Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most popular hill stations in India. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, colonial architecture, and a variety of adventure sports. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or an adventure enthusiast, Shimla has something for everyone. From exploring the city's iconic landmarks to indulging in thrilling adventure activities, a tourist will get a plethora of exciting things to do in Shimla for travelers.
The Most Amazing Things to Do in Shimla: Indulge in the Rip-roaring Experiences
Some of the best things to do in Shimla include visiting the Christ Church, trekking to the Shaily Peak, exploring the Kiala Forest, skiing, paragliding, and camping. The city's vibrant culture and scenic beauty make it a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh throughout the year. Whether you want to seek blessings at the historic Christ Church or enjoy a thrilling adventure sport, Shimla has a diverse range of activities to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the picturesque landscapes of this charming hill station through these various excursions.
- Toy Train Ride in Shimla: Embark on a Spellbinding Journey
- Shopping in Shimla: Buy Some Remembrance for Loved Ones
- Ice Skating in Shimla: Show Your Moves on Ice with Your Skates
- Rafting in Shimla: Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here
- Trekking in Shimla: Leg Walks where the Heart Wants
- Forest Trail in Shimla: Paddle amidst the Wild Forest
- Skiing in Shimla: Ski Beyond Your Limits on White Slopes
- Camping in Shimla: A Night Amidst the Moon and Stars
- Shimla City Tour: Explore the Ancient Charm of the City
- Wildlife Safari in Shimla: Let’s Get a Wild Time This Year!
1. Toy Train Ride in Shimla: Embark on a Spellbinding Journey
A Toy Train ride in Shimla is a must-do activity for every tourist visiting the city. The train ride takes you through the beautiful hills, green forests, and picturesque landscapes of Shimla. The narrow-gauge railway track is over 100 years old UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the popular places to see in Shimla. As the train moves slowly on the track, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings, including snow-capped mountains, pine trees, and colorful houses. The train also passes through tunnels, bridges, and curves, adding to the thrill of the ride. It's an experience that you will cherish forever.
Places for Toy Train Ride in Shimla: Shimla, Kalka
Best Times for Toy Train Ride in Shimla: Throughout the year
Duration Needed: 5 to 6 hours
Toy Train Ride Starting Cost Per Person: INR 225 onwards
2. Shopping in Shimla: Buy Some Remembrance for Loved Ones
Lakkar Bazaar is a famous shopping destination in Shimla, known for its wooden handicrafts and souvenirs. The bazaar is located in the heart of the city and is always bustling with tourists and locals. There are many popular activities included in the Shimla things to do list and shopping comes as the topmost. You can find a variety of items such as carved wooden toys, walking sticks, keychains, jewelry boxes, and home decor items. The craftsmen at Lakkar Bazaar are skilled in their craft and use locally sourced wood to create unique and beautiful pieces. You can also try some local street food while shopping at the bazaar.
Places for Shopping in Shimla: Lakkar Bazaar
Best Times to do Shopping in Shimla: Anytime of the year
Opening Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Duration Needed: 2-3 hours
3. Ice Skating in Shimla: Show Your Moves on Ice with Your Skates
Ice skating is a popular winter activity and one of the best adventure sports in Shimla. The city has the largest ice-skating rink in India and attracts tourists from all over the country. The rink is located in the heart of the city and is open from December to February. The ice-skating experience is thrilling and exciting, especially for those who have never done it before. The rink also hosts ice hockey matches and ice-skating competitions during the winter season that one can witness with the amazing India tour packages.
Places for Ice Skating in Shimla: Shimla Ice Skating Club, Circular Road, Shimla
Best Times to do Ice Skating in Shimla: December to March
Opening Hours: 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm
Adventure Level: Easy, Moderate to Expert
Ice Skating Starting Cost Per Person: INR 100- 200 onwards
4. Rafting in Shimla: Get Your Adrenaline Fix Here
Tatha Pani is a popular rafting destination located near Shimla. The rafting experience in Tatha Pani is thrilling, challenging, and one of the most heart-pounding adventure activities in Shimla, it takes you through the rapids of the Sutlej River. The river is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and green forests, and you can also spot some local wildlife while rafting. The rafting experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, and it's an adventure that you will never forget.
Places for Rafting in Shimla: Tatha Pani, Shimla
Best Times to do Rafting in Shimla: April to June and September to November
Duration Needed: 4 hours
Adventure Level: Moderate to Expert
Rafting Starting Cost Per Person: INR 1500 onwards
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5. Trekking in Shimla: Leg Walks where the Heart Wants
Jakhu Temple is located on Jakhu Hill in Shimla, and it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The trek to the temple is steep and challenging and among the well-liked activities to do in Shimla, offering a breathtaking vista of the surroundings. The other famous trail takes to the Shaily Peak, located 23 km from Naldehra near Mahakali Lake, is one of Shimla's most stunning sights. Every year, thousands of adventure seekers go to the 8 km steep trail from Khatnol to the top. This summit is adorned with dense trees and rugged pathways. With the best of the Shimla vacation packages, one can try these other treks near Shimla including Karol Tibba Trek, Shaili Tibba Trek, Hatu Peak Trek, Tara Devi Trek, Summer Hill Trek, and Churdhar Trek.
Places for Trekking in Shimla: Jakhu Hill, Karol Tibba Trek, Shaili Tibba Trek, Hatu Peak Trek, Tara Devi Trek, etc.
Best Times for Trekking in Shimla: Throughout the year
Duration Needed: Depends on the trek and trail
Adventure Level: Moderate to Expert
Trekking Starting Cost Per Person: N/A
6. Forest Trail in Shimla: Paddle amidst the Wild Forest
A cycle tour to the water catchment, the Churdhar Sanctuary wildlife sanctuary in Shimla is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the city. The sanctuary is located near the city and is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, leopards, and musk deer. The cycle tour takes you through the scenic landscapes of Shimla, including the pine forests, apple orchards, and small villages. You can also stop at some of the local cafes and restaurants along the way to enjoy some local cuisine.
Places for Forest Trail in Shimla: Churdhar Sanctuary Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Times to do Forest Trail in Shimla: Anytime of the Year
Duration Needed: 4 hours
Adventure Level: Moderate to Expert
Forest Trail Starting Cost Per Person: Depends on the rent charges
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7. Skiing in Shimla: Ski Beyond Your Limits on White Slopes
Skiing is another popular adventure sport that you can enjoy in the best places to visit in Kufri while exploring Shimla. The city has several ski resorts that offer a variety of skiing experiences, from beginner slopes to advanced runs. The snow-capped mountains and the picturesque landscapes of Shimla provide the perfect setting for a skiing adventure, especially in Kufri. Skiing as one of the best things to do in Kufri allows the skiers to dive down the best slopes in the region.
Places for Skiing in Shimla: Kufri
Best Time for Skiing in Shimla: December to February
Duration Needed: 1-2 hours
Adventure Level: Moderate to Expert
Skiing Starting Cost Per Person: INR 300-500
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8. Camping in Shimla: A Night Amidst the Moon and Stars
Camping in Shimla is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. The city has several campsites that offer a variety of camping experiences, from luxury tents to basic camping facilities. Camping in Shimla is an enthralling experience that satisfies the hunger of adventure seekers in the middle of nature. You can camp under the stars, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Shimla, and enjoy a bonfire with your friends and family. Camping as one of the best things to do in Shoghi is a bit of heaven on earth, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas that will refresh your mind, body, and spirit after a long day of work.
Places for Camping in Shimla: Shoghi, Mashobra, Jubbal, Rampur, and Narkananda
Best Times for Camping in Shimla: April to June and September to November
Duration Needed: 1 day or more
Adventure Level: Leisure
Camping Starting Cost Per Person: Depends on the campsite and class
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9. Shimla City Tour: Explore the Ancient Charm of the City
Shimla is a renowned tourist destination due to the gorgeous view of snow-capped mountains, ancient tourist attractions, and sporting activities. Exploring the Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Jakhu Temple, and Kufri are among the most famous things to do in Shimla for couples. One can visit nearby places as well when traveling to this region of the state. Shimla is an ideal place for people looking to get away from the rush of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains.
Places for City Tour Shimla: The Ridge, Mall Road, Mall Road, Shimla State Museum, Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, Himalayan Bird Park, Viceregal Lodge
Best Times for City Tour in Shimla: Throughout the Year
Duration Needed: 2 –3 days
10. Wildlife Safari in Shimla: Let’s Get a Wild Time This Year!
Exploring the Kiala Forest in Shimla is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the city. The forest is located near the city and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including oak and rhododendron trees, and several species of birds and animals. You can also indulge in some bird watching in Shimla or take a leisurely walk through the forest to enjoy the serene surroundings. The Kiala Forest is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat.
Note: Photography is not allowed here.
Places for Wildlife Safari in Shimla: Kotkhai, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171202, India.
Best Times for Wildlife Safari in Shimla: March to October
Duration Needed: 3-4 hours
Wildlife Safari Starting Cost Per Person:
Shimla is a city that's full of surprises, and there's never a dull moment when you're exploring this charming hill station and trying the top 10 things to do in Shimla. Whether you're traveling solo, with family or friends, the city's diverse range of experiences will leave you with memories that you'll cherish forever. From taking a stroll through the vibrant markets to seeking blessings at the historic temples, or indulging in some breathtaking adventure excursions, Shimla has something for every traveler. So, plan your next vacation to this beautiful city by availing yourself of the most amazing Shimla tour packages for experiencing the magic of the town on your own.
FAQs
The best things to do in Shimla include Toy train rides, ice skating, skiing, camping, rafting, cycling, and shopping.
The best months to go skiing in Shimla are between December to February when the whole region of Kufri is covered with snow.
The best things to do in Shimla for couples include camping, sightseeing, shopping, rafting, hiking, and trekking to difficult terrain.
Yes, Shimla has a few of the best trekking trails available including Jakhu Hill, Karol Tibba Trek, Shali Tibba Trek, Hatu Peak Trek, Tara Devi Trek, etc.
One can go river rafting in Tattapani which is 50 km away from Shimla. Rafting in Sutlej River is not a job of novice rafters, one has to be experienced to try their hand on raft here.
The top 5 places to visit in Shimla for tourists are The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Annandale, Kufri, and Chadwick Falls etc.
Between the months of December and February, Shimla receives snowfall. As a result, it is possible to engage in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sledding.
Shimla is a treasure trove of options for shopping. Shimla's specialties include handicrafts, woolen products, and traditional antiques, as well as handmade paper, historic gems and jewels, and Himachali headgear.
