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Published on: August 7, 2023
Shimla is a wonderful destination for a refreshing break. High up in the Himalayas, it is blessed with moderate temperatures during the summer months and snow during the winters. Rolling hills, valleys dotted cherry and apple trees, and virtually car-free streets lined with perfectly-preserved examples of original British architecture are some of the many reasons to visit the former summer capital of British India. Here are our top five places to visit in Shimla this summer:
Known as a fantastic trekking and hill walking spot, Kufri is approximately 14 kms or 40 minutes from The Oberoi Cecil, our hotel in Shimla near Mall Road. We would recommend you travel here in a private vehicle and engage a guide to show you around for the day. Overnight stays are also possible, or you may wish to return to Shimla to relax and unwind at the best place to stay in Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil. Places to consider visiting in Kufri include Mahasu Peak, Green Valley and the Himalaya Nature Park. Mahasu Peak reaches 2,737 metres above sea level and offers fantastic views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges from its summit. You can either trek through the deodar forests to the summit or take a horseback ride. Mahasu Ridge is a great spot for skiing in the winter and one of the best places to visit near Shimla at any time of year to get up close to nature. Green Valley offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature. 8 kms short of Kufri, en route from Shimla, Green Valley is one of the best places to visit in Shimla all year round. Spot yaks and deer, trek through pine and deodar forests or pick up some local souvenirs in the markets. Himalayan Nature Park is home to almost 200 species of animal, including snow leopards, brown bears, Tibetan wolves and leopard cats. All of which reside in wide enclosures that aim to recreate the experience of wild living but facilitate the education of people about wildlife. You can trek between Shimla and Kufri, with a guide and appropriate clothing. Kufri is also the starting point for treks to Manali.
Mall Road becomes The Ridge at Scandal Point, all of which are famous Shimla tourist places. Along this wide promenade, visitors click selfies in front of colonial-style buildings and residents do their daily commute while statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Y.S. Parmar, preside over it all. Take a stroll along The Ridge and take in Christ Church and the library. The summer festival is a fun event to experience, too. Christ Church is the second oldest church in northern India after St John’s in Meerut and is thus one of the best Shimla tourist places. Built in 1857 to serve British Anglicans, it is a fine example of neo-gothic architecture that, to date, still looms over Shimla’s skyline and is visible for miles around the city. Also built during British times, the State Library was once a lending library but is now an iconic repository for rare and old books.
Our hotel, located on Mall Road, is the best view hotel in Shimla. From here, you can see the rolling Himalayas and valleys. Closed to everything except emergency vehicles, Mall Road is a lovely place to stroll along during the day and the evenings, taking in the sights and sounds of the best places to visit in Shimla. Cafes, restaurants and shopping is abundant here. We would recommend you stop by Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point. Having been demolished and restored a number of times during its history, Gaiety Theatre now has a preserved gothic theatre hall, exhibition rooms, an art gallery and conference rooms with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology. Scandal Point is the junction where Mall Road meets the Ridge and is so-called due to the infamous story of the daughter of the British Viceroy eloping with the Maharaja of Patiala.
Located around 30 minutes or 10 kms from The Oberoi Cecil, the best place to stay in Shimla, Mashobra is a nature lovers’ delight. The Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a must-see, being one of the best places to visit near Shimla. Its lush green trees include Himalayan deodars, oak, pine and blossoming rhododendron, all of which are teeming with birds. Activities in Mashobra include trekking and camping, as well as white water rafting, paragliding and skiing in the winter.
Jakhu Hill is around 5 kms or 20 minutes from The Oberoi Cecil, the best hotel in Shimla near Mall Road. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman, the monkey God, stopped to rest on Jakhu Hill, which is why the surrounding area and Himalayan deodar trees are populated with monkeys. The legend is also the reason for the giant Hanuman statue on the crest of the peak. Standing at 33 metres high, the statue is the largest in the world and is visible from many places to visit in Shimla. During the festival of Hanuman Jayanti, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman, thousands of devotees flock to this area to offer their prayers and to join the colourful, musical processions. Check out our special stay offers and treat yourself to a refreshing break in Shimla. Take in some culture, immerse yourself in history, and refresh your body and mind with some hill walking or rafting. We look forward to welcoming you at The Oberoi Cecil, the best place to stay in Shimla.
