Shimla

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Annandale

The playground of Shimla, Annandale sits at a comfortable 6,117 feet (1,864 meters); its grounds host a polo court, cricket pitch, and wide, grassy meadows perfect for picnics and group festivities.

Christ Church

Built in 1846, Christ Church is the second oldest church in north India. Well-maintained through the years, it appears much as it did upon unveiling, with tall, distinctive spires, a clean off-white exterior and a working clock. Its interior is decorated with a series of stained glass windows, as well as a fresco designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.

Dharamsala and Kinnaur

Near Shimla are several towns and settlements populated mainly by ethnic Tibetans who fled their homeland. One is Kinnaur, which sits on the border of Tibet. Another is Dharamsala, best known to the world as the home of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While both towns are 100 miles from Shimla proper, they remain worthwhile destinations, especially for those seeking a glimpse of authentic Tibet.

Jakhu Hill

A mile outside Shimla stands Jakhu Hill, the summit of which reaches 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), and affords a bird's-eye view of the surrounding Himalayas and Shimla town. Atop the hill is a temple to Hanuman, a Hindu monkey deity known for his loyalty and fidelity to Rama, and a prominent character in the Ramayana. Within the temple is a giant statue of Hanuman, one of the highest-standing statues in the world.

Shimla Mountain Train Railway

Built in the 1900s to connect Shimla with the outside world, the Kalka-Shimla Railway is a relic that evokes the British Raj in all its grandiosity and stubborn determination. Today, because of its excellent condition and its status as a significant feat of engineering, the railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are a number of roads leading to Shimla, travelers may appreciate the excellent, panoramic views offered by a ride on this historic railway.

Skiing

In the vicinity of Shimla lie the ski resorts of Kufri and Narkanda. Brought to the area in 1930 by the British, skiing has remained one of the most consistently popular pastimes in this part of India. The ski season runs approximately from January to mid-March.

The Mall

Closed to motorized traffic, the Mall is Shimla’s main commercial and nightlife district. Filled with bars, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, banks, and more, it is a bustling pedestrian center that attracts both visitors and locals alike.

Viceregal Lodge

Built in 1888, the Viceregal Lodge is a large mansion that once served as the summer residence for the Viceroy of India. A sprawling structure built in the Jacobethan style, the Viceregal Lodge features prominent Tudor arches, turrets, balustrades, and stone-trimmed windows and doors.