Shimla, the Queen of Hills, never gets old — and these spots prove exactly why.

If there is an Indian who has ever even slightly considered running away from the summer, it has probably been Shimla at least once in their life. And truth be told? That thought is correct. Sitting at around 2,200 metres, right in the middle of the Himalayas, the former British summer capital hasn’t lost all the magic of what it used to be. The crisp air, pine scented smell, old colonial architecture sitting on mountain ridgelines; it’s pretty cinematic.

But here’s the thing — Shimla is far more than just Mall Road selfies and toy train photos. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couple’s getaway, or a solo escape, the best tourist places in Shimla have something genuinely special to offer. This guide covers them all — including a few spots that even seasoned travellers tend to miss.

1. The Ridge — The Heart of Shimla

If Shimla possessed a sitting room, this would be it. The Ridge is a vast, open esplanade through the centre of the town, linking up with the Mall Road. The vista from this elevated space across the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas is superb, when the weather allows!

Here on the Ridge also sits Christ Church, one of the most photographed buildings in North India. This Neo-Gothic style building, built in 1857, appears to be one transported from somewhere out of the European countryside.

Pro tip: Wake up early and walk here before 8 AM. The mist, the empty promenade, the morning light on the mountains — you’ll want to keep that memory forever.

2 Best Tourist Places in Shimla: Mall Road — Where Shimla Comes Alive

Mall Road is the heart and soul of the social life of Shimla. Filled with small shops offering woollen shawls, Himachali handicraft, homemade jams and apple products it’s a nice street to just walk around with no particular aim or motive. The street is vehicle-free which makes it very pleasant to walk around. Have a fresh apple juice (not bottled stuff but the fresh from orchard type!), have a hot cup of chai from a roadside vendor and just let Shimla’s old town flow over you. The gaiety theater also stands here and has been staging performances since 1887.

3. Jakhoo Temple — More Than Just a Religious Visit

Atop the highest hill on the ridge of Shimla (which rises to approx. 2455 m) is the Jakhoo Temple. The local folks will tell you that Lord Hanuman landed here during his journey to bring the Sanjeevani herb during Ramayana and you can find a massive 108ft statue of Hanuman visible in the entire Shimla region.

The trek itself is about 30-40 mins long through heavy forest of oak and rhododendron which is very pleasant though beware of the very, very abundant monkeys which will be doing their best to pilfer food directly from your hands.

Entry: Free | Ropeway available for those who prefer not to trek

4. Kufri — Snow, Adventure and Mountain Views

At a distance of just 16 km from Shimla lies Kufri at an altitude of 2622 metres. This is one of the most popular hill stations around Shimla and for good reason too. In winters (December-February), it is buried under snow and perfectly suited for skiing and snow-based sports. In the summer months too, the views of the Himalayan ranges from Mahasu Peak is simply breathtaking.

The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri also boasts of elusive snow leopards, musk deer and pheasants, a good visit for animal lovers and families with children.

Activities include horse riding, zip-lining, and go-karting, so there’s no shortage of things to do.

5. Chail — The Hidden Royal Retreat

This is one which is always missed by many people who visits the place and that is really unfortunate. Chail, lies at about 44 km from Shimla and was erected in the 1890s by the Maharaja of Patiala. He was banish from Shimla by the British government. He built something grander — and more peaceful.

Chail is home to the world’s highest cricket ground, sitting at 2,444 metres, established back in 1893. The Chail Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel, though even a day visit is worthwhile.

The silence here is the real attraction. Dense forests of pine and deodar surround everything, and the roads are quiet. If you’re looking for spots beyond the usual tourist rush, planning a visit to the Best Places to Visit Near Shimla is a great starting point — and Chail tops that list every time.

6. Naldehra — Golf, Green Meadows and Fresh Air

Close to Shimla, 22 kms, lie the Naldehra meadows, the location of one of the oldest golf courses in India- a 9-hole beauty designed by the legendary Lord Curzon in 1905. For those who can’t even tell a club from a caddie, these rolling green meadows make for some of the most beautiful picnic sites in Himachal.

The lovely walks in the dense deodar trees are very tranquil, the air is much clearer than the general Shimla town and the ponies on the forest tracks are always a hit with kids. The golf course is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

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7. Viceregal Lodge — Step Into Colonial History

Previously used by the British Viceroy of India as his summer retreat, this wonderful Elizabethan building is now known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS). The future of India was determined in this building. Some of the most historically significant decisions including initial deliberations regarding partition of India were taken here. The guided tours are particularly interesting and should be experienced by all history lovers of India. Outside the garden is always well maintained and lovely to walk through.

Entry: ₹50 per person | Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays)

8. Tattapani — Hot Springs by the River

Tattapani is located at a distance of roughly 51 kilometers from Shimla on the banks of Sutlej river. It is named after the hot sulphur springs which are called ‘tatta’ in Hindi (which means hot). It is said that the water from these springs has medicinal properties and it is loved by the tourists and natives alike.

It is also a preferred place for river rafting on the Sutlej, with routes being suitable for amateurs as well as experienced people who look for thrill. It is an entire new perspective of Shimla, a rather primitive, natural, yet relaxed environment.

9. Narkanda — Apple Orchards and Himalayan Silence

65km or so from Shimla (if you’re game to drive) and lying at 2,700 metres, Narkanda offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, apple orchards (which were in full bloom when I visited) and very few people!

The Hatu Peak (3,400m, the highest in the region) can be easily reached with a quick drive from Narkanda town and a walk. The panoramic view from here is fantastic and one that you will never forget. Narkanda also has a minute market, which sells the various wine made from apple and mountain honey, fruit products.

Travellers who love mountains but hate crowds will feel right at home here. If you’re the kind of person who prefers off-beat destinations, you might also enjoy exploring Best Budget Travel Destinations in India — places like Narkanda remind you that the best experiences don’t always cost much.

10. Mashobra — Apple Village Serenity

It is barely 12 Kms from Shimla and is a small quiet village surrounded by the apple orchards, oak trees and let me just say, the most incredible mountain views you will ever witness! Mashobra is relatively less of a touristy place compared to Kufri and Chail and if you wish to slow down for a little while and ‘relax’, this is the perfect place!

You can relax at one of the most luxurious boutique resorts here for afternoon high tea with views of the Himalayas that will leave you awestruck (Wildflower Hall being one such resort) or even just an afternoon here taking in the fresh air and taking a long stroll through the orchards will be very rejuvenating.

Shimla: Places to visit and best things to do

Best Time to Visit Shimla

• March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities
• December to February: Snow season — best for skiing (Kufri) and winter landscapes
• July to September: Lush greenery post-monsoon, fewer crowds, some roads may be tricky

Quick Travel Tips

• Shimla’s core areas like Mall Road and The Ridge are vehicle-free zones — wear comfortable walking shoes
• Local buses run from 7 AM to 9 PM across the city at very affordable rates
• Private taxis for local sightseeing cost around ₹800–₹1,500 per day
• Book accommodation in advance during peak summer months (May–June) — Shimla fills up fast
• If hill stations closer to the coast interest you, check out our guide on Top Hill Stations in Kerala for a completely different kind of mountain experience

Final Thoughts

It’s one of those places that always feels old and brand new. Whether you want to be on The Ridge with chai, watching the clouds float over the mountains, or whether you’re content to sit in the Chail forests in absolute silence and without a signal – the city gives you what you’re after.

The best tourist places in Shimla aren’t just about ticking boxes on a travel checklist. They’re about slowing down, breathing in that crisp mountain air, and remembering why travel matters in the first place.

Pack your bags. The hills are calling.