As the sun caresses the snow-capped peaks with its gentle touch, and the cool breeze carries the sweet scent of pine, a mystical dreamland beckons just a stone's throw away from the bustling town of Shimla. Welcome, wanderers, to a realm where nature's palette comes alive, painting a picture of enchantment and wonder with every step you take. Shimla, the amazing hill station, is a treasure trove of beauty and surprises. Explore the hidden gems of Shimla's nearby places, offering breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. Here, we present the top beautiful places to visit near Shimla, where you can lose yourself in the magic of your upcoming Shimla Trip.
Jakhoo Temple - Just 7km from the railway station, this temple is a must-visit place for Lord Hanuman devotees. Legend says this is the place where Hanuman ji took a rest while returning to Lanka, carrying Sanjeevani mountain. Currently, there is a temple and a 108-foot-tall statue of Hanuman-Ji that protects Shimla from the bad eye & danger.
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Baba Bhalku Rail Museum - If you want to live in the classic past or want to know how old railways look like then this Bhalku Rail Museum is the place for you. Just 1 km from the Shimla Railway station, is built in the memory of Baba Bhalku who is a skilled and blessed worker. The museum has cautiously preserved lost and found registers and boxes. The old English clocks, cutlery and train parts from the early 20th century.
Chadwick Falls - Imagine walking hand in hand with your partner in the woods, where the gentle sound of leaves blends with the distant waterfall's soothing melody. Doesn't it sound romantic? 7 km from Shimla, this Chadwick waterfall is located in the Glen forest. There is a narrow trail which leads you to the magnificent waterfall. One more thing is that water isn’t drinkable so avoid dipping & drinking.
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The Ridge of Shimla - It's one of the prime locations of the city. It's the venue for most of the functions, fairs, and celebrations. Just 6 km away from the bus stand can make your day if you visit it during summers as there is the most famous Summer festival.
Himalayan Bird Park - If you are a bird lover then you have to consider visiting this place which may surely seem like heaven to you. It's just 2 km away from the city's bus stand. There you would be touched by the overwhelming beauty of the diverse flora and fauna. The park has many birds including some endangered species. This tourist place near Shimla is a must visited place and just takes an hour of your time. So, do put it in your list.
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Johnnies Wax museum - If you have visited Shimla and haven't been here then you have surely missed out on something really special and amazing. Have you ever thought what a selfie with Mahatma Gandhi would be like or a photo with Iron Man? At this museum as its name explains the exhibits it holds. It charges a maintenance fee of 250 per person and the entry of children below 5 years is totally free. It's a unique and amazing experience. It's just 1.8 km away from Shimla Old Bus stand.
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Kufri -It is the place which slips of people's tongue when it comes to best places to visit in Shimla but it's a bit far from the Old bus stand. At a distance of 19 km is a place that attracts thousands of visitors starving for nature's beauty. If you are an adventure lover then you will love to try hiking and skiing here.
Kiala Forest -Do you prefer exploring places on foot???? Well, this place is meant for you. Even if you are a tourist with loads of luggage then you could use the locker facility available. Just a Smartphone in your pocket and a great photograph waits for you in the woods.
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Christ Church - Well, Shimla is famous for most of the attractions sites and it's always been on the top ten lists. When you will be standing right in front of Christ Church you will be looking at the architectural masterpiece built in the British era. The simple yet eye-catching design was built aiming to spread the preaching of Christianity.
Green Valley - Have you been working the entire week and are following a burning out schedule? Then just visit 8 km from Shimla Railway station to be green. This is a must-visit place to recharge yourself and fill with the enchanting beauty of the green humongous mountains. This place is an ideal location for photography and this place can contribute to your next thousand likes on social media!!!!
Chail - A journey of 45 km can lead to your next desired place. As you all know it's famous as the world's highest cricket stadium which was built in 1893 and is at 2444 m above the sea level. There is Chail Wildlife Sanctuary where one could spot marvellous birds with attractive feathers. Then there is little adventure stuff like trekking and camping for breath-taking experiences.
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Viceregal Lodge -There is one more astonishing architectural monument from the British Era which was built for Lord Dufferin. It's also called Rashtrapati Niwas. The built is majestic as it was supposed to be resident for the Viceroy of India. Now the lodge is just an exhibit of royalty. If you want to pay a visit to the lodge then it's just 3 km away from Shimla Old bus stand.
The Toy Train Ride - This is going to be one of the best adventures of your life and that should undoubtedly be included in the Shimla package for couples. The trains travel with a speed of 25-30 km/h and pass through 102 tunnels, around 870 bridges and more than 20 stations on its way. The ride will bless you with nature’s beauty. The ticket costs 500/person and one should book it one month prior to the ride via IRCTC the concerned stations are Kalka (KLK) and Shimla (SML).
The Mall road - The most famous road in Shimla and it's the most important one too. The Mall road connects most of the places mentioned in this blog and it's a big hub for people who want to get in touch with the culture at the market.
Kali Bari Temple - The Kali Bari Temple is one of the most famous tourist and devotees attractions in Shimla. The temple is a Kali dedicated temple and she is also called Shyamala. The temple is situated in Jakhu Hill. It is a must-visit for all the devotees as the journey becomes more prosperous after the blessing of the goddess. Moreover, one would fall in love with the green lush environment.
Lakkar Bazaar - Life is all about creating memories and if you want to seal your trip to Shimla then you must purchase wooden artefacts as souvenirs. Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its wooden decorative items. After the trip is over and when you look at the souvenir everything will flashback and you will relive the beautiful moments again.
St. Michael's Cathedral Catholic Church - The holy place is close to the Old Shimla Bus Station and just below the District Court. It dates back to the Victorian Era, 1886. It was the first Roman Catholic Church built in the hill station. The Church is beautifully built and designed which is the reason for the visitors attracted by the Church.
Naldehra - Just a drive of 23 km from Shimla and you will be away from hustling and crowd into a small town. Naldehra is everything that Shimla is not – serene, green and ever so fascinating. One would get amazed by looking at the everlasting green golf course. It's not just about the terrain but nature's peaceful voices that make your soul joyful.
Tattapani - It's 52 km from Shimla and just 29 km from Naldehra but you won’t regret the extra mile because this place is one of the most famous tourist attractions sites. This place has vivid features to feed your explorer ego. Tattapani got hot water springs, river rafting, boating and much more. Trekking is one of the most famous adventure sports activities. The roads which are more likely to be trekking paths will take you on a beautiful journey and offbeat places near shimla surely witness the cherish-able sceneries.
SkyJumper Trampoline Park Shimla - A crazy weekend can go crazier if your kids step into this place. This place has tons of crazy jumping activities with trampoline, free jump, basketball, wall walk, and dash car. The place is a complete family pack where adults could rest at the lounge cafe while their kids jump around. The cost of tickets is based on the amount of time you want to spend.
The Scandal Point, Ridge - It's the meeting of the mall road and the Ridge. So, if you have any plans on visiting either of them then do check the place out. There is a church which you can surely visit. One of the most important things is to breathe while walking through the ways. The fresh air will make everything worth it.
Rothney Castle - At a distance of 15 km away Shimla's old bus stand the castle flourishes amidst the greenery. The chirping birds welcome you as you step up the steep slopes of Jakhu Hill. This place was once the home of the famous British officer Allan Octavian Hume. He was the founder of Indian National Congress and is credited to be the father of Ornithology. The castle is not alone the attraction but the wild berries and blooming beautiful flowers put a feather on the hat.
Shoghi - At a short drive of 15 km from Shimla you will reach a small suburb, Shoghi. It is a place which is famous as a landmark for numerous temples. It's a perfect place for a spiritual break. The place not only holds spiritual value but its also famous for its camping and trekking. If you love to buy indigenous products then you will be delighted by purchasing pickles and jams which are locally home prepared.
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Himachal State Museum - The city museum is a couple of kilometers far away from the Old Shimla Bus Station. The building has been a resident of British officials but after independence, it was a residence of Government Officials. On 26 January 1974, it was transformed into a museum with an aim to preserve the heritage of Himachal Pradesh. There are lots of Pahari and Rajasthani miniature paintings. Moreover, the Mughal paintings have been put on display as well. The museum also hosts a library with more than 10000 books, journals, and magazines. When you step into the museum it will take you to the pre-Independence era and you will be exploring historical stuff.
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Do these places not sound remarkable?! Start planning your Shimla holiday package and set off; there's plenty you can include in your itinerary here!