Shimla, the ‘Queen of the Hills’ is known to attract tourists from all around the world with its mesmerizing beauty and various tourist attractions. Located in the lower Himalayas, Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed weekend getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Shimla has something for everyone. From breathtaking views to famous landmarks, this popular hill station is full of beautiful scenery and exciting attractions. This guide is going to be super useful as it has all the popular places to visit and best options to stay in Shimla to help you in easy planning!
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Top Attractions in Shimla
If you’re looking to escape the city life and explore the nature, then the best places to visit in Shimla are the following:
1. The Ridge
One of the most popular places to visit in Shimla is the Ridge. The Ridge is a large open space that connects Shimla’s Mall Road to Lakkar Bazaar and Scandal Point. It offers stunning views of the town and the majestic Himalayan peaks. There are also several interesting attractions along the Ridge like Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, and Shimla State Museum.
2. Mall Road
The Mall Road, which runs through the heart of Shimla, is another great place to visit. It is a major commercial center, lined with multiple shops and restaurants, and filled with people going about their daily lives. This road is one of the main attractions of Shimla, as it is lined with a variety of colonial-era buildings and vintage streetlights.
3. Summer Hill
If you’re looking for a tranquil and quaint area, then Summer Hill is the place to go. It is a small hill station known for its natural beauty and a great place to enjoy a peaceful evening. You can also find a number of temples, along with residential and commercial buildings, here.
4. Kufri
Kufri is a popular tourist destination located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It offers some of the best views of Shimla and the surrounding mountains. From skiing and hiking to exploring nearby attractions, Kufri offers a great variety of activities for every traveler.
5. Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill is the highest peak in Shimla, located at an elevation of 2,455 meters. It offers breathtaking views of the valley and the distant snow-clad Himalayan ranges. The 80-feet tall statue of Hanumanji enshrined at the peak is another major attraction of Jakhoo Hill.
6. Christ Church
An iconic temple set along the Mall Road, Christ Church features Victorian-era architecture with intricate stained glass windows.
7. Himachal State Museum
The Himachal State Museum offers an insight into the cultural and traditional heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
8. Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
An amazing oasis of greenery and awe, Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, flora and fauna.
9. Prospect Hill
Situated at an altitude of 2,155m, Prospect Hill is a perfect spot to get a bird’s eye view of the entire city.
10. Tara Devi Temple
A famous religious centre of the city, Tara Devi Temple is known for its splendid architecture and religious significance.
Accommodations – Best Hotels in Shimla
With its amazing views, spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring architecture, it is the ideal place to spend some quality time with family and friends. With plenty of options for accommodation, it can be quite difficult to decide which one to choose.Fortunately, Shimla offers tourists plenty of great hotels for a comfortable stay. Some of the best hotels in Shimla are mentioned below for your ease –
- The Oberoi Cecil: This five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious and desirable hotels in Shimla. It offers world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities such as multi-cuisine restaurants, banquet and conference halls and spa services. With its grand interiors, cozy rooms and attentive service, it guarantees a memorable experience.
- Hotel Asia The Dawn: This excellent four-star hotel is located at a great place from where one can enjoy the views of the mountains. It is highly budget-friendly and offers modern amenities, including suites, deluxe rooms and cottages. The hotel also has a popular bar and restaurant, making it a great choice for travellers.
- Woodville Palace: This heritage property is a popular choice for those who want to stay in style. This 19th-century palace enjoys stunning views of the mountains and offers old-world charm along with modern amenities. Boasting luxuriously furnished rooms, indoor swimming pool and an ayurvedic spa, this hotel is certainly worth a stay.
- Wildflower Hall: This beautiful resort is located on an 8500-ft high hill and is surrounded by pine and cedar trees. With its colonial manor and colonial-style cottages, it offers a luxurious stay experience. The guests can enjoy many facilities, including an outdoor heated swimming pool, gym and spa.
- Shimla Haven: This three-star hotel enjoys a great location and overlooks the majestic Himalayas. It is one of the best budget hotels in Shimla and offers all the modern amenities, including 24-hour room service, a restaurant and a lounge. With its impressive views and comfortable rooms, it makes for an ideal and economical stay.
Cottages to Stay in Shimla
- Baliapur Farm Cottage – Located in a peaceful and pristine setting in the foothills, this cottage has cozy and fully-furnished bedrooms and a private garden. Nearby, you can explore the bustling markets of Shimla and take a ride on the historic Himalayan Toy Train.
- The Orchard Cottage – Enjoy the panoramic views of the hills from this two-bedroom cottage surrounded by lush greenery. Facilities include a kitchen, lounge and a private deck for sipping a cup of tea or admiring the night sky.
- Summit Cottage – Soak in the sun and enjoy the mountain air from this cottage with a huge balcony for soaking in the views. It is well-equipped with bedrooms, a kitchen and a fireplace.
Affordable Hotels in Shimla
Affordable Hotels in Shimla are an ideal option for budget-conscious travellers. These hotels offer comfortable, clean and budget-friendly accommodation to guests without blowing their bank balance. The city of Shimla is home to a number of hotels in all sorts of budgets that offer all the basic facilities to visitors. Some of the popular affordable hotels in Shimla are Hotel Heavens Park, The Valley Inn, Jakhoo Inn, Hotel Selecteur, Hotel Basecamp, Hotel Grand Central and Hotel Silver Creek, Treebo Trend Shubham Nature Villa, Treebo Trend Snow View Resort, Itsy by Treebo – Avantika & visit Treebo Shimla for more. All these hotels provide clean, comfortable and budget-friendly rooms with attached bathrooms, 24 hour front desk services, room service, free Wi-Fi and other amenities. Additionally, these hotels are also near to various tourist attractions and shopping venues, thus making them a great choice for a wonderful Shimla Holiday.
When it comes to Shimla, you certainly won’t be disappointed! With so much to do, you will definitely have a great time exploring this beautiful hill station.
No matter which of these best hotels in Shimla you choose to stay in, you are sure to have a wonderful time, as each and every property offers something unique. So, go ahead and choose your pick and indulge in all the beauty and tranquillity of the hills!