Activity
Things to do in Shimla
12 sights, walks and activities, 8 of them free.
- Things to do
- 12
- Free
- 8
- Best months
- Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
Things to do in Shimla
Christ Church on the Ridge
Free30 minutes
The open square at the top of Shimla, with the yellow Christ Church, mountain views and crowds out walking.
Jakhoo ropeway to the Hanuman temple (return)
₹490–₹650 per person1 hour
Representative photo · Amar Husain · CC BY-SA 4.0
Viceregal Lodge guided tour
₹200–₹250 per person1.5 hours
The grey stone 1888 summer home of British viceroys, now an institute, with wood-panelled halls and lawns.
Representative photo · Philip Nalangan · CC BY 4.0
Himachal State Museum
₹20–₹50 per person1.5 hours
A colonial mansion housing Pahari miniature paintings, sculpture, coins and Himachali textiles.
Photo: SpeakingArch · CC BY-SA 4.0
Army Heritage Museum at Annandale
Free1.5 hours
A museum in the Annadale army area on the history of the Indian Army, with old weapons and uniforms.
Tara Devi Temple hilltop
Free2 hours
A hilltop temple to Tara Devi above Shoghi, with views back over Shimla and the surrounding hills.
Photo: Sapna Sony · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kali Bari Temple
Free30 minutes
A Kali temple on a hill near the Mall, built by the Bengali community, with views over the town.
Jakhu Temple
Free1.5 hours
A Hanuman temple on Shimla's highest hill, with a giant orange Hanuman statue visible across the town.
Gaiety Theatre
45 min
A restored Victorian theatre on the Mall from 1887, where plays still run in its small ornate hall.
Good to know
- Kalka–Shimla toy train: closed until 30 Nov.
- Snow in Shimla town is unreliable (usually January–February); for a near-certain snow day go up to Kufri or Narkanda.
- Free sights can still charge for parking, shoes or a camera.
Questions
What are the best things to do in Shimla?
Walk the Ridge and Mall Road; Christ Church on the Ridge; Walk up to Jakhoo Temple; Jakhoo ropeway to the Hanuman temple (return); Viceregal Lodge guided tour; Himachal State Museum.
What can you do for free in Shimla?
Walk the Ridge and Mall Road; Christ Church on the Ridge; Walk up to Jakhoo Temple; Army Heritage Museum at Annandale; Glen nature trail; Tara Devi Temple hilltop.
What is the best time to visit Shimla?
Oct–Dec, Mar–Jun. Avoid Jul–Aug.
How many days do you need in Shimla?
2 nights covers the main sights at an easy pace; from Delhi that fits a long weekend or a Friday-to-Sunday trip.