Things To Do
in Shimla
Shimla is a hill station and the capital of Himachal Pradesh, perched in the lower Himalayas and known for its colonial architecture, pine forests, and sweeping mountain views. The town's British-era buildings, including the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church, give it a distinctive historic charm alongside busy bazaars and Mall Road. Shimla is a gateway for treks, winter snow activities and nearby Himalayan excursions, drawing both local and international visitors.
The town combines relaxed mountain life with tourist infrastructure — cafes, markets and accessible day-trips — though steep streets and seasonal crowds shape the pace of travel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Shimla with a refreshing walk along the Mall Road, where the cool mountain air invigorates your senses. As you stroll, take in the stunning colonial architecture, with buildings like the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church standing majestically. Stop by a local café for a hot cup of chai and a traditional breakfast of parathas or poha.
After lunch, visit the State Museum to discover the rich history and culture of Himachal Pradesh, featuring artifacts and art that tell stories of the region. Next, explore the bustling Lakkar Bazaar, where you can shop for beautiful wooden handicrafts, woolen clothes, and souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills from Scandal Point.
In the evening, dine at a cozy restaurant along the Mall Road, where you can savor local Himachali cuisine while enjoying live music. After your meal, take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Shimla at night. End your day by gazing at the starry sky, with the cool breeze whispering through the deodar trees.
Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. The trek to the hill is invigorating, surrounded by tall pine trees and the chirping of birds, making it a perfect start to the day. Once you reach the top, visit the iconic Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and admire the impressive statue that stands tall.
After exploring the temple, enjoy a packed lunch at the hilltop, where the panoramic views create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Spend your afternoon taking in the serene environment, perhaps indulging in some photography or simply soaking up the sun. As you make your way back down, keep an eye out for playful monkeys that call Jakhoo Hill their home.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal with regional specialties like chana madra and siddu, which will leave you satisfied after your active day. Conclude the evening with a leisurely stroll along the Ridge, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps find a spot for a sweet treat.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.5-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
| 🎿Day activity / entrance fee (Kufri, parks) | $8-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful mountain scenery and pleasant climate for most of the year
- Rich colonial architecture, compact town center and easy day-trip options
- Good mix of cafés, markets and cultural attractions
- Access to trekking, snow activities and nearby nature areas
- Can get very crowded during peak seasons and holidays
- Narrow, winding roads and occasional landslide closures in monsoon
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end services compared with larger cities
- Higher prices and availability issues during major tourist influxes
- "नमस्ते (Namaste)" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "धन्यवाद (Dhanyavaad)" - Thank you
- "कितने का है? (Kitne ka hai?)" - How much does this cost?
- "मुझे मदद चाहिए (Mujhe madad chahiye)" - I need help
- "शुद्ध पानी (Shuddh paani)" - Drinking water / safe water
Places to Visit in Shimla
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic central promenade with open views of the surrounding hills, Christ Church architecture and busy street life — best at sunrise or blue hour.
Perched on Jakhu Hill with a giant Hanuman statue and sweeping views over the Shimla valley; good for wide-angle shots and candid scenes with monkeys (be cautious).
Imposing colonial-era building with formal gardens and panoramic hill backgrounds — architecture and landscaped grounds are photogenic.
Short drive from Shimla, offering open alpine meadows, horseback scenes and winter snow activities — ideal for mountain landscapes.
Forested waterfall and shaded trails give a different, more intimate mountain-nature feel — best during/after monsoon for full flow.
Bustling intersection with colonial-era vistas and local life; lively night lights add atmosphere for evening photography.
Food in Shimla
Shimla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Himachali dish of chickpeas cooked in a yogurt and aromatic spice gravy, rich and mildly spiced; found in local restaurants and dhabas.
Must-Try!
A steamed bread made from wheat dough, often served with ghee, lentils or chutney; available at local eateries and some bakeries.
Babru (a stuffed fried bread similar to kachori) and Tudkiya Bhat (a spiced rice dish with lentils) are regional favorites found in traditional sweet shops and Himachali restaurants.
Freshwater trout prepared grilled or fried in restaurants near Rohru and some Shimla eateries when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mall Road hosts bakeries, tea stalls and small restaurants; try hot momos, baked goods, chai and roasted corn. Lakkar Bazaar is great for snacks while shopping for wooden crafts.
Street vendors sell momos, thukpa, pakoras and local sweets; perfect for quick, inexpensive bites between sightseeing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Namaste' or a respectful greeting; smile and be polite. Avoid loud public behavior and respect elders.
Remove shoes and headgear when entering temples, dress modestly and follow any on-site rules; ask before taking photos of worshippers.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elderly; many are friendly but prefer to be asked first.
Bargaining is common in bazaars for handicrafts and souvenirs but be fair; fixed prices in shops and hotels are not typically negotiable.
Safety
Tipping in Shimla
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is discretionary but appreciated: 5–10% at restaurants if service is not included, small tips for hotel porters (INR 20–50) and guides/drivers (modest daily amounts).
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used in shops, markets and rural areas. Credit/debit cards and UPI/mobile payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and stores; ATMs are available in town but may be limited in nearby villages.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant daytime temperatures (10–25°C), clear skies and ideal conditions for sightseeing and treks; peak tourist season so expect crowds and higher prices.
Heavy rain and reduced visibility are common; landslides can disrupt roads and some trails may be slippery — travel with caution and check local advisories.
Stable weather, crisp air and clear mountain views — a great time for photography and outdoor activities with fewer tourists than summer.
Cold temperatures with frequent snowfall at higher elevations; excellent for snow activities and festive atmosphere but some roads or flights may be disrupted by snow.
Shimla at Night
Hiking in Shimla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short but steep hike to Jakhu Temple with great views of Shimla; popular for sunrise/sunset and macaque sightings.
Peaceful forested walk to Tara Devi Temple, offering panoramic views and a relatively easy trail for nature lovers.
Gentle trails through pine forests, apple orchards and golf-course scenery; excellent for birdwatching and photography.
Longer trek offering alpine meadows and sweeping Himalayan views; suitable for day-hikers and those seeking open landscapes.
Cool forest trail leading to a scenic waterfall — best after rains when the falls are in full flow and the surroundings are lush.
Airports
How to reach Shimla by plane.
Small regional airport about 22 km from Shimla with limited flights, subject to weather closures; located on a hillside—book early if using it.
Major airport ~110–120 km by road (3.5–5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions), with frequent flights and multiple car/bus connections to Shimla.
About 200–220 km away; useful if combining trips to Manali and Shimla but requires a longer drive.
Major international gateway ~350 km from Shimla; common entry point for international travelers, followed by road or train connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Local population primarily comprises Himachali/Pahari ethnic groups with distinct languages, customs and traditional occupations like horticulture and tourism services.
As a state capital, Shimla hosts government officials, teachers and service-sector workers contributing to the town's administrative and cultural life.
Large influxes of domestic and international tourists during peak seasons create a diverse temporary population with varied cultural backgrounds.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed across age groups; local grounds and school matches are common.
Trekking and Himalayan trekking preparation are very popular; many visitors use Shimla as a base for nearby treks.
In winter, skiing and snow activities in Kufri and nearby slopes attract enthusiasts, though facilities are more basic than major ski resorts.
Horse and pony rides are a popular recreational activity for tourists, especially around Kufri.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shimla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available — many hill-station dishes are vegetarian or can be prepared that way. South/Western vegetarian staples and Indian restaurant menus are common.
Vegan options exist but are less widespread; communicate restrictions clearly in Hindi/English. Gluten-free choices may be limited beyond salads, rice and lentil dishes — bring snacks if you have strict needs.
Stick to cooked hot foods and bottled water; avoid raw salads at small street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach. Use popular, busy eateries to reduce risk of foodborne issues.