Tourist Places to See in Shimla | Must See Places Around Shimla
{xtypo_rounded3}Shimla has retained its colonial legacy, with imposing old buildings such as the Viceregal Lodge and charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. Some of the most prominent things to watch in Shimla are the Himachal State Museum & Library, Viceregal Lodge, Botanical Gardens, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, The Ridge, The Mall, Summer Hill, Glenn and Taradevi Temple. .{/xtypo_rounded3}
MUST SEE PLACES IN SHIMLA
Himachal State Museum & Library : This museum is indisputably one of the prime tourist attractions in Shimla and remains open to the public except on Mondays and public holidays.
This museum houses a fine collection of antique sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items not only from the state but also outside it. You will also find a library here which houses several historical books and manuscripts.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens : Also famous as "Rashtrapati Niwas", it is a spectacular building located on the Observatory Hills and was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. Its construction was accomplished in the year 1888 and every brick for the building was carried by mules according to the sources. The massive six-story building is surrounded by well manicured gardens and lawns.
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies : Located in the Viceregal Lodge, it was constructed in the year 1888. The kind of architecture is English Renaissance with stonework of the walling in light blue limestone and the wrought stonework being done in sandstone in a stunning light gray shade. The grounds are open to the public only on Sunday and you need a ticket in order to enter.
The Ridge : This place is an open space in the heart of town and offers outstanding views of the distant mountain ranges. The two prominent landmarks of Shimla, the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new Tudor Library building are the other attractions located here.
The Mall : It is the key shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices, tourist offices and most of town's highlights. The place becomes breathtakingly romantic in the evening offering wonderful views of the lit up city below. You can laze around around the Mall and spend some intimate moments with close ones. It is the most significant among the tourist attractions in Shimla.
Summer Hill : It is a scenic spot located near Shimla at an altitude of 1,283 meters and is much visited by the tourists. The legendary Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi during his sojourn in Shimla spent some time in the elegant Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur located here.
Glen : It is a charming picnic spot and is a 4 km walk through the dense woods located at a height of 1, 830 meters. You can also go for picnic at this spot since it is completely secluded and tranquil.
Tara Devi Temple : Among the various places to visit in Shimla, this temple occupies a crucial place and is also of great importance for the pilgrims. It is located on top of a hill facing Shimla and commands panoramic vistas of Shimla.
It is also an ideal picnic spot surrounded by thick forest of oak and rhododendron.
MUST SEE PLACES AROUND SHIMLA
Wild Flower Hall: Wild flower hall is situated at an altitude of 2,498 m and 13 km from Shimla on Hindustan-Tibet Road. Nestling among thick flora and fauna, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows.
Mashobra : Situated on Shimla-Naldehra road 10 kilometers from Shimla at a height of 7700 feet. It is a place of unique beauty, and is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks and the pines. Featuring beautiful gardens it is a popular weekend spot, lined with innumerable picnic spots. Stone benches have been strategically placed all over the grassy knolls, where you can sit back and enjoy views of the Dhauladhar Range. About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano (7,800 feet).
Naldehra : Naldehra, is situated at an altitude of 6706 feet and is 25 km from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani road. Naldehra houses the oldest and the highest golf course in India. It is a famous picnic spot and one can have leisure pine lined forest walks and horse rides. Its beauty has attracted the film industry and this place has featured in many Hindi movies.
Tattapani : It is 51 km from Shimla and well known for hot sulfurous springs. One can enjoy fishing and playing in the water.
Kufri : Kufri is the hottest spot to be during winters, because everyone lands up here to ski and throw snowballs at each other. Situated at distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level it attracts bands of ski enthusiasts from all over the country drift from the snowy fields of Kufri to Narkanda in search of the finest ski slopes on which to flaunt their expertise. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region.
Fagu : Fagu overlooking the Giri Valley , is situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road and is 23 kilometers from Shimla. Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views of the valley and distant Himalayas. Fagu also serves as entry point for Kinnaur and Spiti, and is an ideal trekking base.
Narkanda : Situated at 66 kilometers from Shimla, on Hindustan Tibet road Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 9017 feet, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges. In winters short skiing courses are organized.
Chail : Situated at 45 kilometers from Shimla, Chail is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world's highest cricket ground at a height of 7220 feet situated in the cantonment area , as such, is out of bounds to civilians. There is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. It is one of the few notified regions in the state where humans and wild beasts live side by side. The Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala has been converted into the popular Palace Hotel. Chail is for leisurely walks in summer and autumn, and fun in the snow in winters.