10 Must-visit attractions in Shimla for first-time travellers

Shimla is a place that has been amazing for generations. As you walk through narrow paths wrapped with green foliage with cool mountain air grazing your face, you will see beautiful mountains. Shimla is where history and nature intersect to create an inviting location for first-time visitors.

Are you planning for your maiden Shimla visit? Whether you seek places of tranquillity, historical landmarks or local cultural experiences, Shimla offers different kinds of attractions that will suit all types of travellers. Every corner of this hill station, from the beautiful Mall Road to Jakhoo Hill’s breathtaking views holds unique tales that are yet untold.

Consider standing on top of the hill watching snow-capped mountains or exploring colonial-era architecture and talking about ancient times. You can never go wrong with a trip to Shimla which is a combination of pristine beauty and historical depth.

Want to leave immediately to explore Shimla’s most captivating sights? This guidebook will accompany you as you travel together into its top 10 must-see attractions which first-time tourists should include in their program. Pack up your belongings now because we shall be diving into the wonders of Shimla!

1. Christ Church: A glimpse into colonial India

Christ Church remains a symbol of Shimla’s colonial past with its neo-Gothic architecture. The second oldest church in North India, it was built in 1857 and is one of the most famous landmarks in Shimla. Its yellow facade can be easily recognized and has a clock tower on top.

Inside the church is quite peaceful and perfect for meditation. The stained-glass windows that depict faith, hope, charity, patience and humility are a sight to behold. It doesn’t matter whether you are religious or not; visiting Christ Church offers an opportunity to get away from all the buzz found at Mall Road.

• Best time to visit: April to June
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 2 minutes (200 m)

Christ Church, Shimla | Credits: Canva

2. Mall Road: The soul of Shimla

Mall Road keeps life going in Shimla day and night with activities all over it. The place boasts excellent showrooms, departmental stores, and shops. The Himachal Emporium here offers exquisite handicraft products such as pottery items, jewellery, and woollen clothes. If you want souvenirs or if you need to take a walk then this is your place.

Colonial architecture blends with modern styles beside Mall Road while walking there; this is very evident. For historical and cultural reasons, one must visit the Gaiety Theatre which is a Victorian-style building. You can also enjoy beautiful scenes of hill locks around it.

• Best time to visit: March to June
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 2 minutes (350 m)

Mall Road in the evening | Credits: Canva

3. The Ridge: Shimla's heartbeat

The Ridge is a lively place known as the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla where residents and visitors can enjoy the panorama of the mountains. You can see mountain tops covered with snow which makes it an ideal spot for any photography lover. Among other events that are presented here annually, there is the Summer Festival which enjoys great popularity.

• Best time to visit: October to February
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 7 minutes (500 m)

Ridge Road in Shimla | Credits: Canva

4. Jakhoo Hill and temple: Touching the sky

Jakhoo Hill stands at 8,000 feet above sea level making it Shimla’s highest peak. It offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik Range and the town lying below it. Getting to its top can be quite challenging but well compensated.

Atop Jakhoo Hill rests Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is not just an abode of gods; legends have it that this was where Hanuman stopped during his quest for Sanjeevani Booti. Besides, there is also a huge statue of Hanuman which can be seen from different parts of Shimla thereby enhancing the significance of this temple.

• Best time to visit: September to March
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 7 minutes (1.6 km)

Jakhoo Temple | Credits: Canva

5. Viceregal Lodge: A glimpse into history

Another name for Rashtrapati Niwas, Viceregal Lodge was a majestic building once used by the British Viceroy as his personal residence while in India. Located on the observatory hill; this massive construction marvels with its architecture surrounded by well-landscaped gardens. Currently it houses the Indian Institute of Advance Study which allows guided tours for the public.

• Best time to visit: March to June
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 18 minutes (5.1 km)

Viceregal Lodge | Credits: Canva

6. Summer Hill: A tranquil escape

Only a 20 minutes drive from Shimla town, Summer Hill is a quiet suburb that offers relief from the crowds. It is a place renowned for its verdant vegetation and captivating vistas over the valley below. This area is home to the Himachal Pradesh University campus, which only adds to its intellectual and cultural appeal.

• Best time to visit: March to June
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 24 minutes (6.8 km)

Summer Hill | Credits: Canva

7. Chadwick Falls: Nature's hidden gem

Situated approximately 7 kilometres away from Shimla, Chadwick Falls is one of the less crowded places but worth visiting. The beauty of this fall which has an 86-metre height cascades into dense forest leaves onlookers in awe as they watch. On top of that, you can go trekking through the dense green forest which is a favourite spot for nature lovers.

• Best time to visit: June to September
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 24 minutes (7.3 km)

Chadwick Falls | Credits: Canva

8. Kufri: A winter wonderland

Kufri is situated around 16 kilometres from Shimla and is a small hill station known for its scenic beauty as well as adventure sports. When winter comes around, Kufri is transformed into a snow-covered paradise suitable for skiing among other winter activities that draw many tourists here.

Kufri is also home to Himalayan Nature Park where you can find different types of flora and fauna indigenous to this area. There is so much about biodiversity in the Himalayas which nature lovers may explore while within this park.

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 40 minutes (13.5 km)

Kufri | Credits: Canva

9. The Shimla State Museum: A walk through history

Shimla State Museum is also known as Himachal State Museum which contains artefacts that depict the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh. They are a treasure trove revealing those narratives about them. Situated at Mall Road, the museum occupies a colonial building surrounded by lush gardens.

The museum has impressive Pahari miniature paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and textiles collection inside it. Every exhibit provides insights into its rich heritage making it ideal for historical enthusiasts.

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 40 minutes (13.5 km)

Shimla State Museum | Credits: Canva

10. Tara Devi Temple: Spiritual elevation

Sited atop Tara Devi Hill, aside from spiritual experience Tara Devi temple affords panoramic views around its surrounding landscape. This temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Tara offers tranquillity compared with most bustling tourist centres

With a cool mountain breeze blowing gently and making a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation one would want to have in mind, the temple is a must-visit. Whether you seek spiritual solace or want to take in views, the Tara Devi Temple is an obligatory pilgrimage.

• Best time to visit: November to March
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: 50 minutes (20 km)

Tara Devi Temple | Credits: Canva

Conclusion

Shimla has a mix of natural, historic and cultural attractions that make it a must for first-time visitors. Each site on this checklist is an opportunity to see what makes the hill station special. These memories will be unwrapped within Shimla’s bustling streets of Mall Road, in the Viceregal Lodge where history reigns supreme or at Tara Devi Temple where you can find tranquillity.

If you are looking for a place to stay during your visit to Shimla, then consider The Hosteller Shimla. Located amidst the beautiful and peaceful Himalayas, The Hosteller Shimla gives tourists an experience like no other. It is equipped with modern facilities and has a friendly environment which makes it ideal as a base to explore Shimla’s major spots. Plan your trip today; pack your things and hit the road towards this amazing beauty of nature. It’s now your turn!

The Hosteller Shimla | Credits: Canva