Shimla, known as the "Queen of Hills", has a rich colonial history. While in Shimla, one can soak in the scenic views of snow-capped mountains, green hills, pine and deodar forests, as well as enjoy the unique architecture of their old buildings, large houses and bazaars. The varied topography of Shimla consists of mountains, valleys, springs and rivers. It is a great destination for adventure seekers, with many sports activities.
Camping : To experience the true essence of Shimla, one has to spend sometime in a comfortable but outdoorsy accommodation. Although Shimla has an excellent topography for trekking, camping is also a popular thing to do in Shimla, especially among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. We recommend campsites that offer magnificent views of the hills like - Shoghi, Sarahan, Sandasu and Chirgaon. The hills of Shimla are bedecked with Pine, Oak and Deodar trees, which make it an excellent location for camping.
Shimla Ridge : A popular cultural hub in Shimla, the Ridge, should be on your list of 'must see'. Whether you're looking to unwind over a quiet cup of coffee, or view old British and Gothic establishments, the Ridge is your place to be. The Ridge also becomes a hotspot in the city during festivals and events, the most popular being the 'Summer Festival'.
Trekking : It's popular to plan treks with friends and family while in Shimla, to truly experience the beautiful ranges of the Himalayas. The different routes offer different trekking experiences and one can choose a route depending on the duration, effort level, inclination, distance etc. Several shelters/ rest houses have been set up for tourists to take breaks and re-energize.
Shopping at Mall Road : To get a feel of the local life, we recommend visiting Mall Road, a bustling street in central Shimla. It is the perfect place for a shopping spree, and to load up on your annual supply of woollen clothes, local handicraft items, rugs, pottery items and jewellery. If you are not looking for a crowded experience, but still wish to see the vibe of Mall Road - you can choose to relax at a quaint little cafe and enjoy a hot beverage.
River Rafting : River Rafting is one of the most popular adventure sports in Shimla. The rivers of Shimla offer the most ideal conditions for a good river rafting experience. River Sutlej is a great option - with the popular whitewater rafting route from Chabba to Tattapani. The length of this stretch is about 12 km and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Ride the Toy Train : This 5 hour long train ride offers gorgeous views of pine-laden hills and takes you through multiple stations, tunnels, bridges and breath-taking curves. The journey between Barog and Shimla is the best part of this scenic journey, especially when the train slows down for the steep climb, giving you an opportunity to witness some breathtaking scenes.
Natural Ice Skating Rink : Ice skating is one of the more unique offerings of Shimla. It has been home to one of the largest ice skating rinks in India. The ice-skating experience usually starts around December and goes on till February. During this time, travellers and locals enjoy clear skies and cold weather, which are essentials for ice skating.
