Things to Do in Shimla: 13 Best Experiences

Quick answer

Walk the Ridge and Mall Road, climb to Jakhoo Temple and tour the Viceregal Lodge for Shimla's colonial story. Ride the Kalka–Shimla toy train at least one way. Day trips to Kufri, Mashobra, Chail or Narkanda add mountain views. Most sights are free or cost under ₹100; transport is the main expense.

13 things worth your time in Shimla

01
Kalka–Shimla toy train
Experience
A UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge line climbing 96 km through about 100 tunnels and hundreds of bridges, with Barog station the classic stop.
5–6 hoursFrom under ₹100 in second class to several hundred rupees in premium chair cars
Book on IRCTC as soon as your dates are fixed; weekend and holiday seats sell out weeks ahead.
02
The Ridge and Christ Church
Landmark
Shimla's open square, with the neo-Gothic Christ Church, consecrated in 1857, and views to the snow peaks on clear days.
1–2 hoursFree
Early morning is quiet and clear; evenings are crowded but lively.
03
Mall Road, Scandal Point and Gaiety Theatre
Landmark
Colonial shopfronts, the 1887 Gaiety Theatre and the Raj-era promenade that defines Shimla.
2 hoursFree; small fee for theatre tours
Vehicles are banned on the Mall; use the passenger lift from Cart Road to save a steep climb.
04
Jakhoo Temple
Landmark
A Hanuman temple at about 2,455 m, Shimla's highest point, with a 33 m statue visible across town.
2 hoursFree; ropeway roughly ₹250–500 return
Monkeys snatch glasses, phones and food. Carry nothing in your hands, or rent a stick at the base.
05
Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study)
Landmark
An 1888 Scottish-baronial mansion that hosted the Simla Conference of 1945, now a research institute with lovely lawns.
1.5 hoursSmall fee for guided tours
Only parts are open on guided tours; check timings, as it is closed on some days.
06
Lakkar Bazaar
Shopping
A woodcraft market just off the Ridge, good for walking sticks, toys and carved boxes.
1 hourFree
Prices are negotiable; compare two or three shops before buying.
07
Kufri
Day trip
About 16 km from Shimla at roughly 2,600 m, with the Himalayan Nature Park and snow in winter.
Half dayHorse rides roughly ₹500–1,000 at posted rates
The horse trail to Mahasu is muddy and crowded; the nature park is the better stop.
08
Mashobra and Craignano
Nature
Forest walks and apple orchards 13 km from Shimla, far calmer than town.
Half dayFree
Pair with Naldehra's golf course a few kilometres beyond.
09
Chail
Day trip
About 45 km away, the former summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, with a cricket ground at about 2,444 m.
Full daySmall fee at the palace grounds
Take the Kufri–Chail road one way for forest views.
10
Narkanda and Hatu Peak
Day trip
About 65 km up the Hindustan–Tibet road, Hatu Peak (about 3,400 m) has a wooden temple and big Himalayan views.
Full dayFree
In January and February Narkanda has small ski slopes and much better snow than Shimla.
11
Tara Devi Temple
Landmark
A hilltop temple near the highway into Shimla with valley views and fewer crowds than Jakhoo.
1.5 hoursFree
Stop on the way in or out by road to save a separate trip.
12
Annandale and the Army Heritage Museum
Landmark
The flat ground where the British held races and polo, now home to an army museum on Indian military history.
1–2 hoursFree; photo ID required
Entry rules change; check opening days locally before going.
13
Tattapani hot springs and Sutlej rafting
Day trip
Hot springs on the Sutlej about 55 km from Shimla, with gentle rafting in the drier months.
Full dayRafting about ₹1,000–2,000
Rafting stops in the monsoon; ask about water levels before driving down.

How should you plan Shimla?

Shimla stretches along a ridge for about 12 km. The heritage core, meaning the Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Lakkar Bazaar and Scandal Point, is pedestrian-only and walkable in a day, though steep. Jakhoo, the Viceregal Lodge and Annandale sit at the edges, a short taxi ride or a long walk away. Day trips run east to Kufri, Mashobra and Narkanda, and south to Chail.

How do you get there from Delhi?

Train plus toy train: the Kalka Shatabdi reaches Kalka in about 4 hours; connect to the Kalka–Shimla railway for another 5–6 hours. Seats sell out on weekends and holidays.
Road: about 350 km, 7–9 hours by car or Volvo. Chandigarh to Shimla is about 115 km, around 3.5–4 hours on the four-lane road to Shoghi.
Flight: Shimla's small Jubbarhatti airport has limited flights from Delhi and frequent weather cancellations. Chandigarh is the reliable airport.

How do you get around?

Private vehicles are not allowed on the Mall or the Ridge. Use the passenger lift between Cart Road and the Mall, local buses or taxis from the stands below the Mall. Parking in town is scarce and expensive, so park once at your hotel and walk.

What is overrated?

Kufri's horse trail, which is crowded and muddy most of the year, and the evening crush on the Mall in May and June. Go early, or go to Mashobra and Narkanda instead.

Shimla's best views come in October and November, after the monsoon has cleared the air. Summer brings haze from the plains.

Time your visit with the best time to visit Shimla, choose a base from where to stay in Shimla, and compare with things to do in Manali and things to do in Dharamshala. For packaged Himachal trips, see our India tour packages.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kalka–Shimla toy train worth it?

Yes, at least one way. The 96 km ride through about 100 tunnels is slow, at 5–6 hours against 3 by road from Kalka, but the views, Barog station and the heritage experience make it worthwhile, especially uphill. Book premium chair-car trains early on IRCTC, and drive back down if you are short of time.

How many days are enough for Shimla?

Two nights covers Shimla town and one day trip to Kufri and Mashobra or to Chail. Three nights lets you add Narkanda or the toy train both ways without rushing. Many travellers combine Shimla with Manali over five or six nights, with an 8–9 hour drive between them via Mandi.

Can you see snow in Shimla?

Shimla town usually gets a few snowfalls between late December and February, but not every year and rarely before Christmas. Kufri and Narkanda, higher up, are more reliable, and Narkanda has small ski slopes in January and February. If snow is the priority, keep dates flexible and watch forecasts a week ahead.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.