Shimla - 9 Attractions You Must Visit

A flat terrain in Shimla, Annandale has been developed as the playground of the city. It is located approximately 3 kilometers away from the Ridge and is used to play cricket and to organize picnics, Golf, and Polo. It is quite a scenic spot as it gives a picturesque view of the Shimla city and its surroundings are occupied by deodar trees, oak trees, etc. Annandale is famous because earlier the British used this as a play ground for racing, polo, cricket and other entertaining activities.

Green Valley is a picnic spot in Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British regime. It lies on National Highway 22, 7 km away from Shimla on the way to Kufri Hill station. This site is easily noticeable for those who are travelling from Shimla to Kufri. As the name suggests this valley surrounded by small mountains with pine forests is as green as one can imagine.

Hatu Peak is the highest peak in the entire Shimla district, located in Narkanda. Surrounded by majestic mountains and covered in a dense green blanket of sky-touching cedar and fir, Hatu Peak may just be paradise on earth. The forest is a mixed one, comprising a varied population of deodar, fir, spruce, cedar, and blue pine; but is mostly renowned for its colorful apple orchards. The Hatu Mata Temple rests atop the hill on Hatu Peak and holds great religious significance to the locals.

IIAS structure was built as home for Lord Duffein, who was the Viceroy of India during 1884 and 1888. The place has witnessed major historic decisions including Shimla Conference (1945) and the Separation of Pakistan and East Pakistan (1947). After independence, the building was renamed as ‘Rashtrapati Nivas’. It was used as a summer retreat by the President of India. Later, it was converted into a research centre for Indian culture, religion, humanities and social and natural sciences.

An ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, Shimla's highest peak, at a height of 2,455 m (8,054 ft) above sea level.

The famous Kalibari Temple of Shimla is a popular tourist destination, and is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is also known as Shyamala. This majestic temple was built in the year 1845 and it is from the name of the Goddess Shyamala that Shimla derives its name. This religious spot is very famous in Shimla and people coming here make it a point to visit the temple, which is located in Jakhu Hill. It is set amidst the lush green forests of Shimla and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Summer Hill is an extremely beautiful place. The place is surrounded by tranquil and quiet hills, which give it a magnificent aura. The hill has been associated with Mahatma Gandhi, since his visit to Shimla. He used to live here, at the Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, which stands adorned with beautiful architecture. The very-famous Himachal Pradesh University is also situated at the Summer Hill only.

The Ridge, nestled in the heart of Shimla, boasts an excellent hill-top location with a mix of traditional colonial architecture, panoramic scenic beauty, hassle-free atmosphere and lush vegetation. It is just a short stroll away from the famous Mall Road and has everything that you need to make the most of your vacation.

The Viceregal Lodge, Shimla is the most historically significant and architectural impressive building of the region that makes for a pleasant half-day excursion. The Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the British Raj leader who governed the whole of the Indian subcontinent between 1888 until 1946. Within the Viceroy Lodge many significant decisions from this era about India were devised, discussed and agreed upon.