Shimla is a famous hill station. Every year, tourists from all over the country flock to this picturesque town to escape the heat and enjoy the cool mountain air. But Shimla is more than just a pretty face, this small town has a lot of history and culture. This blog post will explore Shimla. From its British colonial past to its present-day status as a thriving tourist destination, there is much to discover about Shimla. So join us as we explore this fascinating city and some of the most popular places.

Mashobra

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Mashobra is a small town in Shimla. The town is at an altitude of 2,700 m above sea level, and Mashobra is 10.3 km from Shimla and is a popular tourist destination. The town has several tourist attractions, including the Rashtrapati Niwas, the residence of the President of India when on vacation; the Craignano Nature Park; and the Mahasu Devta Temple.

Tirthan Valley

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The Tirthan Valley is a serene and beautiful place in the Himachal Pradesh region of India. It is at a distance of around 175 km from Shimla, which makes it an ideal weekend getaway. Snow-capped mountains and lush green forests surround the valley and are home to several pristine rivers and streams. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and bird-watching in the valley.

Naldehra

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Naldehra is one of Shimla’s most popular tourist destinations and is 23.9 km from the city. The town is famous for its picturesque setting and offers several activities for visitors to enjoy. The area has hiking and walking trails, and the town boasts several temples and historical sites. Naldehra is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and is sure to provide visitors with a memorable experience.

Kufri

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Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla, and the place is famous for its winter sports activities and natural beauty. It is about 16 km from Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet National Highway, and Kufri features a Himalayan Wildlife Zoo with unique antelopes, birds, and animals. Kufri is 14.4 km from Shimla.

Narkanda

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Narkanda is a small town, and it is at an altitude of 2708 m above sea level and is about 65 kilometers from Shimla. Narkanda is famous for its ski resort, one of the oldest in Asia. The town also offers fantastic views of the Himalayan range and is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Narkanda is 61.4 km from Shimla.

Kasauli

Kasauli is one of the most popular places to visit near Shimla. It’s a small hill town in the Solan district. The town is famous for its colonial-era buildings, scenic views, and pleasant weather. Kasauli is situated at an altitude of 1,900 meters and is about 73 km from Shimla.

Solan

Solan is a town in Shimla. The town is 46 km from Shimla at an altitude of 1,350 m. The climate in Solan is milder than that of Shimla, making it a popular tourist destination. Solan is home to several tourist attractions, including the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park, the Shoolini Mata Temple, and the Jatoli Shiv temple. The town is a gateway to Pinjore Gardens, which is 20 km away.

Shoja

Shoja is a village in Shimla. The village is 144.4 km from Shimla. Shoja is famous for its scenic beauty and trekking trails, and some famous tourist attractions in Shoja include the Jalori Pass, the Raghunath Temple, and the Sareyol Lake.

Shoghi

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Shoghi is a small town located in Shimla at a distance of 14.7 km from Shimla, the state capital. This place is famous for its serene environment and lush green surroundings. Some famous tourist attractions in Shoghi include the Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the SankatMochan Temple, a sacred site for Hindus. Shoghi has various trekking trails, making it a perfect adventure destination.

Nahan

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The city is in the Sirmaur district, about 134.5 km from Shimla, and Nahan is the administrative center of the district and the headquarters of the Nahan Municipal Corporation. It has several industries. Nahan is a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh and is known for its temples, palaces, and forts. The city’s historic monuments draw visitors from across India. Nahan is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks worth visiting. Some famous tourist attractions in Nahan include the Jagannath Temple, the Naina Devi Temple, the MahasuDevta Temple, the Renuka Lake, the Suketi Fossil Park, and the Paonta Sahib Gurudwara.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Shimla is from April to November. June through September are ideal since this is monsoon season. However, visitors should know that Shimla may become busy during the high season.

Nearby hotels to stay images

1. ADB Rooms Shimla Resort

2. The Byke Nature Vilas Pure Veg

3. WoodVista Cottages

4. Taara Regency Hotel

List of things to carry

  • Camera
  • Clothes
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • First aid box
  • Travel Insurance

Local popular & specialty food

Chandigarh is known for its various popular local and specialty foods. Some of the most popular local dishes include

  • ChhaGosht: ChhaGosht is a Shimla specialty, made with mutton or beef cooked in yogurt and spices.
  • Siddu: A traditional Himachali dish, siddu is made of wheat flour and stuffed with various fillings like mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, radish, and spinach. It is then steamed and served with ghee (clarified butter) or butter.
  • Chhapli kebab: Chhapli kebabs are minced meat kabab with spices and herbs. They are shallow fried and served with mint yogurt or chutney.
  • Patande: Another Himachali specialty, patande are flatbreads cooked on a griddle and smeared with ghee or butter, served with dal (lentils) or curry.
  • Apple pie: Shimla is famous for its apples, and apple pie is one of the most popular desserts here made of fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, and the crust with puff pastry or shortcrust pastry.

Final words
Shimla is worth a visit if you seek a stunningly gorgeous and serene place to relax and rejuvenate. The lovely pine-scented air, the stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas, and the friendly people make Shimla an ideal place to unwind. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Shimla has been attracting visitors from all over the world for many years.

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