Start your journey with our Shimla Tour Package and discover the charm of Himachal Pradesh’s capital. Shimla is one of India’s most loved hill stations, attracting travellers with its stunning valleys, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dense pine and Deodar forests, sparkling waterfalls, pleasant climate, colonial architecture, exciting adventure activities, local delicacies, spiritual sites, and lively festivals.

Shimla is a beautiful hill station in India, famous for its culture, heritage and scenic beauty, which takes you to a different world. Be it summer, spring or autumn, the charm of this place is captivating and gets doubled in winter months as Shimla turns into a winter paradise, which makes it one of the best winter destinations in India, giving different winter sports adventure options to tourists to enjoy. So, plan a Shimla Trip with the customisable Shimla Tour Packages from us and avail the best discounts and offers. 

Top Places to Visit in Shimla

That’s not all, Shimla is also a famous honeymoon destination in India, making this place ideal for couples, offering some amazing picture-perfect spots, romantic ambience, couple-friendly activities and various staying options in luxury resorts or hotels with romantic dining experiences. You can book the best Shimla honeymoon packages from Offbeat Vacation, that too within your budget, to get a wonderful experience.  

Here is a quick travel guide to Shimla with a list of top Tourist Attractions in Shimla or the top tourist places to visit in Shimla: 

Mall Road

Mall Road, Shimla, is the most famous tourist attraction in Shimla. This place will amaze you with its:

  • Charming beauty
  • Lush greenery
  • Majestic mountains
  • Colonial architecture
  • Breathtaking sunset and sunrise views

Shimla is full of vibrant:

  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Shops selling local handicrafts, jewellery and souvenirs
  • Top-quality woollen clothes, wooden crafts, premium Kullu shawls and Tibetan artefacts

Walking around the streets of Mall Road in Shimla, you can:

  • Enjoy hot meals at any of the cute cafes or restaurants serving delicious food in Shimla
  • Try the best street food here
  • Experience horse riding on Shimla’s Mall Road

Shimla’s Mall Road also has various top tourist attractions, including:

  • The Godwin Castle
  • The Kali Badi Temple
  • The Ridge
  • The Scandal Point

The Ridge

Located in the centre of the city, the Ridge is a famous sightseeing spot in Shimla and is one of the most visited places as it connects many other popular attractions like:

  • Mall Road
  • Scandal Point
  • Lakkar Bazaar

Major highlights of the Ridge include:

  • Shimla Library
  • Christ Church
  • Gaiety Theatre
  • Lakkar Bazaar

Shimla Summer Festival

Visitors must not miss the Shimla Summer Festival (April–May), which showcases Himachal’s rich culture and heritage through:

  • Folk dance & music
  • Fashion shows
  • Food stalls
  • Adventure sports activities
  • Local fairs
  • Beauty contests

The festival offers insights into Himachal’s traditional art, music, clothing, food and craftsmanship.

Jakhoo Temple

The Jakhoo Temple is Shimla’s highest point

  • Shimla’s highest point, at an elevation of 2,455 meters (8,054 feet)
  • Dedicated to Lord Hanuman
  • Believed to be the place where Hanuman rested while bringing Sanjeevani in the Ramayana

Highlights of Jakhoo Temple:

  • Grand scenic view of Shimla city
  • Surrounded by beautiful valleys and massive Himalayan mountain ranges
  • Popular with devotees seeking Lord Hanuman’s blessings
  • Peaceful and spiritual atmosphere that instantly connects you with the divine

Christ Church

North India’s second-oldest church is the Christ Church in Shimla, which took around 13 years to get built. The Christ Church has become an identity and a famous landmark of Shimla. 

Tourists can witness the neo-Gothic style architecture of the British era at Christ Church and can connect to the spiritual vibes around them. If you’re planning a trip to Shimla, the Christ Church is a must-visit place in Shimla where you’ll find peace, spirituality and a balance of relaxation and calmness to remember forever.  

Shimla State Museum

The Shimla State Museum is also popularly known as the Himachal State Museum, which used to be the residence of a British officer named Lord William Beresford. In 1974, this mansion was transformed into a museum to preserve and showcase the rich culture, tradition and heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

Museum Highlights:

  • Miniatures of Pahari paintings
  • Sculptures, ancient coins, and jewellery
  • Himachali traditional clothing & textiles
  • Artistic pieces reflecting culture & craftsmanship

A visit here gives travellers deep insight into the roots of Himachali culture and traditions.

Viceregal Lodge

The Viceregal Lodge is also known by the name of Rashtrapati Niwas. A historic structure completed after eight years of construction, finished in 1888. This historic building showcases the colonial era architectural style. The Viceregal Lodge used to be an integral place for many political meetings and discussions. 

Highlights

  • Showcases colonial-era architecture
  • Once an important venue for political meetings and discussions
  • Surrounded by beautiful gardens with Deodar, Pine, Cedar, Oak, and Maple trees
  • A perfect place to walk, relax, and feel the British-era charm with family and friends

Kalka–Shimla Toy Train Ride

Do not miss out on the best thing to do in Shimla, which is the Kalka to Shimla toy train ride, which will take you through the beautiful city of Shimla, making you experience the breathtaking views of the lush greenery, refreshing forests and Himalayan landscapes.

 Highlights

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and internationally recognised journey
  • Covers the route from Kalka to Shimla through lush greenery, forests, and Himalayan landscapes
  • One of the most scenic train rides in the world

Best Time to Visit in Shimla

Shimla’s weather and climate make this place more interesting and beautiful in each season.

Summer (March–June):

  • Temperature: 14°–30°C
  • Perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and escaping the heat of the plains

Monsoon (July–September):

  • Heavy rainfall and landslide risks
  • Not ideal for travelling, though Shimla looks fresh and vibrant

Autumn (October–November):

  • Temperature: 10°–20°C
  • Clear skies, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds
  • Great season for peaceful travel

Winter (December–February):

  • Best time to witness snowfall
  • Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports
  • Shimla turns into a winter wonderland for snow lovers

Best Tourist Places Near Shimla

Some of the top tourist attractions near Shimla that one must explore are:

Kufri (15 km from Shimla)

  • A famous winter destination
  • Popular for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more
  • A paradise for snow lovers and adventure enthusiasts

Chail (45 km from Shimla)

  • A peaceful offbeat destination
  • Perfect for travellers who love less-crowded scenic spots
  • Surrounded by lush forests and serene views

Naldehra (22 km from Shimla)

  • Known for the historic Naldehra Golf Course – one of the oldest in India
  • A picturesque hill station ideal for a relaxed outing with family and friends
  • Offers charming landscapes and refreshing weather

Conclusion

Shimla, the Queen of Hills, is a destination that truly has something for everyone. From colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences to adventure activities, winter sports, and peaceful getaways, every corner of Shimla offers memorable experiences. Whether you are strolling along Mall Road, exploring historic sites like Jakhoo Temple and Viceregal Lodge, riding the Kalka-Shimla toy train, or enjoying snow in Kufri, Shimla leaves a lasting impression on every traveller. Plan your trip with this guide to make the most of your visit and discover why Shimla remains one of India’s most cherished hill stations.