Best things to do in Shimla

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a year-round theme park with rides, adventure sports, and suitable snow activities in the winter.

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.

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.

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.

Behold the lush, pine-covered hills of Green Valley, a popular attraction with great photo opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for rare and majestic creatures: yaks graze in the area and snow leopards occasionally cross roads between the forests. If you see any street food trucks, be sure to try their unique dishes, only found in the region.

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.

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.

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.

Watching monks chanting and meditating at Dorje Drak Monastery will fill your heart and soul with serenity. Nestled on a scenic hillside, the monastery was built in 1984 after the original one was destroyed in the Chinese invasion of Tibet. It belongs to the Nyingma order, one of the ancient schools of Tibetan Buddhism.