Top 10 places to visit in Shimla on your 2023 weekend getaway

The magnificent hill town of Shimla teleports its visitors to an era of timeless beauty filled with the crisp air of the Himalayas, mystic hidden forests, majestic snow-clad peaks, white cascading waterfalls, and magic! The city is therapeutic enough to help you erase all the remorseful memories from the concrete jungle and become one with the mountains.

Shimla is also the Capital Town of Himachal Pradesh, naturally making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state. Thousands of tourists have been arriving here every year to spend their summer and winter holidays, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Read on for the 10 best tourist destinations in the capital city.

1. Kufri

Located at a distance of 15 km from the centre of the town, Kufri is regarded as the ‘Winter sports capital of India’ for the regular snowfall it experiences during winter. The area’s snow-covered hills, green meadows, and dense cedar woods offer tourists peace and thrill altogether.

• The Ridge

Situated along the Mall Road, this scenic pedestrian promenade – with its restaurants, trendy cafes, and bars – is considered one of the best hangout places in Shimla. The Ridge offers magnificent views of the mighty Himalayas and also connects most of the major tourist attractions of the town.

• Christ Church

It’s the second oldest church in North India. Located on the Ridge, Christ Church helps its visitors with a peaceful environment to connect with themselves. The ideal time to visit this big yellow building that boasts of neo-Gothic architecture is either in the morning or during the church prayer.

• Chadwick Falls

Nestled among the dense woods of pine and deodar, Chadwick Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the town, inviting nature enthusiasts to relax and take a dip in its cool waters to drift away from any stress. The monsoon season is usually considered the best time to see the falls in its full glory.

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• Jakhoo Temple

Located at an elevation of 8,000 ft above mean sea level and nestled among the pine forests is the highest peak of Shimla, Jakhoo Hill. It offers majestic views of the Himalayas and houses the ancient Hanuman temple. It is believed that Lord Hanuman had rested for a while at this very spot on his way to get Sanjeevani Booti for Lord Lakshman.

• Annandale

How does a cricket match in the mountains sound? Located at a distance of 4 km from the Ridge, Annandale used to be a hub for a number of sports, including polo, racing, and cricket, during the British Raj. Currently, the race course has been converted to a mini-golf course, allowing golfers to play a round amid lush greenery and scenic view.

• Summer Hill

Summer Hill, also known as the Potter’s Hill, is part of the seven hills that form the hill town of Shimla. It’s a suburb of Shimla situated at a distance of 5 km from the capital city. The place offers uninterrupted panoramic views of majestic hills to fill your heart with contentment and happiness.

• Tara Devi Temple

Located atop a hill called Tara Parvat, amidst a serene landscape of clear skies, dense oak woods, and lofty peaks, the splendid Tara Devi Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The presiding deity of the 250-year-old temple is Goddess Tara, one of the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga.

• Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

Classic English architecture and rich historical background are some of the key highlights of this iconic building. Originally built as a residence for the then Viceroy of India, Lord Dufferin, the building served as the summer retreat for the country’s president after the independence, before eventually gaining its current name in 1965.

1. Shimla State Museum

Built as a colonial mansion, the Shimla State Museum shields the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. It displays a rich collection of weapons, coins, miniature paintings, and handicrafts. Do not miss out on the metal idols in the museum brought from a number of temples spread across the Himalayas.

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