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Places to visit in Shimla
Shimla, known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a fantastic spot that combines stunning views, rich culture, and a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Check out this 2-day itinerary inspired by our recent trip from Chandigarh to Shimla, sprinkled with some personal stories to make your experience even more enjoyable!
Day 1: Arrival, Mall Road Exploration, and Christ Church
Journey from Chandigarh to Shimla
We started our journey early from Chandigarh and reached Shimla in the afternoon. The scenic drive through the winding mountain roads was a delight to the eyes. Upon arrival, we checked into the Snow Valley Resort, which had breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
Lunch at Snow Valley Resort
After a quick drink break, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the resort’s indoor restaurant. The warm hospitality and delicious food rounded out our trip.
Mall Road
After lunch, we headed straight to the most amazing, vibrant shopping street in Shimla. Wandering around the busy streets, we had some snacks at a local cafe and bought some famous bakery items.
Christ Church
Mall Road’s neighborhood market had something for everyone—crafts, leather goods, and souvenirs. After a bit of shopping, we visited the beautiful Christ Church, a gem from colonial times, famous for its incredible stained glass windows. The church lit up beautifully at sunset, making it the perfect backdrop for photos.
We returned to the resort and ended the day with a relaxing evening and beautiful views from our balcony.
Day 2: Adventure and Serenity in Kufri
Kufri Amusement Park
As we made the short journey from Shimla to Kufri, our day started off to a good start. We had a great day ziplining and reverse bungee jumping at Kufri Amusement Park, our first destination. It was an awesome beginning to the day!
After that, we went to the Kufri viewpoint to enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains. We stopped at a local hilltop cafe for a nice cup of tea and Maggi and captured some of the best shots on our way back. The pine trees appeared in an orange light as the sunset made memories that will last a lifetime.
Dinner at Kufri Restaurant
We enjoyed a filling dinner at the well-liked Kufri Restaurant, which is well-known for its tasty local dishes, before heading back to our resort.
We also looked around the local market and bought some interesting souvenirs to remind us of our journey.
Day 3: Jakhoo Temple and Departure
A foggy morning at the temple of Jakhoo
On our last day, we went to the well-known Jakhoo Hanuman Temple, which is perched atop Jakhoo Hill. The drive was pleasant despite the chilly mountain air and hazy weather. The temple’s calm ambiance was enhanced by the towering Hanuman statue and the amusing monkeys. Here, we enjoyed some quiet time while taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
With our hearts full with amazing memories from Shimla, we checked out of the resort and headed to Kullu-Manali, our next stop.
Every moment felt like a story waiting to be told in Shimla, where the hills are painted in shades of gold by the sunrise.
The Top 5 Places to visit in Shimla
1. Mall Road: For a combination of dining, and shopping.
2. Christ Church: An architecturally amazing historic landmark.
3. Kufri Viewpoint: For stunning Himalayan landscapes.
4. The serene Jakhoo Temple is a place with heavenly emotions.
5. Kufri Amusement Park: An ideal destination for those who love adventure.
Ways to Reach Shimla
- From Chandigarh (approx. 113 km)
- By Bus/Car: A 3.5–4 hour drive on the NH5, with beautiful views of the hills in between
- By Train: Take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train for a history ride after boarding a train to Kalka.
- By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport, which is roughly 22 kilometers from Shimla, has a few flights.
- From Delhi (approx. 342 km)
- By Car/Bus: NH44 and NH5 provide an 8 to 9-hour drive that is perfect for overnight trips.
- By Train: From Delhi, travel to Kalka by train, and then continue on the toy train to Shimla.
- By Air: Drive to Shimla after taking a flight to Chandigarh Airport.
- From Kalka (approx. 89 km)
- By Train: Travel through tunnels and mountains for five to six hours on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
- By Road: A bus or taxi ride that takes about two and a half hours, with regular service.
These routes provide a variety of convenient ways to get to places to visit in Shimla from nearby towns.
We had a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation,history, and divine insight during our short vacation in Shimla. This itinerary, which includes brief descriptions of places to visit in Shimla, might help you make the most of your vacation to this charming hill station if you’re planning a trip. Read the next article for our trip to Kullu-Manali!