What to Do in Shimla

12 Things To Do In Shimla

The things to do in Shimla are really interesting and give you lots of fascinating adventures. This is more a tourist spot where you enjoy the nature in its serenity rather than a commercial center. So the things to do in Shimla are based on the activities related to natural surrounding like sports activities, trekking and skiing.

1. Shopping is Shimla may not be profitable as things are quite expensive due to the additional charges of taking them to such great altitudes. However, there are some traditional handicrafts, woolen garments, carpets and jewelry that will add to your collectibles and will be a memorable item for ever.

The shopping areas of Shimla are the Mall, the Lakka Bazaara and the Subzi Mandi. If you want to buy the Tibetan wares you have to visit the Tibetan market Kusumpti located at a short distance of 6 kilometers from the main city.

2. When you are at Shimla experience the spectacular sunrise. As you watch out of your window in the early mornings, you can watch the snow slowly drifting away and the sun peeping out from the darkness. Especially for people from places of tropical climate, the distant snow clad mountains will be a source of enthusiasm.

3. Take leisurely forest walks on the lonely road in the Green Valley region. The pine forests have thick pine and coniferous trees and these areas are undisturbed by pollution. Walking amidst them in the wilderness with no other sound than the chirping of the birds will make you feel heaven on earth.

4. If you go to Shimla in winters, then you can enjoy playing in snow. The white blanket of snow will cover the city and this will certainly be a wonderful adventure. But good thermal wares are needed to enjoy this extreme Shimla climate.

5. Have a walk down the Mall, just to watch the lives of the people there and to meet the natives of the land. It will be amusing to notice that the elevator is used as a mode of transport to the Mall. There is a public elevator where you pay to reach the Mall at a good altitude. This elevator is placed in the roadside and is connected by another one. After traveling through these two elevators, you can reach the Mall easily. Alternatively you can also climb the steps on the road sides.

6. The things to do in Shimla will not be fulfilled without a journey in the Kalka to Shimla mountain railway. This is a narrow gauge railway that winds its way along the mountain path offering picturesque views that will be a feast to your eyes.

7. Explore the heritage of the land and catch the glimpses of the rare manuscripts and artifacts in the state museum and library houses.

8. Visit the religious places in Shimla, the Christ Church here is best known for its fascinating architecture and you will also love the mischievous but harmless monkeys of the Hanuman Temple called Jakhoo Temple.

9. The bird watching in Shimla is a good activity. You can see some rare varieties of birds here and there is a small collection of exotic pheasants in the Himalayan Bird Park located opposite the Viceregal lodge entrance. The state bird of Himachal Pradesh is iridescent monal pheasant and you can see that bird here.

10. Watch a show at the Gaiety Theatre where the shows are organized by the Shimla Amateur Dramatic Club.

11. Join the festivals and celebrations of Shimla. The important festivals celebrated here are Lavi, Rohru, Halog, the Winter Sports Festival and the Summer Festival. These festival times are filled with music and dance of the land.

12. Enjoy skating and skiing on the pack of ice in winter. The Ice Skating Carnival is organized in winter season and is one of the major attractions of Shimla. There are ski resorts in Fagu and Kufri. These things to do in Shimla add color to your life.

Last Updated: 15/06/2012