Perhaps the most welcoming of all hill stations, Shimla is aptly called “the queen of the hills”. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and was once the summer capital of British India. This quaint little hill station was just another lost paradise in the Himalayas before the British discovered it in the early 1800s.

Situated in the southwestern Himalayan range at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, Shimla is found on seven main hills, namely Observatory Hill, Inveram Hill, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Bantony Hill, Jakhoo Hill and Elysium Hill. .

The top ranked hotels in India are found in Shimla. Some of the older hotels have preserved their colonial architecture and are reserved throughout the year.

Shimla has a large number of places for travelers and tourists of all kinds. The best ones are listed below:

1. Summer Hills: a picturesque and exceptionally beautiful town, situated at an altitude of 1283 meters. It’s just a few miles off Ridge Road on the way to Kalka. The place is away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla and surrounded by quiet hills. This place is ideal for people who love long, quiet walks and appreciate both solitude and good company.

2. Jakhoo Hill – Shimla’s highest peak, at an elevation of 8000 feet, Jakhoo Hill is a place teeming with pilgrims and nature lovers alike. The top of the hill has a newly built statue of Lord Hanuman along with the temple of Jakhoo. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the temple. Alternatively, you can hire taxis.

3. Chadwick falls – This famous waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest with lush green trees and pine trees that amplifies the immense beauty of the waterfall.

4. Lakkar Bazaar: This colorful market is famous for its woolen garments, handicrafts, nuts and Kullu shawls. A trip to Shimla is not complete without shopping at Lakkar Bazaar.

5. Kufri: At 2,622 meters above sea level, Kufri is rightly called the capital of winter sports. Winters in Kufri see a lot of footfall due to skiing and ice skating.

6. Shimla State Museum: Located in Mount Pleasant, it is famous for its colonial architecture. Applauded for its rich heritage, the museum has preserved ancient artifacts, paintings and sculptures.

7. The Ridge: The ridge runs along Mall Street and is located in the center of Shimla. It offers a breathtaking view of the many mountains that surround Shimla. Also, you can see the Church of Christ, one of the oldest churches in North India.