Shimla

Ashiana & Goofa

Whatever little can be had of Himachali cuisine can be found at these twin-restaurants run by Himachal Tourism, the one located above the other. The food is neither cheap nor the best in town, but it is safe and they otherwise do their best. A good spot for people-watching, the location within a circular elevated glass building has attracted comment in guidebooks: it lies in fact on the site of a historical structure, known as the Band Stand, which was a gift to the city made in 1907 by the ruler of one of the innumerable princely states of the pre-independence India (Jabalpur in what is today the state of Madhya Pradesh). Sit-in or takeaway.

Daily 10AM-10PM·₹50-150

Chadwick Falls

The waterfall is at its most beautiful just after the monsoon. But for much of the year it can be quite dry, and not as impressive.

Christ Church

Constructed in 1846, this is the second oldest church in North India. The stain-glass windows,representing charity, faith, patience, hope, fortitude and humility, and 19th century organ are particularly impressive. The fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.

Open every day, services Sun 8-11AM·Entry free, donations welcome

Himachal State Museum

Housed in a reconstructed Raj-style building, the State Museum displays a collection of around 10,000 artifacts gathered from all over Himachal Pradesh. The Pahari miniatures and 6–11th century Gupta sculptures are especially impressive.

Open Tue-Sun, 10AM-5PM·Entry ₹10 (Cameras free, flash prohibited)

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park

An amusement offering adventure activities like Burma bridge crossing, Flying Fox, rock climbing, boating, various rides, indoor golf & video games. Also has a restaurant, coffee shop & shopping.

Indian Coffee House

Possibly the cheapest food in Shimla, especially during peak season. They serve good south Indian food as well as surprisingly good western breakfasts, including a ₹40 French toast.

₹20–80

Jakhoo Temple

Jakhu Temple

A temple and the world's largest Hanuman statue. According to the epic Ramayana, the monkey god Hanuman rested here during his journey to the Himalayan mountains.

Open every day·Free (donations welcome)

Lower Bazaar

Shops open M-Sa. The Lower Bazaar is home to the city's less expensive hotels, cheaper restaurants and shops, and a congested wholesale vegetable market. Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepherd's Pie.

Photo Art Gallery

Image Art Gallery

The gallery displays more than 20,000 photographs of Himachal taken by the celebrated photographer Inder Pal. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn more about the beauty, culture and flora and fauna of this Himalayan state. In addition, Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air.

Entry ₹5 (cameras free, flash prohibited)

Sankat Mochan Temple

A popular Hanuman temple which can be reached by car or on foot. There is an excellent view of Shimla from the temple.

Sher E Punjab

Sher E Punjab

Home-style food at reasonable prices. The mixed vegetable dish with butter chappathi is recommended.

10AM–10PM·₹30–150

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary

A unique, well preserved mixed Himalayan forest with predominantly Himalayan Cedar trees. Permits are required for entry ₹50 per person and ₹200 per car. Monday closed. Though not mandatory it's best to hire naturalists to take you into the sanctuary. Trained naturalists are available at Mountain Guides India ph. +91 9736438061. The forest is home to the barking deer, goral, flying squirrel, pine marten, porcupine and leopard. There are also a great number of birds; in fact there is the highest density of koklass pheasant in this forest. There is a man-made reservoir in the centre of the forest that provides drinking water to Shimla town. The reservoir was completed in 1901 and to the water supply scheme from the sanctuary is Shimla's only gravity feed water supply scheme. The sanctuary is under the charge of the Forest Department.

Statue of Lala Lajpat Rai

The statue depicts Lala Lajpat Rai, one of India's freedom fighters, addressing an audience and standing on a marble podium. It was originally erected in Lahore in 1929 but was moved to its current location in Shimla in 1948 after the partition of India.

Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi is famous for its 250-year-old temple. Literally meaning "Star Goddess", Tara Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Kali. This temple is located on the top of the hill. It is a perfect location for people who are looking for some rest and peace at a high altitude of around 1,850 m. The temple is very clean with very beautiful flowers maintained all around it.

Daily 7AM-6:30PM

The Devicos

Serves good Indian food of every description complemented by some Chinese and Continental dishes; one of the very few restaurants in town with food appealing both to Indian and to Western palates. Good decor with what appears to be original art rather than reproductions. This is one of the most expensive places to eat in town apart from 5-star hotels, but seems worth it as far as Indian dishes are concerned owing to the lack of real competition. Its twin Bar, located upstairs is popular with locals. Adverse comment regarding food poisoning on the Lonely Planet website.

10AM–10PM·₹50–150

The Mall

The Mall is the main shopping centre of Shimla. This shopping centre has a good number of banks, restaurants, post offices, clubs, bars and tourists offices. There is a famous theatre of Shimla called Gaiety Theatre. The Mall is also the main meeting place for the people of Shimla.

The Oberoi Cecil Restaurant

A good selection of European and Asian dishes. Chandeliers and wood-paneling add to the old-world elegance, a perfect setting for a quiet dinner, unless you have the misfortune to be seated next to an extended Punjabi family with unruly children. Disappointing breakfasts.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although closes for breaks in between.·₹500–1,500

The Ridge

The Ridge is the center of Shimla's cultural and social life - an excellent place to view the surrounding mountains.

Viceregal Lodge

An imposing British-raj mansion built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888. Manicured British style gardens surround the mansion on three sides, while the fourth side is a place to relax and watch the sun dip below the Himalayan foothills. The teak-paneled interior is impressive, and well worth a viewing. Entry ₹20 per adult. Both still and video cameras are allowed for a fee of ₹10. A guided tour is conducted in a very professional manner and explains the historical importance of the building - worth capturing if you have a video camera. There is a small book shop and a cafe in the premises. Open every day although only the entrance hall and gardens are open to the public.

Cafe Coffee Day

Similar to Barista, although not quite as good. Another branch at Mama's Kitchen NH22, Dharampur, Solan District.

9AM–11PM·Cappuccino ₹120

Fire Station Cafe

IIAS is the erstwhile Viceroy Lodge which is a Victorian era building. Has renovated its old fire station complex. The old structure which housed fire station, post office, squash court, and now swimming pool, besides a garage during British era was converted into a ‘Book shop-cum-souvenir shop’. Once you have completed the conducted tour you can relax over a cup of coffee or tea and soak in the environment.

Himachal Emporium

An excellent place to purchase locally made handicrafts at fixed prices. Run by the Himachal Pradesh Government.

Mon-Fr 10AM-5PM

Indian Coffee House

Not as trendy as others it retains the charm of bygone era. Cheap coffee and town gossip make it a favourite with locals.

9AM–11PM

Lobby Lounge

The Lobby Lounge is in the soaring 5-story atrium of the Oberoi. A good place to enjoy tea or a quiet drink in an elegant atmosphere. A roaring fire in the winters adds to the colonial charm.

Open now · open 24 hours·Drinks ₹200-250

Loveena Restaurant

Below rain shelter, restaurant with view. Indian, Chinese & Continental food.

Minchys

Himachal Fruit Product products such as jams, squashes and wines. The main shop is on the Delhi-Shimla Highway, you can find stalls everywhere on the highway and in the city.

Daily 10AM–6PM

Paragliding

At a distance of 25 km from center of Shimla, Junga village offers paragliding for adventure enthusiasts.

9AM-3PM·₹2,800

Qilaa

A favourite among frequent visitors and the locals. The interiors have been built keeping in mind the cold weather outside. There’s an instant feel of warmth and coziness. The food has a homely flavour. Good mezze platter and banoffee pie.

11AM–10PM

Silver Oak

Serves Mughlai and Chinese. The food is not great, but passable. Nice decor and a comfortable atmosphere.

7AM–11PM·₹150

Jakhu Ropeway

An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill.

₹250