Viceregal Lodge

On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge which is also called Rashtrapati Niwas. This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. The palatial building was the venue for many important decisions which changed fate of the sub-continent. This lodge was completed in 1888. it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This is a six storey building is surrounded by well maintained gardens and lawns. A cafe is also there. The lodge has now been converted into institute of Advanced study. The lodge is further 2 kms from state museum.

The Kamru fort is a silent sentinel, situated at a fearsome altitude of 2,600m above the sea level. This place is at a distance of 229-km from Shimla, and is a dense cluster of houses, surrounded by fields and orchards.

The Maharaja of Chail built the Palace in Chail in 1891. The Maharaja’s palace was converted into a heritage hotel when it was purchased by Himachal Tourism in 1972. it covers a wide area of 75 acres with a regal setting that offers spectacular views. You can have a perfect holiday at this majestic hill station in the luxurious and spacious rooms.

Once the capital of the princely state of Baghal, Arki has witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area. Arki became the stronghold of an invading force of Gurkhas during the ‘Gurkha Wars’ that ended in 1815-16. The highlight of the fort are its muralled interiors, executed in1850 under Raja Kishen Chand.

Christ Church, Shimla The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. The silhoutte of this can be seen on the skyline for miles around. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844, but consecrated only after 1857. The clock was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860, and the porch added in 1873.

State Museum, ShimlaAs you walk on along the Mall, you’ll reach the Himachal State Museum, a colonial building set in spacious lawns.It has a good collection of coins, photographs, local handicrafts and other items. The doll gallery consists of a collection of Himachali bride and tribal dolls while the collection of Pahari miniature painting is also worth a look.

The steep climb to Jakhu Hill, east of the city centre, will get you the best view of Shimla from an altitude of 2,445m on your travel vacation in Shimla. An especially elevating sight to be seen from here is the sun rising.

The hill is topped by the Jakhu Temple which is dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman (see Ramayana for more on this much loved god).

This stands in the quieter part of the city called Chhota Shimla, or Shimla Minor, and is the residence of the Governor of HP. A perfect English country house, the building was formerly known as Barnes Court after Sir Edward Barnes, commander-in-chief in 1832-33.

This large rambling building with half-timbered gables has a Moorish ballroom and decorations by Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling. Lord Napier of Magdala, Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hugh Rose all lived there.

Tattapani is a relaxed little village, offering a variety of attractions for those in search of rest, recreation and soft adventure. A series of small hot sulphur springs pop up along the right bank of the river Sutlej over an area of one square kilometre.

BKasauli is a good detour between Shimla and Kalka, and is often called lesser Shimla. It is the first hill station you see as you approach the Shimla hills on the toy train and is easily recognized by its huge TV tower. This pretty hill resort is a picture of tranquility, soaked in the charm of chir pines, firs, rhododendrons, oaks and willows, ideal for a travel trip in Kasauli. Kasauli is marked by roads and old-fashioned bungalows in secluded gardens which have been with the same family for years.

Sankat Mochan Temple another shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Sankat Mochan Temple is situated 5 km down the Shimla-Kalka road. The temple offers beautiful views of Shimla and also has a campus worth visiting. Every Sunday, a 'Langar' or open kitchen is organized here.

Situated at a distance of approximately 20 km from Shimla, Tara Devi temple is connected to the city by train, bus and motorable road. You can also trek through a shorter route (5 km) through dense forests to reach the temple. It also offers panoramic views of the city and is also a very a popular picnic spot.

Close to the Mall Road of Shimla lies the Kali Bari Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Shyamala Devi. Pilgrims throng this temple, especially during Diwali Festival and Durga Puja.

The activity center of Shimla, the Mall is located near the Ridge and Scandal Point. There are a number of emporiums, showrooms and restaurant here, along with the Gaiety Theatre that is built on the lines of old British theatres and is used as a center of cultural activities. Shimla Mall has three cinema halls, a Roller Skating hall, Billiard Rooms and video game centers. It is also the chosen venue for Summer Festival in June, Ice-skating in December-January and Winter Carnival of February. One can also visit the exhibitions and craft fares going around in the area quite frequently.

Shimla Summer HillLocated at the altitude of 1283 meters, on Shimla-Kalka railway line, Shimla Summer Hill is an extremely beautiful place. The place is surrounded by tranquil and quiet hills, which give it a magnificent aura. The hill has been associated with Mahatma Gandhi, since his visit to Shimla. He used to live here, at the Georgian House of Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur, which stands adorned with beautiful architecture. The very-famous Himachal Pradesh University is also situated at the Summer Hill only.

Kalka Shimla Toy TrainShimla Toy Train running between Kalka and Shimla is a world heritage site included in UNESCO list. This 96 kilometer long narrow gauge track has historical importance in the development of railways in India. This antique train started in the year 1903 attracts tourists for its distinct look and glamour. Shimla Toy Train is showcase of human efficiency and dint for the train runs in such a tough terrain that only by superior technology such thing is possible.

These are the 67 metres high water falls which come streaming down from the Summer Hill. The falls are set amidst thick forest at a height of 1586 metres. The falls are at their best after monsoons. You can go and explore the tracks in the forest on your own, deodar trees line the forest. There are also some old temples closeby and a fair is held here in April every year.

Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. One can see Sambar, Goral and Cheer Pheasants at Blossom and Jhaja. Visitors are welcome to the Cheer pheasant breeding centre at both these places. Barking deer and Kalijin in the forests are sure to meet and greet the visitors at dusk and dawn. Trekking from Chail to Gaura and Chail to Jhaja is common and rewarding as one is sure to see wildlife and beautiful snowy peaks. Range Officer Wildlife Chail and his staff welcome the visitors and assist the wildlife lovers to see wildlife in the sanctuary area.

Kufri is a well-known tourist resort near Shimla. Many tourists visiting Shimla also visit Kufri where a nature park has been established. In this park rare varieties of Hangal, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, rare species of Monal and other pheasants are kept in social groupings.