My Shimla Itinerary: 7 Best Places to Visit in Shimla
In November 2024, I embarked on my first solo trip to Shimla, the charming hill station of Himachal Pradesh. The cool mountain air, colonial architecture, and bustling streets made for an unforgettable experience. In this article, I’ll share the best places to visit in Shimla in November and some useful travel tips to help you plan your trip.
1. Mall Road
Mall Road serves as the bustling heart of Shimla, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. In November, the cool weather enhances the charm of leisurely strolls along this promenade. It’s one of the best places to visit in Shimla, offering great shopping and local delicacies.
The Mall Road is the main street of the hill station. Running parallel to but lower than The Ridge, this shopping arcade is dotted with modern showrooms, departmental stores, and trendy restaurants. Overcrowded but exciting, especially if you love to shop, this area has countless stores, making it impossible to explore them all in a single day. From winterwear like sweaters, jackets, and shawls to handcrafted souvenirs, you’ll find everything here.
It also has some of the best tourist attractions in Shimla, including top-rated cafes and restaurants. I enjoyed a delicious veg burger and blueberry cheesecake while soaking in breathtaking views. Street food is also a must-try! I had a spicy and crispy Dal ki Tikki, followed by a cup of hot chocolate to beat the early winter chill. After some window shopping, I finally picked up woolen shawls, stoles, and socks.
To reach Mall Road, you have to take the lift, which costs Rs. 20 for an uphill ride and another Rs. 20 to come back down. Tourist spots in Shimla, like Scandal Point, where The Ridge and The Mall converge, are great for catching up on local gossip.
One of the highlights of my visit was stumbling upon a rare bookstore. It had hand-drawn maps worth Rs. 40,000 and first editions of Shakespearean plays priced between Rs. 1-2.5 lakh! The shop also carried old history and geography books, encyclopedias, and more.
2. Christ Church and The Ridge
Adjacent to Mall Road, The Ridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This is among the best places to visit in Shimla in November, as the crisp winter air adds to its charm. The most striking landmark here is Christ Church, the second-oldest church in North India, built in 1857. Its neo-Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows make it one of the best tourist places in Shimla.
The Ridge is always buzzing with people, whether they are taking pictures, enjoying mountain views, or sipping tea in the chilly November air. You can also enjoy horse rides here.
Additionally, an underground reservoir built in the 1880s still serves as one of the major storage facilities for meeting the city’s everyday water needs.
Tourist destinations in Shimla, like Christ Church, are popular, but the crowds can be overwhelming. I skipped going inside Christ Church because of the rush. If you’re planning to go inside, please remember that you’re not allowed to take pictures or videos.
A short walk uphill from Christ Church leads to Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla at 2,445 meters. Here, you’ll find Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You can either hike for about 30 minutes or take a ropeway. I didn’t take the ride, so I’m unsure how far it is.
On a clear day, the views of the snow-capped Himalayas from The Ridge would be absolutely breathtaking.
3. Lakkar Bazar
A short walk from The Ridge takes you to Lakkar Bazaar, known for its wooden handicrafts and souvenirs. This bustling marketplace is one of the best places in Shimla for shopping and picking up unique gifts. Evenings here are particularly lively, offering an authentic local shopping experience.
In addition to the Christ Church and Lakkar Bazaar, you can also find Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Bantony Castle, and Gorton Castle near the Mall Road. You should plan your itinerary in a way that lets you cover these tourist spots in Shimla in one go.
4. Viceregal Lodge
Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, this majestic building once housed the British Viceroy. Located atop Observatory Hill, it’s an architectural masterpiece and a significant part of Shimla’s colonial history. The guided tours here offer insights into its past, but unfortunately, I missed out since the next tour was a couple of hours away. Instead, I spent time strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens and admiring the vibrant flowers.
The Viceregal Lodge was completed in 1888 and was one of India’s first buildings to have electricity. Designed by Henry Irwin, it resembles a Scottish castle. Much history unfolded within its walls, including the division of India and Pakistan. Today, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and is open to visitors.
5. Himalayan Bird Park
For nature lovers, the Himalayan Bird Park is one of the best tourist places in Shimla. It houses exotic birds, including the Monal pheasant, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. The crisp November air makes birdwatching here even more enjoyable.
The entry ticket costs Rs. 20, with additional charges for cameras. Since it’s close to the Viceregal Lodge, you can visit both in one go.
6. Army Heritage Museum (Annadale Ground)
Located in the Annadale area, the Army Heritage Museum in Shimla is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It offers a detailed look into India’s military history through exhibits of uniforms, weaponry, and artifacts. This museum is surrounded by lush greenery and a golf course, making the experience even more delightful.
The ticket costs Rs. 100 and covers entry to the museum, the Annadale Ground, and the Glass House (Cactus Museum). There’s also a souvenir shop and a café inside. I bought a nice vegetable maggi for breakfast, which I enjoyed eating under the bright morning sun.
7. The Cactus Museum (or The Glass Museum)
Situated within the Army Heritage Museum complex, the Glass House features an extensive collection of cacti. This unique exhibit is perfect for botany lovers and anyone looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions in Shimla.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Shimla in November was a mix of crisp weather and heavy crowds. While it wasn’t the ideal time to explore in peace, I still had a fantastic experience. If you’re planning your trip, these best tourist attractions in Shimla that should definitely be on your list.
Also, I made a few mistakes on my trip – things I wish I had done differently. Read my detailed article below to avoid these tourist traps in Shimla and make the most of your visit!
Note: Ticket prices are subject to change.
