to chase the sunset. If you want to try the local Himachali costume, you can try here with the help of vendors.
- Mall road – If you are in Shimla and you want to get hold of the local vibe then head over to the Mall road. Situated in the heart of Shimla, mall road is just like any other mall road that you find at hill stations. It is a market full of all kinds of shops and food joints. You can buy all kinds of souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. If you are here, do not miss out on the momos that you find here. You can try the local dishes such as siddu and Dham there.
- The Christ Church – When you think of Shimla what is the image that pops up into your head? An off-white structure? Yes, that’s the one. It is one of the most visited places in Shimla. It attracts a huge crowd around it due to its positive aura. A place is a good option for you if you want to visit a peaceful place away from the hustle-bustle of Shimla. You have to visit it at least once if you are in Shimla. It is situated on the ridge itself so you can easily reach it on foot from the mall road.
- Jakkhu temple – This is one of those places that will keep your eyes wide open throughout. Jakkhu temple is a temple of Lord Hanuman situated on a hill above the Ridge which you can easily spot while standing on the Ridge. It is a bit of a climb, not difficult but as the climb is a bit steep it is tiring. The view is so pleasant to the eyes that it will keep you engaged throughout your climb. It is one of the best places that you can visit in Shimla. The place is surrounded by trees and it feels as if you taking the staircase to heaven.
- Rashtrapati Niwas or institute of advance studies – If you are someone who loves to take to take pictures then this spot should not be missed. The entry fee is as minimal as 20INR. This place is one of the gems of Shimla. A place is as beautiful as this is a rare find. You can go for a picnic and just enjoy your leisure time or you can sit by yourself and peace out. It is located on the top of observatory hill and you should not miss out on this.
Few more places that you might want to consider visiting in Shimla
-
- Annadale ground
- Wax museum
- Suitcases
- Narkanda
- Kasauli
- Fagu
written by – Zoha Khan
