7 Best Things To Do In Shimla In 2023 for a Perfect Hill Town Experience
Shimla, the most popular hill station, requires no introduction. The area has long drawn tourists because of its lush vegetation, pleasant climate and snow-capped hills. Besides that, it is well known for its temples, museums and art galleries. Shimla, the Queen of Hills, has more activities to do and places to visit than you can count. This beautiful Himachal Pradesh hill town bears the name of the well-known “Goddess Shyamala Devi,” a form of Goddess Kali. Its stunning scenery and pleasant climate make it India’s most popular hill station.
Ideal Season to Visit Shimla
- Shimla is undoubtedly an all-year destination. However, the monsoon season (July- September) is not the best time to travel because of the high risk of landslides and heavy rainfall.
- Summers in Shimla are pleasant and ideal for trekking, camping and rafting from March – June. Temperatures range from 15° to 30°, with light woolens required at night.
- From October – February, Shimla is popular for snowfall and snow activities. The temperature ranges between -2° and 8°, necessitating the use of thick woolens. Shimla’s snowfall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- The best time to visit Shimla is between December – February, especially if you want to enjoy the snow. During this time, one can go skiing or ice skating.
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Here are the top 7 things to do in Shimla if you are on a vacation.
1. Ride A Toy Train Through The Green Hills
One of the best things to do in Shimla is to ride the Kalka-Shimla toy train. The old railway line that runs through the mountains creates a tranquil atmosphere in the area. From your window, observe the other end of the train as it moves like a snake on the curved tracks. Moreover, if it begins to rain, you’ll be lucky!
Prices start at ₹225. The Rail Motor Car toy train leaves Shimla at 4:25 p.m. and reaches Kalka at 9:35 p.m.
2. Go Shopping At Lakkar Bazaar
Looking for nighttime activities in Shimla! Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar is one of the best options to consider. After all, when the sun goes down in the evening, Lakkar Bazaar appears entirely different. The long stretch of shops on either side contains some of the finest woodwork artifacts. Aside from artifacts, you can also get cheap winter clothes. In fact, it’s a great place to buy souvenirs and small gifts for your loved ones.
There is no entry fee.
Timing: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
3. Relax At The Mall Road
Shimla’s heart is the Mall Road, which is centrally located. This region has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained, from street shops to sightseeing spots and delectable dining options. You could spend an entire day here exploring, relaxing, having fun and just enjoying the fresh, cool breeze and the warmth of the people.
Also read about Best Dishes, Restaurants and Hot Spots To Eat And Drink In Shimla
4. Check Out The Johnnie’s Wax Museum
If you are an Iron Man fan or like famous people, go to Johnnie’s Wax Museum, which has life-sized wax figures of local and international icons. Johnnie’s Wax Museum, which opened in 2016, is one of Shimla’s newest tourist attractions. The Museum houses 16 life-size statues of famous people from various fields, including movies, sports and politics. You can take photos with wax statues of Harry Potter, Tony Stark, Barack Obama, Amir Khan and some other popular celebrities’ as well.
Cost: ₹250 for each individual
Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Trek Or Hike To Jakhu Hill And Temple
Many interesting short hikes from Shimla take you through the city’s pine forests. The Glen, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill and Kamna Devi Temple are some of the most popular nature walks. A romantic weather adds more beauty to these places in the city. Another incredible trek is to the Jakhu Temple, situated on the top of Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla. Jakhu Temple is a Hindu sacred site with a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. Jakhu Hill is Shimla’s highest point, 2.5 kilometers from the Ridge and 2,455 meters above sea level. In addition, Hanumanji’s Jakhu Temple is a well-liked tourist and pilgrim destination. Likewise, this temple trek takes you through a dense Deodar Forest and ponies are available for hiring if you get tired. You can also use the ropeway to get there.
Price: Guided treks start at around ₹1,500
6. Have Fun Skating At The Shimla Ice Skating Club
One of the best things to do in Shimla during the peak winter season is to show off your skills at the open-air ice skating rink. Thousands of people visit the rink each year in search of an unforgettable ice skating experience. The British taught the Garhwali Highlanders a special technique for making ice. Furthermore, the densely forested hillside keeps it shaded and the cold winter temperatures keep it from melting.
Entry Fee: ₹100 – ₹200
Timings: 8 am – 11 am & 5 pm – 8 pm
Open only from December to March
7. Travel To Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls is an attraction in Shimla that will leave you wonderstruck. It is a preferred tourist destination in Shimla. It is a fantastic place to spend time with your friends and even has a good hiking trail that allows you to explore the surrounding meditative tranquility. Aside from that, it’s amazing to see the massive waterfall in the middle of a gorge lined with a thick deodar and pine forest. Shimla’s Chadwick Falls is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and a great summer getaway for tourists.
How To Travel To Shimla?
- By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport, the closest airport, is 23 kilometers from the city center. Chandigarh and New Delhi airports are also nearby.
- By Train: World-famous narrow gauge railways connect Kalka and Shimla. This toy train route is very popular with kids. Furthermore, Kalka is well-connected to all of India’s major cities.
- By Road: Shimla is around 350 km from New Delhi and 118 km from Chandigarh by road.
Conclusion
So, what are you holding out for! Pack your bags and explore the best sights of the Queen of Hills while indulging in these exciting activities during your upcoming vacation in Shimla. You will find no other place on the planet with such a unique blend of wild nature and charming history. Shimla makes its mark during the monsoon season, while camping in the summer and ice skating in the winter. If you’re all charged up, plan a trip to Shimla and immerse yourself witnessing the best views of nature.
There are a lot of modes of transportation you can consider in order to reach here. If you are traveling from overseas, make sure you book affordable flights for yourself. In case, you plan your trip at the eleventh hour, it will become imperative for you to look for cheap last minute flight deals at the same time. After all, booking flights at the last minute can be quite expensive. But that should never prevent you from planning your trip and experiencing the beauty of this wonderful hill station. Happy Traveling!
