Shimla is full of tourist attractions that are worth visiting. They may intrigue some with their rich historical legacy and for some, they are the perfect places to indulge in some good photography. Shimla is a photographer's paradise, and you will find some of the most picture-perfect shots over here. Read on further about the famous tourist attractions of this lovely hill station of India and plan your tour to Simla.
One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, Mall Road in Simla is one of the busiest commercial areas in this place. Built by the British during colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route. Entry of vehicles was banned though cycle rickshaws were allowed. It has been built in a very strategic and planned way.
The Mall is situated on the main street of Shimla. All colonial structures are located on the mall road. The Mall Road also has all the major hotels, restaurants, and recreation centers of Shimla. The Mall Road is full of shops that sell woolen clothes, branded clothes, handicraft items, pottery items, jewelry, books, etc. The Mall Road is also famous for its wooden furniture shops that sell exquisite wooden articles, which look like antiques.
The Mall Road has many famous restaurants that specialize in not just local cuisines but also delicacies from nearby places. Since there are no vehicles allowed in the mall, you don't quite have to worry about watching out for the traffic. While purchasing locally made goods, make sure you do some bargaining. Ideally, you should make sure that you bargain at 30% of the amount quoted by the shopkeepers. The whole area is fun to loiter around in and you won't even know when time flies by.
Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the mall road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo Hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge. Read more about the famous Shimla ridge in the following lines.
The main water supply of Shimla comes from the huge water reservoir that is located in the Ridge. The Ridge is famous for the various government functions and fairs that are held here. It is usually the venue for all such celebrations and events. The most famous festival that is held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival. This famous festival is held during April or May and the whole of Shimla comes alive with colors and a riot of activities.
The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church. This beautiful building is constructed in a Neo-Gothic style of architecture. It is a famous tourist attraction of Shimla and should be visited when you come to Shimla.
Annandale
Situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city, Annandale is a lovely picnic spot that is a major tourist attraction. One can relax and unwind over here and spend as much time as they want to.
GlennA thickly wooded forest, Glenn is a famous picnic spot that is located around 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The thick cover of the deodar trees makes this place a calm and tranquil locale. It used to be known as the playground of Shimla where racing, cricket, and polo used to be the favorite pastime of the British.
Prospect Hill
Situated at a height of 2155 meters, Prospect Hill is a great place to visit and unwind in the natural surroundings. It is also famous for a hilltop temple dedicated to Kamna Devi.
State Museum & Library
The Shimla State Museum and Library is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for its collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins, and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.
Summer HillSummer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its University of Himachal Pradesh which is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.
Viceregal Lodge
The Viceregal Lodge is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies and the six-storey building still stands in all its splendor. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction and must be visited.
Best Time to Visit ShimlaLocated on the lower ranges of the Himalayas, Shimla is a hill station that experiences extreme climatic conditions. It is situated at a height of around 2213 meters above sea level. This altitude gives Shimla its diverse climatic conditions. There is no such ideal time to visit Simla, as this pleasant hill station is one of the most preferred destinations in India at any given time. One can say that the peak season for Shimla travel is all though the year! Read on further and decide the best time to visit Shimla for yourself.
Though Shimla has a pleasant climate throughout the year, it experiences cold winters. The temperatures can drop to sub-zero conditions during the peak winter season. The best time to visit Shimla would be October to November and from March to May. It is advisable not to visit Shimla during monsoons as the place has a history of having landslides every now and then. The roads can get very slippery, and it is not a good idea to roam around at this time.
You can also visit Shimla during the winter months. The hill station witnesses heavy snowfall and tourists throng Shimla in December during Christmas and New Year. Winters are also an ideal time to visit Shimla if you love adventure sports like skiing and ice skating. Though moving around is a bit difficult when it snows, just playing in the snow will lift up your spirits and make sure you have a wonderful vacation.
