Suitable location
Shimla's strategic location amidst the majestic Himalayas makes it an ideal destination for tourism, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and accessibility. Here's why Shimla's location is suitable for tourism:
- Scenic Beauty
- Pleasant Climate
- Accessibility
- Historical Significance
- Tourist Infrastructure
- Gateway to Himachal Pradesh
- Outdoor Activities
Shimla's suitable location makes it a favored destination for travelers seeking for relaxation, adventure, or exploration, Shimla has something to offer to every type of tourist.
Christ Church Shimla
Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. Its current incumbent is The Rev. Mushtaq Achher Malk, B.D., M.Th., whose ecclesiastical designation is presbyter-in-charge. Worship is conducted in Hindi and English.
Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in what was formerly called Simla, Christ Church is situated on The Ridge.
It stands out as one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla and its silhouette is visible for kilometres around the vicinity of Shimla city. Christ Church is one of the enduring legacies of the British Raj. Christ Church was designed by Colonel J. T. Boileau in 1844, and the church was consecrated after 1857. The clock adorning Christ Church was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860. The porch was added in 1873.
The Ridge
The Ridge road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Snowdon, Mall, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. It runs east to west alongside the Mall Road, and joins it at the Scandal Point on the west side. On the east side, The Ridge road leads to Lakkar Bazaar, a wooden crafts market. It's the major landmark and the most easily recognized face of the hill station. When winter sets in and when the country had its first major snowfall of the year, most news papers printed photos of the ridge submerged in clumps of fresh snow.
The Ridge road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Snowdon, Mall, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.
It runs east to west alongside the Mall Road, and joins it at the Scandal Point on the west side. On the east side, The Ridge road leads to Lakkar Bazaar, a wooden crafts market. It's the major landmark and the most easily recognized face of the hill station. When winter sets in and when the country had its first major snowfall of the year, most news papers printed photos of the ridge submerged in clumps of fresh snow.
Himalayan Bird Park
Shimla, the capital city of the Himachal Pradesh State is gifted with many blissful things by the Mother Nature. Most of the places of this beautiful city offer amazing scenic beauty and ample chances of watching wildlife in their natural habitat. Shimla boasts many sanctuaries and nature parks and each one of them houses varieties of flora and fauna and many of them are of rare species. The Himalayan Bird Park Shimla is a perfect treat for the bird lovers.
The huge collection of common and some of the rare species of birds have made this place one of the most sought after tourist spots of Shimla especially for the nature lovers. Visitors could get to see some exclusive Himalayan birds that are not to be seen anywhere else.
This park is commonly known as the Himalayan Aviary. Being a famous aviary of India, having location at an altitude of 2000 m, this nature park is visited by thousands of visitors as well as locals. The park has numerous types of plants and trees and the entire atmosphere is very calm and soothing for the visitors of all types. Visitors mostly come here to look at the collection of pheasants, peacocks, peafowl etc. The Himalayan Monals found in this aviary is the main attraction for the visitors. The Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
Sankat Mochan Temple
The Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the most popular worship places in Shimla. The temple is located in the midst of lush green trees just below National Highway 22. Tourists can see the Himalayan ranges and the widespread city of Shimla.
In the 1950s, Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj visited the place for soulful introspection and meditation. Being here for over 10 years, he built a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman that was completed in 1966. Thereafter, the Government of Himachal Pradesh took an initiative to expand the temple .
The Sankat Mochan Temple houses the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Lord Ganesha in separate complexes along with Lord Hanuman in the main temple. The temple of Lord Ganesha is designed in the South Indian architectural style.
On every Sunday throughout the year, meal or Prasad is distributed, known as Langar. Besides, the temple also provides arrangements for marriage ceremonies and other rituals.
Kufri
It's a popular ski resort and is at a distance of sixteen kilometers from Shimla. With thick woods around it offers a panoramic view of 2000 miles of the great Himalyan ranges. Kufri, nestled in the pristine mountains of Shimla district, is a picturesque hill station renowned for its natural beauty, adventure activities, and panoramic vistas. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,510 meters (8,235 feet) above sea level, Kufri is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush greenery, and meandering trails.
Kufri is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities year-round. During the winter months, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing on the snowy slopes. In the summer, visitors can enjoy horse riding, hiking, trekking, and nature walks amidst the scenic surroundings.
Kufri Fun-World is for families and thrill-seekers, Kufri Fun World offers a range of amusement rides and activities, including go-karting, zip-lining, and a mini zoo.
The highest point in Kufri, Mahasu Peak offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys. Travelers can embark on a scenic trek to the summit or opt for a pony ride to enjoy the breathtaking vistas.
Spread across acres of pristine wilderness, the Himalayan Nature Park is a biodiversity hotspot showcasing the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Naldehra
The scenic Naldehra Golf Course, which bears resemblance to the Scottish links courses, is located about 22 km from Shimla. Measuring 4285 yards, this Par 68 course boasts of 18 holes, 16 greens and 18 tees. Established in the early 1900s, under the supervision of the former viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, this golf course initially had 9 holes, and is known to be one of the oldest in India.
Perched 2,200 m above sea level, Naldehra is one of the country's most challenging golf courses. It covers a long sloping glade and is surrounded by countless Deodar trees from all sides. Bewitched by the boundless beauty of the golf club, Lord Curzon named his third daughter as Alexandra Naldehra.
Within the boundaries, the golf course has a stylish club house that features three double rooms and a comfortable drawing room. Open for members as well as non-members, this club house is available on prior booking.
Fagu
Located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Fagu is a mesmerizing town and an amazing scenic place in the Shimla district of the state. The town is entirely surrounded by greenery and is rich in flora and fauna. It is famous among tourists as an incredibly beautiful hill station.
Fagu is a perfect place for nature lovers and a must visit place for those fond of scenic beauty. Fagu Travel Guide is full of references to places and spots to relax and unwind and the serene surroundings further add to the innate pleasure.
The place serves as a good base camp for trekkers and naturalists. The picturesque view of the hills and its beauty is really enchanting.
Tara Devi Temple
In Hinduism, the goddess Tara; meaning "One who protects", is the second of the Dasa (ten) Mahavidyas or "Great Wisdom [goddesses]", and is a form of Shakti (primeval energy in female form). Tantric manifestations of Durga or Mahadevi, or Parvati.
The word 'Tara', and also 'Tarini' (another popular name of the goddess) have been derived from the Sanskrit root syllable 'tAr', signifying protection. In many other contemporary Indian languages, the word 'tara' also means star. As the star is seen as a beautiful but perpetually self-combusting thing, so Tara is perceived at core as the absolute, unquenchable hunger that propels all life.
The picturesque view from the temple is indeed breath taking and captivating with the superb panorama of the lofty and majestic forested mountains around, which offers a calm peaceful and tranquil countryside, a site that has a soothing and rejuvenating effect, being away from the din, pollution and the taxing effect of a fast urban life style
Toy Train Shimla
Shimla is a famous hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It serves as a summer getaway for people from all across India. Of the various attractions in Shimla, the most sought after and mesmerizing is the Kalka Shimla toy train. There are few experiences in India that can come close to the beautiful toy train ride on the Kalka-Shimla route.
It takes you through lush green mountains with scenic, misty views. Started in 1903, the toy train route has now been listed as a UNESCO site.
Jakhoo Temple
Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to Hindu deity, Hanuman.It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, 2.5 km /1.3 miles east from the Ridge, Shimla at a height of 2,455 m (8,000 feet) above sea level. Shimla's highest peak offers a panoramic view of the Shivalik Ranges and the town of Sanjauli.
An ancient "Lord Hanuman" temple is there and every year a big festival is held on Dussehra. You can go to the temple by foot (a steep climb) from Ridge (path behind the church) or can hire a pony/horse. Taxis are available too.
Kali Bari Temple
Just one km away from Mall Road- the central hub of Shimla, the ancient Kali Bari Temple is a place worth visiting. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is also known as Devi Shyamala, this religious edifice is visited by countless devotees every year.
It was built in the year 1845 amidst rolling hills of Shimla, which oozes beauty at every turn. Legends have it that it is from the name of Goddess Shyamala, the name of the hill station – 'Shimla' has been derived.
A visit to this highly revered temple will definitely leave you mentally and spiritually rejuvenated. This pious shrine of Goddess Kali was first located on Jhakhu Hill. It was later relocated to its current site by the British.
Kali Ka Tibba Chail
Chail is a beautiful hill station located 63 km from Shimla in the Shivalik region of Himachal Pradesh. Chail is spread across three hillocks — Rajgarh, Pandewa and Sadh Tiba, covering an area of over 72 acres. Overlooking the valley of Sutlej, it enjoys pleasant climate throughout the year.
Chail also offers magnificent and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and overlooks both, Kasauli and Shimla (45 km).
Chail, along with Kufri and Shimla is called the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. Despite being located close to Shimla, this hill station is free from the crowds that throng Shimla and consequently allows travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of the place in relative peace.
Annadale
Located near the Ridge, in the heart of Shimla, Annadale is a popular picnic spot. During the British rule, this field served as a playground for games like polo, cricket and racing. Currently owned by the Indian Army, this area houses the Army Heritage Museum within the boundaries. There is also a temple on the edge of Annadale.
There is also a temple on the edge of Annadale.
Jakhu Ropeway
The Jakhu Ropeway is a Cable car in the town of Shimla “Queen of hills “ in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Ropeway is a popular tourist destination in shimla giving breathtaking views of Himalayan hills. Tourists have been enthralled by the perfect management and the safety of the gondolas. With only 6 minutes ride, one can easily visit the Jakhu Temple while enjoying the beauty of forests.
It is the most fascinating and thrilling ride to reach highest point of Shimla city and a unique lifetime experience to cherish forever
Shimla is one of India's most popular hill resorts, buzzing with a happy flow of Indian vacationers and full of relics of its previous life as the summer capital of British India. Traffic is banned from the central part of town, so walking is pleasant – even when huffing and puffing uphill. The long, winding main street, the Mall, runs east and west just below the spine of the hill. South of it, the maze-like alleys of the bustling bazaar cascade steeply down to traffic-infested Cart Road.
Himalayan Nature Park Kufri
Himalayan Nature Park Kufri, popularly known as Kufri Zoo was established in 1992. Prior to this area of the park used to be a Musk Deer Farm since 1965 managed with the objectives to breed musk dear in captivity, to study its behaviour and to conduct research on methods to extract musk without causing injury to the animal. Enclosures for musk deer were constructed to establish this farm. Since this farm started attracting tourists and subsequently other Western Himalayan fauna including Brown Bear, Kashmir Stag, Barking Deer, Sambar, Yak, Blue Sheep etc. were also added and independent enclosures were constructed for these. A pheasantry was also added where Himalayan pheasants like Monal, Western Tragopan, Cheer Pheasant, Kalij, Koklass and Red Jungle Fowl etc. were kept.
