The summer capital of British India, Shimla is one of the most famous hill stations of India. It is a great tourist destination and is visited by not only newlywed couples but families too. During summers, a lot of crowd prefers to visit Shimla for its cool weather. The tall pine trees, the green surrounding, the snow covered trees during winters and the typical hill station ambience makes it a beautiful attraction of the country. There are a large number of tourist attractions in Shimla and here is a list that tells you about the major ones.
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Viceregal Lodge
Viceregal Lodge or Rashtrapati Niwas is located on the Observatory Hills and was the residence of the British Viceroy of India. The building was constructed in 1888 and features Jacobean architecture.
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Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a historic and an important tourist attraction in Shimla. It was established in 1887 and features Gothic architecture. An exhibition hall, art gallery, multi-purpose hall, amphitheatre and old theatre hall are present at this complex.
Habban Valley
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Habban Valley is located in the hills of Sirmaur and is surrounded by deodar forests. The valley is home to peacocks, deer, tigers, bears, kakkar, kastura and ghol. It is also a great trekking point.
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Kuthar Fort
Kuthar Fort is 800 years old though the present structure was constructed only 80 years back. The Fort is surrounded by lush greenery and is believed to contain fresh-water springs within its confines.
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Shimla Glen
Shimla Glen is a reserve forest and houses a wide variety of birds, insects and animals. The greenery and the landscape of the surrounding areas make it a wonderful tourist attraction in Shimla.
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State Museum
Housed in a mansion that dates back to 1860, The State Museum of Himachal Pradesh has a wide collection of Himachali, Rajasthani and Punjabi miniatures, as well as colorful traditional costumes and jewellery, delicate stone and wood carvings, and interesting photos of Himachal temples.
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Scandal Point
The point where Mall Road and Ridge meet in the streets of Shimla is called Scandal Point. An impressive statue of Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai stands at this point. The place got its name after the Maharaja eloped with the daughter of Shimla which resulted in his banishment from the town.
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Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary
Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1915 m to 2750 meters. Nine perennial streams flow from this area. The Himalayan Black Bear and the Brown Bear, Barking Deer, Goral, Jackal, Indian Red Fox, Striped Hyena and the Yellow-Throated Marti are found here.
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Himalayan Bird Park
Himalayan Bird Park is located opposite of the Viceregal Lodge. The park is home to a small collection of exotic birdlife, including the iridescent monal pheasant, Himachal’s state bird.
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Jakhoo Hill
Jakhoo Hill is a famous tourist attraction in Shimla. It is covered with tall Alpinetrees and at the top of the hill lies the Jakhoo Temple dedicated to the Indian God Hanuman. The walk to the temple top takes around 30 minutes.
Shaily Peak
Shaily Peak is a great trekking spot especially if you are an early riser. The base for the steep climb, to the peak is roughly 8 km. Once you reach the top watch the mesmerizing sunrise.
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The Ridge
The Ridge road is a large open space in Shimla. The area is crowded with shops and thus attracts a large number of tourists. The large water reservoir at the Ridge serves as the main source of water supply to Shimla.
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