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Shimla is a scenically blessed settlement nestled amidst the dense forest of alpine trees. Shimla also spelled as Simla is one of the favored hill stations of Northern India. Reckoned as “The Queen of Hills” Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The majestic snow clad mountains, stunningly rich greenery and the beautiful lakes is what awaits the vacationers in Shimla. Even in British Era, the surreal beauty of Shimla has wooed the minds of many travelers making it the summer capital for British officials. There are many places to visit in Shimla which shows the flawless blend of colonial era structure with the pristine nature. Another such hill station named Manali is located at a distance of 245km from Shimla.
Situated in the heart of Shimla along the Mall Road is a place called The Ridge. The Ridge of Shimla is the most popular tourist destination. It is a large open space which is connected to the major places of Shimla like Snowdon, Mall, and Jakhu Hill. The venue ground famous festivals and events the most iconic landmarks of the Ridge are a neo-Gothic structure of Church from 1844 and a tudorbethan styled library building built in 1910. The Ridge of Shimla offer a wonderful vista of green alpine forest dotted with red-roofed chalets, half-timbered houses and Gothic Government buildings.
Situated on the Jakhu Hill is an ancient temple of Shimla called Jakhu Temple. Dedicated to the Hindu Deity, Hanuman, Jakhu Temple is located at a distance of 2km from the Ridge of Shimla. At an altitude of 2455mt Jakhu Temple is perched in the highest point of Shimla. The most iconic structure of Jakhu Temple is the 108ft tall statue of Hanuman which is said to be the world tallest statue. According to the hearsays Jakhu Temple is built around the footprint of Lord Hanuman. Apart from being a sacred destination it is also a vantage point for watching sunrise and sunset in Shimla.
Located within the old foundation of Willow Bank Estate of Shimla is the Himachal’s first wax museum, Johnnie’s Wax Museum. Inaugurated in 11th May 2016 all the wax statues of Johnnie’s Wax Museum are handmade in London. Currently the museum has 16 wax statues of famous personalities from various fields. Here in Johnnie’s Wax Museum visitors can click pictures with the 3d replica of some famous film stars like Paul Walker, Johnny Depp and Daniel Radcliff. The entry fee of Johnnie’s Wax Museum is Rs 250 and visiting hour is between 10am-10pm.
Housed within a vintage Victorian mansion is the Himachal State Museum of Shimla. Overlooking the adjacent valleys and distant mountain ranges, Himachal State Museum is perched in a hilltop called Inveram. Here in Himachal State Museum visitors can observe ancient ornaments, and archeological and ethnological human works dating back to many centuries.
Himachal State Museum Timings: 10am-5pm
Entry fee of Himalayan State Museum for:-
Indian: Rs 20
Foreign Nationals: Rs 100
Located on the Observatory Hill of Shimla is Rashtrapati Niwas the former residence of the British Viceroy of India. Set amidst picturesque garden, Rashtrapati Niwas of Shimla is the finest example of English Renaissance architecture. Also known as Viceregal Lodge, Rashtrapati Niwas was built in 1888 in Jacobethan style by British architect Henry Irwin. The regal palace like structure of Rashtrapati Niwas has fascinated the mind of many since it looks like a picture straight out of a vintage magazine.
Rashtrapati Niwas Shimla Timings: Opened on Tuesdays and Sundays from 9am-5pm.
Entry fee of Rashtrapati Niwas Shimla for:-
Indian: Rs 20
Foreign Nationals: Rs 50
Overlooking the vintage Viceregal Lodge is Himalayan Bird Park, a favored nature lover’s destination in Shimla. As the name suggest Himalayan Bird Park is a bird park in Shimla which houses a small collection of exotic birds. Here, visitors can also see Monal Pheasant, the former National Birds of Himachal Pradesh in a close range.
Himalayan Bird Park Timings: 10am to 5pm (Closed on Monday)
Himalayan Bird Park Entry fee: Rs 10
Baba Bhalku Rail Museum located at a distance of 1km from Shimla Railway Station is another interest point of Shimla. Inaugurated in 7th July 2011 Baba Bhalku Rail Museum is a museum in Shimla built as a tribute to the man who guided the construction of the rail line with his super natural powers. Visitors can find some unusual artifacts in Baba Bhalku Rail Museum like an old register which shows the details of the lost properties like bags, umbrellas, caps and coats left in the waiting rooms of the station or the train, seals and logo worn by the potters, steam locomotive headlights, brass lamps, lanterns and ticket punching machines. The oldest object in Baba Bhalku Museum is a rail line dating back to 1899.
Baba Bhalku Museum Timings: 9:30am-4:30pm (closed on Monday)
How to Reach Shimla: The nearest airport in Shimla is located at a distance of 23km and being well connected to major cities like Delhi, and Chandigarh with well paved roads and railway routes visitors can either board a plane or a train towards Kalka Railway Station or self drive towards Shimla.
Best time to visit in Shimla: March to June is one of the most favored seasons to visit Shimla. The pleasant weather makes it the ideal destination to escape the scorching summer heat of plains. During this time visitors can partake in adventure activities in Shimla like trekking, paragliding, camping, and rafting. If visitors don’t mind the cold weather winter season November to February, is the best time to visit Shimla to witness the serene hill station being covered by the blanket of white snow.
