Shimla also known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Once the summer capital of British India, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, completed in 1903. It’s also known for the handicraft shops that line The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the Lakkar Bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts.
10:00am-12:00pm : Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Take a visit to a time when Britain ruled in India at Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The campus and all of its buildings remain from the time of the British occupation, providing a great way to see the architecture and art from the time period. Take a stroll around the gardens and observe the buildings from the outside, then head into the museum section to admire a collection of artifacts and art from the past several centuries.
12:00pm-2:00pm : Viceregal Lodge
A trip to Viceregal Lodge allows you to examine some of the most evocative articles and photographs from the British rule in India. Completed in 1888, this historically significant building was built in the Jacobethan style by the British architect Henry Irwin. Visit the staterooms that show how the entire building has been transformed into a university complex, or walk through the immaculately maintained gardens that surround the former Indian viceroy's summer residence. A short walk west of the estate you'll find the summit of Observatory Hill, which provides panoramic views over the region.
2:30pm-4:30pm : The Glen
5:00pm-5:30pm : Daulat Singh Park
10:00am-12:00pm : Annandale Army Heritage Museum
Get a glimpse of the history of Indian army at Annandale Army Heritage Museum. Surrounded by a dense forest and golf course, this modest, one-story museum features an interesting collection of weapons, uniforms, and flags, as well as dioramas. Check out the adjoining greenhouse with a large and diverse collection of cacti, and don't miss the chance to walk around the tranquil gardens. A small onsite cafe offers refreshments. Note that this is an army site, so bring your passport.
12:30pm-2:30pm : Annandale Ground
Find a rich display of military memorabilia and a vibrant floral display as you walk through the museum and golf course at Annandale Ground. Step inside the museum to find weaponry, military uniforms, flags, and portraits of significant army figures. Take a peaceful stroll through the surrounding golf course to see military vehicles, grassy plains, as well as a greenhouse housing plants such as cacti.
3:00pm-5:00pm : Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
See history come alive on stage at Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, one of the last of its kind in the world. Built in gothic style, this theater offers an unforgettable experience, teaching you about history and Indo British culture through plays, exhibitions, or recitals. Experience the combination of excellent acoustics and attractive architecture, which creates an amazing effect. Visit the photo gallery in the complex and see what the theater looked like in the previous century.
10:00am-10:30am : Monument Rani Jhansi
Monument Rani Jhansi honors the martyrdom and heroism of Lakshmibai, a brave queen of Jhansi and one of the leaders of the first Indian rebellion against the British Crown. The bronze, equestrian statue carved by Faqir Charan Parida of Haridwar is 4.6m (15ft) tall and represents the fierce young queen with her child. The surrounding park features a small kid's playground and makes a good place to take a break from shopping on the adjacent mall road.
11:00am-1:00pm : Jakhu Temple
At Jakhu Temple, see the red 33 m (108 ft) tall idol of the Hindu deity, Hanuman. Locals believe that Hanuman, also known as the Monkey Lord, brings fortune to those who embark on an uphill trek to reach his sacred refuge. At an altitude of 2,455 m (8,000 ft), the ancient temple also harbors its most peculiar denizens--monkeys--who signify the god's omnipresence. However, be sure to secure all your belongings when you reach the site, because these creatures are known to take anything they can get their hands on. Before leaving the temple, ring the bell for good luck before descending back to the city.
1:30pm-3:30pm : Christ Church
Built in the 19th century to serve the area's British community, Christ Church features an unmistakable neo-Gothic style, with stained glass windows and one of the oldest pipe organs on the Indian subcontinent. The church's white facade stands out brightly in the sunlight and lights up during the night, so there's no chance you'll miss it while touring the area.
3:30pm-5:30pm : The Ridge
Stroll down The Ridge, a huge walkway running alongside Mall Road, a famous shopping center. The west end of the walkway joins with this major road, with the east end housing a bazaar filled with wooden crafts. In between, the walkway abounds with shops, food vendors, and landmarks. Keep your eyes peeled for a 19th-century neo-Gothic church and an early 20th-century library. You can also locate three statues of important local figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.
10:00am-11:30am : Sankat Mochan Temple
Enjoy the meditative atmosphere at Sankat Mochan Temple. Set against the backdrop of emerald-green hills, the picturesque temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Admire the meticulously decorated facades before heading for the main hall where you'll be offered prasad. The huge terrace offers panoramic views of the valley. The temple was built in 1966 on the initiative of Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj--who also has a small temple here dedicated to him--and his followers.
12:00pm-2:00pm : Hanuman Temple
At Hanuman Temple, find respite from the overcrowded city of Shimla while enjoying views of the surrounds that are well-worth a steep hike up. This small, hilltop temple features a huge, bright orange statue of the monkey god that dominates the surrounding countryside. Keep your belongings close and out of the reach of curious monkeys, the temple's perkiest residents.
2:30pm-4:30pm : Tara Devi Temple
Visit Tara Devi Temple and enjoy sweeping views of the Himalaya valley and verdant peaks beyond. Relax in the peaceful surroundings and serene atmosphere of the temple, built over 250 years ago atop a lush hill. Remember to remove your shoes upon entry to the site, and beware the light-fingered monkeys in the area, who apparently won't hesitate to take your phone.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Himalayan Bird Park
At Himalayan Bird Park, you can observe some of the rarest Indian birds, including the former state bird of Himachal Pradesh-- the iridescent Himalayan monal. Among the exotic residents, you will see peacocks, pheasants, and peafowl. Nature lovers won't be happy to see that the birds are kept in rather small aviaries.
10:00am-12:00pm : The Mall
When in Shimla, take a stroll down The Mall, the city’s busy main street, and check out its shops and restaurants. Visit the local emporiums to shop for vibrant traditional clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, or browse the boutiques and department stores. Hunt for bargains, visit the old amateur theater, sample an array of local delicacies, or just go for a walk and take in the bustling, lively atmosphere in the heart of Shimla.
12:30pm-2:30pm : Kali Bari Temple
Enjoy a view of the Himalayas and a city panorama amid lush greenery at Kali Bari Temple, a famous hilltop pilgrimage site and one of the oldest temples in Shimla. Painted in intense red, orange, and white colors, the temple houses a blue wooden image of the goddess Kali, hugely symbolic for devotees seeking holy blessings. Built upon the foundations of an old temple dedicated to the goddess Shaymala and discovered by British engineers in the early 19th-century, Bengali pilgrims converted the site into a Kali temple in 1845. During festival times, you can see the temple bustling with thousands of devotees.
3:00pm-5:00pm : Jakhoo Hill
11:00am-1:00pm : Mohan Shakti Heritage Park
Sculptures may be the major attraction of Mohan Shakti Heritage Park, but the tourist site also features recreations of old Indian villages. Don't be surprised to see swastikas depicted all over the place--it's the ancient Hindu symbol of luck.
1:30pm-3:30pm : Jatoli Shiv Temple
10:00am-12:30pm : Himalayan Nature Park
Showcasing a vast range of western Himalayan vegetation and wildlife, Himalayan Nature Park offers a great place to spot rare animals, camp, or simply take in the sweeping views of the Himalayan range and its snow-clad peaks. Sprawled across 90 ha (222 ac), the park was established in the place of a former musk deer farm in 1992. It offers home to nearly 180 species of animals and birds, including snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Kashmir stag, barking deer, and Himalayan monal--the state bird of Himachal Pradesh.
1:00pm-3:00pm : Kufri Fun World
This is a year-round theme park with rides, adventure sports, and suitable snow activities in the winter.
3:30pm-5:30pm : Shimla Heritage Walk
Do you want to go for a Nature Walk? Do You want to go on a Heritage Walk? Are you looking for a Cycling trail in teh Himalayan foothills? Do you want to add a different experience to your Holiday when you visit Himalaya? Do you want to stay at a local house where you are treated as a Royal Guest? Knock us as Shimla Walks and enjoy the experience? Kindly read the Tips for Tourists carefully. Happy Walking.........