Still preserved from earlier times, the colonial-style buildings, narrow lanes, fresh air, and sunshine say it all about Shimla as one of the top hill stations in India. It remains a peaceful place, away from the rush of city life, where calmness and simplicity fill the days.
The route to Shimla usually begins from Kalka, a town at the foothills, before going upwards through Parwanoo, Solan, Kandaghat, and Shoghi to reach the hilltop. It takes about three hours, with winding roads lined by pine forests and small hillside towns along the way (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES).
At the hilltop,
resorts and hotels are available for overnight stays, where waking up to
chilly, misty mountain views is a highlight. Even without going anywhere,
sitting outside the resort or looking out from the balcony feels peaceful and
mesmerising, the kind of stillness that makes Shimla one of the most loved hill
destinations in India.
Must-Do in
Shimla, India
Kufri Horse Ride
There can’t be a better must-do in Shimla than the horse ride, with two main
options. One to Jakhoo Hill and the other to Mahasu Peak. Both provide
different experiences yet share the same excitement of riding uphill on a horse. The Kufri Pony Ride is about 45 minutes’ drive from Shimla during off-peak
season. It is well organised and often included in a Shimla sightseeing tour,
with transport provided both ways.
Kufri Horse Ride
to Mahasu Peak
The horse ride begins in Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla. The starting
point is reached by walking down a short slope, which can be wet and slippery
during winter. Local guides assist in getting onto the horses. Language may be
limited, but simple signs and a few English words make communication possible.
The ride takes around 20 minutes each way. The route is narrow and muddy, with potholes, rocks, and forest stretches along the way. Riders move steadily uphill through nature, passing other horses on the same trail. It is important to hold firmly and stay balanced on the saddle, especially along uneven sections.
Mahasu Peak
The ride ends at the entrance of Mahasu Peak, one of the main tourist
attractions in Kufri. An entrance fee is charged before walking up the broad
stone pathway lined with stalls selling snacks, winterwear, and local
souvenirs.
At the top of
Mahasu Peak, a wide panoramic view of Shimla and the Himalayan ranges spreads
out. The area can get crowded, as many gather for photos and short breaks. The
return horse ride follows the same route downhill, ending where it began. It
remains one of the most recognised and memorable things to do in Kufri.
Attractions in Shimla, India
When in Shimla,
it is apt to include the top sites in Shimla. These locations highlight
Shimla’s unspoiled nature and show the best of Shimla.
Kufri Excursion
After the Mahasu Peak Pony Ride, a slow walk of about 15 minutes leads through
slopes and forested trails. Along the way, there are hillside views of Shimla
town, seasonal wildflowers, and local stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. At
the main Kufri area, there is the Himalayan Nature Park, home to Himalayan
monals, deer, and other wildlife, and broader vistas of Shimla and surrounding
peaks.
In winter, there are snow play and sledding areas.
Viceregal Lodge
(Rashtrapati Niwas)
About 20 minutes’ drive from The Ridge, the central open space in Shimla, is
the Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas). Built in 1888 as the summer residence
of the British Viceroy of India, it is a colonial-style building set in
spacious landscaped gardens with stone stairways, sloping roofs, and wide
lawns. Today, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) and can
be visited.
The lodge reflects British-era architecture and views of Shimla’s hills and town.
Jakhoo Temple
Located at the highest point in Shimla, Jakhoo Temple is known for the giant
Hanuman statue. From the height of Jakhoo Hill (about 2,455 metres above sea
level), there are views of the Ridge, Mall Road, rooftops of colonial
buildings, and much of central Shimla. On clear days, distant hills and
surrounding forests are also visible, but the main view is of Shimla town.
Kalka-Shimla
Toy Train Ride
The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train starts at Kalka, a town in Haryana at the foothills
of the Himalayas, and ends at Shimla, the hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
There are short rides and full journeys. Short rides, such as Shimla to
Taradevi, take 45 minutes to 1 hour and give nice views of forests, hills, and
small villages.
The full ride from Kalka to Shimla takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through many bridges, tunnels, and curves along the hills. The train travels through pine forests and quiet villages, showing how people live in Himachal Pradesh.
Mall Road - Shimla
After a day of things to do in Shimla, heading to Mall Road, Shimla in the
evening is ideal. The street becomes even more lively and attractive at night.
Hundreds of people, including travellers, walk along the long stretch. Walking
up and down for about 10 minutes is usually enough to get a good feel of this
area in Shimla.
Both sides of Mall
Road are lined with shops and food stalls. Street food in Shimla makes it for what
to eat in Shimla. They range from ice cream and Indian sweets to classic Indian
snacks, made fresh and served hot. Food can be eaten at the shops or while
walking around. Indian products are part of shopping on Mall Road, and
bargaining is a must.
(Indian Street Road, Mall Road, Shimla, India)
