Sights and landmarks in Shimla

Sights and landmarks in Shimla

1. See

   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.

2. See

   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

3. See

   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)

4. See

   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.

5. See

   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)

6. See

   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.

7. See

   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)

8. See

   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.

9. See

   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.

10. See

    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.

11. See

    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

12. See

    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.

13. See

    The Ridge

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

14. See

    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.

15. See

    Jakhu Ropeway

    An aerial tramway to the summit of Jakhu Hill.

    ₹250

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Shimla (CC BY-SA 4.0).