Things to Do in Shimla

Shimla, one of India’s most visited holiday destinations, offers plenty of options for you to have fun! Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, a nature lover, a religious person or a kid who wants some simple pleasures, Shimla has something to offer for everyone. You visit Shimla and come back fully satisfied. At least, that’s what my experience has taught me.

For the history buff

Shimla has a rich colonial past, so you could visit all the old British structures and enjoy the architectural beauty of these buildings. The Town Hall, the Viceregal Lodge, Gorton Castle, Rothney Castle are all worth visiting.

For the trekking, hiking enthusiast

Go for a long walk neat the Glen, which was once a playground for the British officers. There is also a meadow at Annandale, which is a famed venue for polo and cricket enthusiasts. It is a fun walk along these places. Prospect Hill, which is about 4 km towards the west of Shimla, is also a great place to go trekking. Walking paths are available as well for those who want to take in nature’s beauty along the way. Summer Hill is two km away on the Shimla-Kalka rail line, and offers some pleasant walking opportunities. Serious trekkers can take Shimla-Chail, Jalori Pass and Shimla-Junga paths, but these should be avoided during the monsoons.

For river rafting

If you love river rafting, there is no place like Shimla. Head to Tattapani, which offers scintillating rafting sessions.

Shopping

No one who comes to Shimla can miss the shopping experience at the Mall Road. There are plenty of local handicrafts available along this stretch. It is the place to go to, if you intend buying woollen stuff or artefacts for friends and family back home. Want some wooden handicrafts? Lakkar Bazaar is where you can get some. You could also visit the Tibetan Market if you want to pick up carpets, jewellery and other souvenirs.

Coffee!

So you are done shopping and want some coffee? There’s no better place to go than the quaint Indian Coffee House, which is an institution by itself in Shimla. You can find waiters in uniforms, a menu written on a blackboard, all reminiscent of the Raj era.

 Go ice skating

This is a rarity, and a must-do, if you visit Shimla. The rink is one of Asia oldest and the only open-air one in India. However, it is functional only between December and February, so if you are a skating enthusiast, head there during these months.

Religious places

St. Michael's Cathedral, Shimla (Photo Courtesy: clubmahindra.com)

Shimla has its share of temples and churches, so if you are religiously inclined, there are enough places for you to choose from. There are Buddhist monasteries, the famed temples of Jakhu, Bhimakali, Kalibari, Tara Devi, and Sankat Mochan among others you can visit. You could also visit the famous Christ Church and St Michael’s Cathedral while you are there.

Don’t worry about accommodation options; there are plenty of hotels in Shimla you can check in to. However, it is best to make prior reservations because it is a tourism hotspot.