Discover Shimla: 5 must-do activities for every traveler
Navigating winding mountain roads, gazing at mist kissing cedar forests, hidden away lies Shimla – the Queen of Hill Stations, beckoning with breathtaking landscapes that hide heart-warming stories of times gone by.
Wrapped in British nostalgia and Himalayan tranquility, she reveals her secrets through charming hiking trails, little hip cafes and friendly locals eager to share insider ways to go beyond the Instagram photos.
Here are the itineraries that reveal Shimla’s distinctive character so that you return with an experience beyond any holiday!
1. Stroll through quaint half-timbered storefronts on the ridge
The heartbeat of Shimla beats along The Ridge, where heritage buildings hold happy surprises! Get your cameras ready and stroll past the gleaming white Christ Church, framed by the imposing greenery of deodar trees behind it. Visit charming boutiques with Victorian facades and discover homegrown brands that reinvent Pahadi crafts into funky souvenirs.
Pause at the iconic stone plaque at the Scandal Point that marks a history of gossip and intrigue. Then refuel with steaming vada pavs with chilli-garlic chutney at a blue-shuttered cafe run by a former Mumbai chef who is now reviving street food in the north! The Ridge promises that Shimla’s signature old-world atmosphere will always blend seamlessly with hip hangouts.
Summer festivals are held here Flanked by shops, restaurants and heritage sites Huizen, Christ Church and Scandal Point Evening view of the best lights
2. Discover the secrets of the Viceregal Lodge, crowned by the Raj
History and natural beauty are elegantly intertwined in this 130-year-old heritage property that was once home to the British Viceroys who ruled the subcontinent! Now operating under the modern banner of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, they open the Viceregal Lodge for visitors to admire.
Stroll along manicured garden paths through immaculate rose beds. Learn unique facts about life during high teas under high Burma teak ceilings from curious student guides. Chuckle at scandalous artifacts like custom-made golf holes and exclusive champagne bottles stashed in cellar corners. The expert escorts truly enhance the experience, bringing to life charming insider anecdotes that go beyond superficial grandeur. Do not miss it!
Built in 1888 with English Renaissance architecture Houses institute dedicated to humanities and social sciences Daily tours: morning, afternoon Entrance fee 50
3. Try traditional Garam Chai and snacks at Local Street Corner
What’s a hill station holiday without hearty local snacks and tea breaks? Instead of crowding commercial bakeries, you’ll find small wooden carts tucked along sidewalks where authentic Pahadi taste beckons for budget foodies like us!
Under the walnut trees are makeshift benches sharing piping hot garam chai, paired with more spiced nimbu namkeen chickpeas or spicy mooli pakoras tempura, baked to perfection by aunts in floral woolens. Laugh at complicated stories about naughty grandchildren as you wait through mild summer showers for that smoky chana toast from coal stoves.
Later, choose Himalayan wildflowers as memoir souvenirs from new friends, because the smiles shared over Chaipatti (tea and snacks) turns strangers into family here!
Try bun tikki (spicy potato patties), bhajji pakoras with chai Look for small carts near the Ritz cinema and Scandal Point
Peak evening hours after 4pm. Bring change 10-20 per snack
4. Admire the 38-meter-high Hanuman statue that towers over Shimla
Competing with Rio’s iconic Christ Redeemer lies the monumental symbol of Shimla, which majestically overlooks the hill station from the 2,400-metre Jakhu peak. High above the temple, dedicated to the revered monkey god Hanuman, stands India’s highest rendition of the deity, which inspires awe even among jaded visitors today.
Agile monkeys may harass you on the short uphill trek past golden temple bells and fragrant deodar forest. But sob out loud when the towering effigy emerges dramatically from the pine mist as you walk around the pedestal decorated with sacred symbols and flickering diyas offered by pilgrims. Against the blue sky behind, this modern icon reflects the resilience of faith that thrives across eras, regardless of external facelifts.
Bow humbly before the divine towering sky!
Completed in 2010 and 38 meters high
Facing east with views of Shimla town Short uphill walk from the main road Monkeys roam freely so safe belongings
5. Paddling and picnicking along the rapids in Chabba
Looking for Instagrammable landscapes without tourist crowds? Set off in just 30 minutes to the little-visited village hamlet of Chabba, known for its apple orchards and the tranquil spot of Rapids.
Gently dip your feet into the ice-cold water and watch the current flow over the pebble beds. Set up picnic baskets under the fruit trees and pose against a charming wooden bridge while avoiding photo bombers! Try to balance on slippery rocks mid-stream while giggling friends capture your screeching mishaps.
The soothing sounds of babbling river water washing away the stress of the city makes this secluded retreat an unforgettable soulful experience. Don’t forget to enjoy the juicy wild berries you’ll find here before you leave!
Drive towards Mashobra, park at the bridge. Bring your own snacks and water
Swimwear and dry clothes recommended Ideal months May-June, October-November
The takeaway
Shimla’s untouched beauty lies in smiling eyes crinkled against the winter winds, wisps of bonfire smoke carrying folk melodies, cozy Scarlett-red sunsets hidden behind feathered pines. Her legacy persists in unexpected places in everyday stories, beyond lifeless brick walls or forgotten statues that slowly fade away.
So take the time to look beyond planned routes… have conversations with shopkeepers and taxi drivers… write philosophies and watch rivers flow boldly over timeless boulders as you breathe in the earthy scent moist with possibilities.
Therein lies the real Shimla waiting to be discovered.