Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal Pradesh

Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal Pradesh: Shimla has always been the dream destination for Indians to visit once in their lifetime. Earlier when we used to hear someone going to shimla for holidays, they used to be very rich people for us, but now the time has changed and visiting top travel attractions in shimla himachal pradesh is not a dream anymore.

whether you are honeymoon couple who are planning their honeymoon, or you are thinking of taking your family to shimla for holidays, In this article, We will talk about Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal Pradesh that are worth visiting.

Quick and short history of Shimla Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Britishers declared Shimla the summer capital of British India in 1864. The climatic conditions and pleasant weather of Shimla attracted Britishers to establish their summer capital here and several important meetings took place here before independence as well. Himachal Pradesh was declared a state in 1948 after the integration of princely states in India.

Most of the part of Shimla used to be dense forest area during the 18th century. There was only a temple named Jakhu temple and a few hamlets. In 2018, the State government also decided to change its name from Shimla to Shyamla but after the negative response from the public, the state government had to take its decision back.

Shimla got its name from shyamla devi, an incarnation of Goddess kali. People also believe stories like shyamla means blue house that was made by a fakir, and it was the only house that used to be here and from that blue house came the name shimla.

Now you must be familiar with the beautiful capital of Himachal Pradesh, it’s time to dive a little deeper into the top 10 travel destinations in Shimla Himachal Pradesh.

Chadwick Waterfalls

The first among Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal pradesh is chadwick waterfalls. If you are a nature lover and want to spend some quality time in peace, this place is for you. The waterfall is nestled amidst lush green hills, dense forests and also a wonderful view point from where you can enjoy a really beautiful view of the city.

Chadwick waterfall is just a kilometre away from Shimla railway station and only 10 kilometres away from Shimla Airport. You can visit the waterfalls anytime in the year. However, if you want to witness the beauty on its peak, you must visit Chadwick waterfalls in the rainy season. The waterfall is located at an altitude of 1585 metre from sea level and water cascades from a height of 100 metre making it mesmerising.

The Ridge

The ridge is a beautiful stretch located in the heart of shimla. This is a wide and long road where all the eateries and other tourist attractions of shimla are located. This is quite a happening and rejuvenating place in the whole shimla. Tourists come, wander, eat and enjoy the view of the hill town as this place is situated on high altitude.

During cultural fests the vibes are quite different here. Be it any time of the year, you will always see a crowd here.

Green Valley among Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal Pradesh

Green Valley is another beautiful destination in Shimla to visit and witness the beauty of lush green valley adorned with pine and deodar trees. People stop here to enjoy the beautiful view of this valley. The valley is located on the way from Shimla to Kufri. You can stop here to enjoy the food available at stalls erected by the road.

The view from here is really amazing, the air is refreshing and you will enjoy spending time here.

Kufri: among Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal Pradesh

Kufri is another major tourist attraction among the top 10 tourism attractions in shimla himachal pradesh. The word kufri comes from ‘Kufr’ which means lakes in local language.

This place is 20 kilometres away from the capital city of shimla. Kufri forms the golden triangle along with shimla and chail. You can enjoy here several adventurous activities and if you are lucky enough, you will also witness and enjoy snow fall here.

Every year, winter sports festival is organised here in the month of February. This winter sports festival is major attraction among the tourists in Kufri.

places that you can visit and explore in Kufri are Himalayan Nature Park, Mahasu peak, Indira Tourist Park, and shimla water catchment wildlife sanctuary. There is also an adventurous park called Kufri Fun world here you can enjoy different adventurous activities like skiing, Zip line etc.

Tara Devi Temple

Shimla is not only for adventure lovers and honeymoon couples but also for those who has deep faith in Hinduism and goddesses. Tara Devi Temple is another spot that almost all tourists visit and seek blessings of goddess Tara Devi.

Tara Devi Temple is nestled 7200 feet above sea level and the temple is 12 kilometres away from shimla. This temple has himalayan range in the backdrop. On one side, there are forests, and on another side is a road.

This temple was built by the kings of the Sen Dynasty. It is said that king Bhupendra sen had a dream in which the goddess asked him to erect template in the temple so everyone could seek the blessings of goddess Tara Devi. King Bhupendra Sen also installed a wooden statue of Tara Devi in the temple. Later on, King Birbal Sen had a dream in which Tara Devi asked him to establish the temple on Tarav hill and the king did the same and he also installed the statue of Ashtadhatu meaning made of the alloy of eight metals.

Himachal State Museum

Himachal State Museum reciting the tales of history of shimla and himachal pradesh is another unique location to visit for tourists. The state museum used to be the house of Lord William Beresford, a military secretary of Lord Bentick. Himachal State Museum has its own cultural significance.

The place exhibits different art forms, culture, costumes of himachal Pradesh. It has collection of ancient terracotta art pieces, jewelleries of chamba, costumes of places like sirmaur, collection of ancient coins and so on.

The state museum is divided into 5 different galleries that are Pre historic, wall painting, wood carving, Archaeology and Numismatics.

It is only a few kilometres away from the airport and only one kilometre away from Shimla Airport. Tourists can easily reach here and explore the history of Shimla and Himachal pradesh.

Jakhoo hills: places in shimla

Jakhoo hill one of the most popular among the Top 10 tourist attractions in shimla himachal PradeshLocated on a height of 2500 metre from the sea level, it is the highest point in shimla. Visitors come here to enjoy the lush green and snow capped mountains. Nestled on the top of the city, this place really has awesome vibes that attract visitors.

Jakhoo hill is at a walkable distance from The Ridge. The place also has the old Hanuman statue and temple at its peak.

Several Mountaineering and trekking programmes are also organised here by the state tourism department in Jakhoo hills.

Jakhoo Hanuman Temple and Statue

Jakhoo Hanuman Temple and Hanuman Statue lies on the top of the Jakhu hills. The Temple is believed to have been built by Yaaku Sage. The attraction of the temple is the 108 feet tall Lord Hanuman statue. To reach the temple, tourists have to climb the 300 metre long steep trail which is covered with dense forests from all around.

The place is lit during dussehra. As several Pooja and Programs are organised by the Priests here. It si said that Jakhoo hills used to be double the size of what it is today but it shrank as Lord Hanuman stepped here while his search for Sanjeevani Buti in the Himalayas.

Kali Bari Temple

Kali Bari Temple is a centre of devotion for all the tourists who come to shimla. This goddess kali Temple was built by a Bengali Brahmin in the 18th century that’s why it is similar to that of Kolkata. Initially, the temple was built on Jakhoo hills which later was shifted to Bantony hills by british.

The temple has statue of goddess kali known as Shyamlal after which the city Shimla has been named.

Shimla Kalka Toy Train Ride

Though this is not a place or a destination but this Narrow gage toy train ride must be in your list if you are visiting shimla. This beautiful train ride from Kalka to shimla gives you an opportunity to look closely different landscapes and the diverse beauty of Shimla.

Included in the UNESCO World heritage site, this toy train passes through 100 tunnels, 800 bridges and runs for around 60 miles.

During British Period, Shimla used to be the summer capital and it was not possible to commute easily to this place. The available routes was quite dangerous.

To make it easily accessible, Britishers started this narrow gage toy train in 1903 and since then the train is running successfully.

Final words: Top 10 travel attractions to visit in Shimla Himachal Pradesh

Shimla a dream destinations for tourists is definitely worth visiting and has a lot to offer for its visitors. Tourists of all interests get something here. This place has temples, Amusement and Adventure Fun Park, beautiful toy train, lush green valleys and snow capped mountains which mesmerise tourists.

If you are planning to visit shimla, You must include these places in your itinerary.

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