The “Queen of the Hills”, Shimla, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India’s most well-known hill stations. During the time the British were in control, the city prospered. In the 1820s, when it was still only a little town, the British began to flock there; by 1864, it had been proclaimed the country’s official summer capital. The Indian government spent most of the year there, relocating to Kolkata (Calcutta) and then Delhi when the weather became too cold. Since many of the city’s old structures have been meticulously conserved, Shimla exudes an enviable air of luxury and charm.
Shimla’s population of roughly 350,000 people is a far cry from its humble beginnings of 50 homes in 1830. The village is spread over a ridge, making it easy to traverse on foot. The Viceregal Lodge sits at one end, while the central plaza occupies the other. This path takes you through Shimla’s historic district, home to hundreds of architectural landmarks.
It’s possible to sightsee Shimla on your own, but a tour will be helpful if you’re interested in learning about the city’s history. This page will introduce you to some of the stops along the walking tour.
List of the Top 7 Historical Sites to Visit in Shimla:
1) Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge is Shimla’s most beautiful-looking historic structure. It can be found near the western end of the Ridge, on Observatory Hill (one of the seven hills of Shimla). Designed by Irish-born architect Henry Irwin, whose previous works include the Mysore Palace and the Chennai Railway Terminus, it was finished in 1888. The finest stone was utilized in its construction; it was brought there by mules from as far away as Kalka.
However, Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India from 1884-1888, only spent a few months at the Viceregal Lodge before being moved. The Lodge was the site of both extravagant parties and significant political debates, including those that ultimately resulted in the partition of India and the independence of India.
Following India’s independence, the Lodge served as the president’s summer getaway until it was decided to convert it into an educational institution. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study first occupied the building when it was given to the Ministry of Education.
Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and receive a guided tour of selected interior rooms at no cost (though, however, the inside is not quite as impressive as the façade). The exhibit features several images, antiques, and other things from when the British ruled the country.
There’s an excellent fire safety system in the structure as well. The water tanks are linked to wax-coated pipelines. Melting wax and opening water pipes are two ways to extinguish a fire.
Best Time To Visit Rashtrapati Niwas:
Travel time to the attraction from Shoghi is 30 minutes since it is located 13 kilometers away. On Mondays, the venue is dark. The store is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., six days a week.
Indian citizens pay INR 30 and foreigners $1, respectively, and both groups can add a guided tour to their purchase. The adjoining souvenir store beside the ticket booth sells books, postcards, and other souvenirs.
What to Expect: Known as Rashtrapati Niwas, this former residence of the British Viceroy now houses a museum with historical artifacts. The architecture and surrounding gardens are a highlight.
Getting There: Located on Observatory Hill, about 3 km from Shimla’s city center, accessible by taxi or a scenic walk.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of the museum to learn about Shimla’s colonial history.
- Stroll through the landscaped gardens, ideal for photography.
- Enjoy a peaceful walk in the nearby forested area.
Nearby Spots: The Himalayan Bird Park, just a short walk away, is great for bird lovers.
Read also: Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh This October
2) The Shimla Railway Board Building
The first of its type in India, the Shimla Railway Board building was erected in 1896. It was built to withstand fire and was mainly composed of cast iron and steel. Richardson and Cruddas in Bombay assembled the materials after they were sent from Glasgow, Scotland (Mumbai).
When a fire broke out on the building’s top level in February 2001, the fireproof design was put to good use.
Numerous government agencies, including the police, are present in the structure.
Best Time To Visit Railway Board Building:
Several branches of the Central Government, including the Passport Department for Himachal Pradesh, have made the Railway Board building their home. This means the structure is open to tourists and visitors 365 days a year (except certain national holidays and weekends).
What to Expect: This iconic colonial-era structure reflects Shimla’s railway heritage and is part of the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting There: Located near the Shimla railway station, accessible by foot from the city center.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Shimla railway station to see the historic Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway.
- Capture photos of the building’s colonial architecture.
- Learn about the railway’s history from local guides.
Nearby Spots: Take a short heritage train ride for scenic views of the surrounding hills.
3) Shimla’s Central Market
The Shimla Summer Festival takes place in June on the town square, which serves as the city’s epicenter. This has occurred often since the 1960s.
The Christ Church, painted with a pale cream tint, is the most recognizable structure in the neighborhood. It opened to the public in 1857 after being constructed in an Elizabethan Neo-Gothic style. Compared to the much older Saint John’s in Meerut, this church is the senior member of the “oldest” category in northern India (completed in 1821). Rudyard Kipling’s father, a renowned art instructor, and artist was invited to create the stained glass windows for the church.
Best Time To Visit Shimla Main Square:
From March to June, visitors flock to Shimla for the ideal weather for hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits.
What to Expect: A vibrant market known for wooden handicrafts, woolens, and souvenirs. It’s a perfect spot to experience the local culture.
Getting There: Centrally located near Mall Road, accessible by foot.
Things to Do:
- Shop for local wooden crafts, souvenirs, and hand-knitted woolens.
- Taste local snacks and sweets at nearby stalls.
- Explore the adjoining Mall Road for additional shopping and dining.
Nearby Spots: Mall Road and The Ridge are ideal for an evening stroll and scenic views.
4) The Ridge
The Ridge, in the heart of Shimla, is a beautiful pedestrian promenade with amazing views. Located on Shimla’s famed Mall Road, this landmark is the city’s premier hangout. The Ridge is a social center for tourists due to the abundance of restaurants, hip cafés, and lively pubs that line its streets.
It links several of the city’s most popular destinations, including Annadale, Jakhoo Temple, Kali Bari Temple, and Mall Road. Mall Road and Scandal Point are both connected to the Ridge.
This is supposedly where the Maharaja of Patiala eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy. This is why the area is known as “Scandal Point”.
Stunning, almost out-of-this-world vistas of snow-capped mountains await you at The Ridge. The Ridge is undeniably one of Shimla’s most famous sights for a good reason.
Best Time To Visit The Ridge:
The weather on Shimla’s Ridge is mild throughout the year, although April to August and December to January are often considered ideal times to visit.
What to Expect: A spacious open area in the heart of Shimla, known for its views of the mountains and historic buildings, often used for cultural events and fairs.
Getting There: Located in the city center, accessible by foot from Mall Road.
Things to Do:
- Take photos of Christ Church and the surrounding colonial buildings.
- Attend cultural events or fairs if visiting during festival seasons.
- Enjoy the scenic views of the distant snow-capped peaks.
Nearby Spots: Visit Christ Church, one of Shimla’s oldest churches, and nearby cafes for a relaxing break.
5) Kufri
Kufri, a popular hill station, can be found around 15 kilometers from the city’s heart. Due to its frequent snowfall throughout the winter, this hill town is known as the “Winter sports capital of India”. One of Shimla’s most popular attractions, Kufri, is an excellent area for skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities.
Adrenaline addicts may relax and be energized at the same time in this magical hill town known for its picturesque snow-capped slopes, lush cedar forests, and verdant meadows. Skiing and ice skating are centuries-old pastimes attracting thrill-seeking visitors to this highland town.
This resort town atop a hill has historical roots and was formerly part of the Kingdom of Nepal. The natives tell tales of the hardships and triumphs of the people who lived there long ago in the form of folklore.
Best Time to Visit Kufri:
November through March are the most fantastic time to visit Kufri when the snowfall is the heaviest. Nonetheless, many visitors come during the summer months of April through June since the weather is mild and pleasant.
What to Expect: A picturesque hill station known for its scenic views and winter sports. Kufri is a popular destination for snow activities in winter.
Getting There: Located around 16 km from Shimla, accessible by taxi or bus.
Things to Do:
- Go skiing and snowboarding in winter.
- Visit Kufri Fun World for amusement rides.
- Hike to Mahasu Peak for panoramic views.
Nearby Spots: Explore the scenic trails around Kufri or take a nature walk to enjoy the serene surroundings.
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6) Tara Devi Temple
The magnificent Tara Devi Temple may be found on top of a hill known as Tara Parvat. The temple is a popular destination because of the tranquil scenery, which includes high mountains, thick oak forests, and blue sky.
The temple’s wooden statue was sent from West Bengal and is said to have been carved 250 years ago. One of Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations, the Tibetan Buddhist goddess Tara, is worshiped here.
Tara Devi has several temples in Shimla, drawing in devout worshippers and architectural enthusiasts. The temple’s tranquil setting allows its visitors to reconnect with their inner selves and find consolation in their lives. It would be a shame to visit Shimla and not stop by the temple. Check More Details: Tara Devi Temple Shimla: Complete Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Tara Devi Temple:
The temple is most popular on Sundays and in the summer. The hours at Tara Devi in Shimla are 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
What to Expect: A peaceful hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Tara, offering beautiful views of Shimla and the valley below.
Getting There: Situated about 11 km from Shimla, accessible by taxi or bus.
Things to Do:
- Seek blessings and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the temple.
- Capture panoramic views of Shimla from the temple grounds.
- Trek around the surrounding hills or enjoy a picnic with scenic views.
Nearby Spots: Nearby forest trails are perfect for a leisurely hike or nature walk.
7) Jakhoo Hill and Temple
Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point and home to a forest of alpine trees provides breathtaking views of the Shivalik Ranges and neighboring Sanjauli. The ancient Hanuman temple atop Jakhoo Hill is home to the world’s tallest statue of the Hindu god Hanuman at 108 feet.
Legends and riddles surround it, drawing in both believers and curious visitors. The locals claim that Lord Hanuman slept there before continuing his trek to deliver the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s resurrection during the battle with Lanka. Read More: Jakhoo Temple Shimla: Complete Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Jakhoo Hill
The months of November through March are the best time to visit. Free and available every day!
What to Expect: The highest point in Shimla, offering sweeping views of the Himalayas. Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and known for its giant statue and many monkeys.
Getting There: About 2.5 km from The Ridge, accessible by foot, pony rides, or taxis.
Things to Do:
- Trek up the hill for scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Visit the temple, but keep an eye on belongings as monkeys are abundant.
- Enjoy views of Shimla and the surrounding mountains.
Nearby Spots: Explore the nearby trails around Jakhoo Hill and head back to The Ridge for refreshments after your visit.
Conclusion
Shimla is undeniably an escape to a complete universe full of beauty, calm, and pure pleasure, thanks to its abundance of tourist attractions, magnificent natural beauty, uncomplicated town lifestyle, and residents’ warm hearts. The hill town, immortalized in history as the summer capital of the British Raj, looks and feels like a quaint English hamlet nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas. A traveler’s soul hears a yearning to explore the resort hill town’s winding alleys and hidden forests.
Read More Information on Shimla:
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- Shimla Travel in May 2025 for Best Places
- 5 Most Famous Museums in Shimla
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- How to Travel from Delhi to Shimla
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the famous historical places in Shimla?
The famous historical places include Viceregal Lodge, Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, and Jakhoo Temple.
2. What is special about the Viceregal Lodge?
The Viceregal Lodge was the former residence of the British Viceroy and is known for its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
3. Where is the Shimla Christ Church located?
Christ Church is located on The Ridge in Shimla, known for its neo-Gothic style and beautiful stained-glass windows.
4. What can I see at the Gaiety Theatre?
The Gaiety Theatre is known for its colonial architecture and still hosts cultural performances and plays.
5. Why is Jakhoo Temple famous?
Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated on the highest hill in Shimla, offering panoramic views of the city.
6. Is there any museum in Shimla worth visiting?
Yes, the Himachal State Museum has a great collection of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits related to the state’s heritage.
7. What is The Ridge, and why is it popular?
The Ridge is an open space in Shimla known for its scenic views, events, and as a central point with historical buildings around.
8. How old is the Christ Church in Shimla?
Christ Church was built in 1857, making it one of the oldest churches in North India.
9. Can I visit the Viceregal Lodge gardens without a tour?
Yes, you can visit the gardens independently, but guided tours are available for inside the building.
10. Are there any historical markets in Shimla?
Yes, Lakkar Bazaar is a famous market in Shimla, known for its traditional wooden crafts and souvenirs.
