20 Best Shimla Tourist Places: A Fun & Engaging Shimla Travel Guide
Shimla is not just about the top attractions in Shimla you’ve read about a hundred times. Sure, The Ridge and Mall Road are great, but there’s more to this charming hill town than shopping and selfies. Whether you love history, adventure, or just some quiet time in the mountains, here’s a list of 20 tourist places in Shimla that you must check out—with some exciting details you won’t find in every other blog!
In this Blog
1. The Ridge – The Social Heart of Shimla
Everyone knows The Ridge as the place where people take a stroll. But did you know it was originally built to hold a huge water reservoir beneath it? If you’ve ever wondered why no heavy traffic is allowed here, it’s because the ground underneath isn’t rock-solid!
2. Kufri – More Than Just Snow
Kufri is known for its skiing and cold weather, but here’s a fun fact: it once had one of the highest-altitude potato farms in India. The British grew their own potatoes here, and many old-timers say today’s local crops don’t compare!
3. Jakhoo Temple – Where Monkeys Rule
Home to the tallest Hanuman statue in the world, Jakhoo Temple is infamous for its mischievous monkeys. Pro tip: Don’t carry food in your hands unless you’re willing to donate it to these furry troublemakers!
4. Indian Institute of Advanced Study – A Peek into History
This grand building, once the summer retreat of British viceroys, has secret tunnels built for emergencies. Some say there’s one leading all the way to the plains below, though it’s now sealed!
5. Annandale – Where Golf Meets Ghost Stories
Annandale is a stunning golf course today, but British officers used it for horse racing and polo. Locals whisper tales of ghostly figures seen on foggy nights—maybe a British soldier still longing for a game?
6. Chadwick Falls – A Hidden Treasure
Unlike the overhyped waterfalls in other hill stations, Chadwick Falls remains relatively untouched, making it one of the best places to visit in Shimla! During monsoons, the water crashes down so fiercely that standing too close means getting an unplanned shower!
7. Christ Church – A Gothic Marvel
Shimla’s Christ Church is the second-oldest church in North India, but did you know that its original clock has been missing for years? It once rang out over the town, and old residents still miss the sound.
8. Scandal Point – The Name Says It All
Ever wondered why it’s called Scandal Point? In the 1800s, a British officer and a local princess allegedly eloped from here! This is where Shimla’s gossip culture truly began.
9. Green Valley – Straight Out of a Bollywood Scene
A favourite shooting spot for filmmakers, Green Valley has been in multiple Bollywood movies. Visit at sunrise, and you might feel like you’ve walked into a film set yourself!
10. Tara Devi Temple – A Walk Through the Clouds
Unlike crowded temples, Tara Devi requires a bit of a trek. But reaching the top feels like an achievement, and the breathtaking (oops, no “breathtaking” allowed!) mountain views are totally worth it.
11. Mashobra – Apples & Adventure
Mashobra is famous for apple orchards, but if you visit in season, don’t just admire them—try shaking a tree (with permission, of course!). You’ll never eat a fresher apple.
12. Summer Hill – Gandhi’s Retreat
Gandhiji stayed at Manorville Mansion here during his visits. The town’s peaceful charm remains, making it an underrated gem for those seeking calm away from touristy spots.
13. Naldehra – India’s Oldest Golf Course
Golf in the hills? Yes, please! Naldehra’s course was designed by the British Viceroy himself, who loved it so much he named his daughter after the place!
14. Tattapani – A Natural Hot Water Bath
Soaking in Tattapani’s hot sulphur springs is like taking a natural spa bath. Locals claim the water has healing properties—so why not give it a try?
15. Himalayan Bird Park – A Feathered Wonderland
Home to some of the rarest Himalayan birds, this park is a paradise for birdwatchers. If you’re lucky, a pheasant might pose just long enough for the perfect photo!
16. Lakkar Bazaar – Woodwork Wonderland
Famous for wooden souvenirs, Lakkar Bazaar has a lesser-known secret: it was once a hub for skilled Kashmiri woodcarvers who passed down their artistry through generations.
17. Shaily Peak – The Adventurer’s Dream
Getting to Shaily Peak isn’t easy—either trek or take a pony ride. But the 360-degree views from the top make it an unforgettable experience.
18. Kali Bari Temple – Goddess of the Mountains
One of Shimla’s oldest temples, it’s dedicated to Goddess Kali. Locals believe she protects the town, and visiting during the festival season is a divine experience.
19. Gaiety Theatre – A Stage with a Story
Shimla’s Gaiety Theatre is one of India’s oldest operational theatres. Back in the day, even British royalty attended performances here!
20. Stay in a Luxury Villa in Shimla – Because Why Not?
Why settle for a hotel when you can have an entire luxury villa in Shimla? Private balconies, personal chefs, and breathtaking mountain views—your holiday just got an upgrade!
Shimla isn’t just about ticking off a list of tourist places in Shimla—it’s about experiencing its quirks, stories, and surprises. From haunted golf courses to secret tunnels, from mischievous monkeys to forgotten scandals, there’s always something exciting waiting around the corner. So, pack your bags and get ready to visit these 20 tourist places in Shimla!
Have a favourite spot in Shimla that isn’t on this list? Share it in the comments!
Image Credits Vijit Bagh via Pexels
