Historical Places in Shimla

The erstwhile British ‘Summer Capital’ is packed with colonial-era architectural marvels, picturesque hilly hotspots, and a toy train tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Things To See & Do

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride

Pass through Dramatic Landscapes
Built in 1903, the toy train is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It halts at 20 stations and covers 103 tunnels and 800 bridges, within 96 kilometres.

5 to 6 hours

Suggested Time

Christ Church

Christ Church

Soaked in Colonial Charm
Apart from being a major tourist destination for religious people, it is a much sought-after place for its colonial architecture. Nature buffs can also discover secret points to relish gorgeous views.

1-2 hrs

Suggested Time

Viceregal Lodge

Viceregal Lodge

A Colonial Pride
Once the residence of British Viceroy of India, this place takes one back in time to the era of British Raj, displaying ancient articles, photographs and artefacts.

2-3 hrs

Suggested Time

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Luxurious Heritage Hotel
The Oberoi Cecil is a luxurious heritage hotel, located in Chaura Maidan. Built over a hundred years ago during the British rule, it has been restored to every last detail.
Kalibari Temple

Kalibari Temple

Ancient Kali Temple
Kalibari Temple of Shimla is home to an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Many tourists throng this place because of its religious significance.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Visit the Gaiety Theatre

Visit the Gaiety Theatre

Historic Building
Restored between 2004 and 2009, Gaiety Theatre is a noteworthy theatre housing 320 seats which was opened in 1877.

1 – 2 hours

Suggested Time

Jhakoo Hill

Jhakoo Hill

Steeped in Religious History
Perched on the tallest hill in Shimla, this spot is popular for its religious significance, scenic views, and memorable sunrises and sunsets.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Woodville Palace by WelcomHeritage

Woodville Palace by WelcomHeritage

Beautiful Heritage Hotel
Woodville Palace is 3 kms each from Shimla Railway Station, and Jakhu Temple, 5 kms from The Mall, 6 kms from Viceregal Lodge, and 7 kms from The Ridge.
Himachali Rasoi

Himachali Rasoi

Authentic Local Thali
Located on the Mall Road, the cute little restaurant serves cheap and simple vegetarian food that you can enjoy in a nice ambience. They’re known for serving ample portions.
Town Hall

Town Hall

Ancient Palace Museum
Found on the Mall Road, the stunning building is a treat for the enthusiasts of architecture and photography. The structure hasn't been renovated much so it'll take you years behind.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Reserve known for rare flora and fauna
The Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a reserve known to be Asia’s largest watershed. The reserve is popular for its wildlife and wide range of flora and fauna. The park is home to animals such as deer, jackals, leopards and many more.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

The Army Heritage Museum

The Army Heritage Museum

Museum offering displays based on army history
The Army Museum in Shimla is known for its collection of ancient weapons, ammunitions and much more and gives insight into army life. The museum has galleries which have a collection of army uniforms, armour, weaponry, flags and more.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Himalayan Bird Park

Himalayan Bird Park

Home to rare and exotic birds
The Himalayan Bird Park is a national park in Shimla, home to rare birds. Located in the heart of the city, this nature park is flocked with tourists throughout the year. One can take a walk around the park and spot some of the most exotic birds and other wildlife animals.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Shimla Heritage Museum

Shimla Heritage Museum

Insights into a bygone era!
The Shimla Heritage Museum is a museum known for its rare artefacts, paintings, sketches, and pictures highlighting the city of Shimla pre-independence, back in the early 1800s. Spot paintings and pictures featuring attractions such as Gaiety Theatre, Barnes Court, Town Hall, The Ridge and much more!

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Himachal State Museum

Himachal State Museum

An ideal place for art lovers and experience seekers
Learn about the glorious past of Shimla at the Himachal State Museum. One of the top attractions of Shimla, the Himachal State Museum is known for its cultural significance and is an ideal place to know about the vast history related to the ‘Queen of Hills.’ The museum was once the residence of Lord William Beresford, a military secretary of Lord Bentick. The major highlight of the museum is that it is divided into 5 main galleries, which are categorised as Pre-Historic, Woodcarving, Wall painting, Archaeology and Numismatic Gallery. One can find a wide variety of heritage paintings, photographs, sculptures, and coins here.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Shimla State Museum

Shimla State Museum

History of Himachal Pradesh
The colonial period building which was a residence earlier is home to a vast collection of handicrafts, coins and other items brought in from the state as well as the whole country.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Shimla

All-year-round destination

  • MAR-JUN

    Peak Season

  • OCT-FEB

    Moderate Season

  • JUL-SEP

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant weather throughout the day followed by colder nights.
  • Things You'll Love:Sightseeing, paragliding, hiking, camping, and trekking.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Ice Skating Carnival ShimlaDecember

Shimla Summer FestivalMay

Book Your Trip to Shimla

From

Travel Options to reach Shimla

Our Recommendations

Flight to Shimla Airport

1h . One way

Booking Options Starting From

₹5,404

BOOK NOW

Bus to Shimla

7h 45m . One way

Booking Price

₹570

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Stay in Shimla

Recommended Options

VIEW ALL

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹2,687

EXPLORE
The Hosteller Shimla

The Hosteller Shimla

Mall Road

4.1/5

₹1,178

Onwards

Honeymoon Inn

Honeymoon Inn

Mall Road

4.4/5

₹4,200

Onwards

Hotel Grand White near ISBT Shimla

Hotel Grand White near ISBT Shimla

Tutikandi

3.9/5

₹2,684

Onwards

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹4,977

EXPLORE
Snow Valley Resorts

Snow Valley Resorts

Kachi Ghatti

4.3/5

₹3,704

Onwards

Hotel Willow Banks

Hotel Willow Banks

Mall Road

4.2/5

₹6,302

Onwards

Snow Valley Heights

Snow Valley Heights

Kachi Ghatti

4.7/5

₹4,927

Onwards

5 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹14,000

EXPLORE
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Tavleen, Chail

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Tavleen, Chail

Chail

4.5/5

₹14,000

Onwards

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Shimla

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Shimla

Patenglee

4.5/5

₹13,000

Onwards

Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla

Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla

Jugo

4.6/5

₹15,000

Onwards

More about Historical Places in Shimla

If you're craving for a great vacation, you should plan a trip to Shimla, where most of the travellers go in the months of March, April, May and June. Shimla has a great many things to do or places to visit and you can plan your perfect vacation around exploring Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and Kalibari Temple. Scheduling your trip around the moderate season in the months of October, November, December, January and February, you will cherish chilly weather with temperatures ranging between 8°C and -6°C. If you wish to have a grasp of their culture and practices closely, travel around these months: December and May. You will be able to witness their grand festivals: Ice Skating Carnival Shimla and Shimla Summer Festival. Take a break from your mundane routine and unwind in Shimla to make some lovely memories!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Shimla

What is the best time to visit Shimla?

Ideally the best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions are delightful. For Shimla, you can choose to go in March, April, May and June which is the peak season and October, November, December, January and February which is the moderate season. Both will serve you well to unwind from your tedious routine.

Which are the best heritage places to explore in Shimla?

The best heritage places in Shimla are Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla. You will have an amazing time exploring these heritage places in Shimla and will definitely come back home with a bag full of lovely memories.

What are the best places to visit in Shimla?

The most loved attractions in Shimla are Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge and Kalibari Temple.