Shimla is one of the best treasure troves of valuable natural assets that adds glory to Indian tourism. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountain range, Shimla never fails to attract tourists. Evergreen forests, breathtaking lakes, rolling valleys, colonial ambiance and pleasant climate all come together to entice the travellers. Not only natural but there are many man-made wonders in Shimla and hence there is no downside to it. While visiting this erstwhile summer capital of British India you might feel perplexed as to what not to be missed because every place in Shimla is so alluring that you can not get over it. However, to ease your search for the best place we have curated a list of the top 5 places to visit in Shimla in 2021. These places will be a great add-on to your travel itinerary and will surely make you fall in love with Shimla.
Chail Palace: This palace was built by the Maharaja of Patiala in 1891. The regal setting with spectacular views accounts for its popularity. This Premium Heritage Property is located in Chail at a distance of about 45 km from Shimla. The suites, rooms and cottages are fully furnished with antique wooden furniture. The palace also has a fireplace inside used in the winter season to keep the environment warm. In this palace, you will find King’s Dining Restaurant that serves multi cuisines including Indian, Chinese, Continental and Himachali food. A Royal Bar serves some high-end drinks to delight your taste senses. To organize a party or small function a Conference Hall is built in Theatre style. Apart from all these things, facilities of the Ayurveda Rejuvenation Centre and the guide for trekking are also available in the palace itself. If you would like to feel the real royal richness then make a room for Chail Palace in your Shimla holiday package.
Kufri Zoo: This zoological park is also known as Himalayan Nature Park. At a distance of about 17 km from Shimla, this park is situated on the outskirts of Kufri. For wildlife lovers, this is one of the best places to visit in Shimla. This park was established to breed musk Deer but later it was converted to a zoological park. The ski slopes of the park are home to exotic species of flora and fauna. The park is divided into two sections for the sake of better management. The best thing about Kufri Zoo is that you can also see the State bird of Himachal Pradesh known as Monal, here.
Timings of Kufri Zoo (Winter): 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Timings of Kufri Zoo (Summer): 9.00 AM to 6.30 PM
Note: The zoological park remains closed on Tuesdays.
Entry Fees: Rs. 30 (for Adults), Rs. 20 (for Children) and Rs. 50 for Camera
The Retreat Building: Located at a distance of about 10 km from Shimla the Retreat Building is situated in Chharabra. The highlighted point here is that the building is an official retreat residence of the President of India. This building was built in 1850 and it was taken over as the Viceroy of India property. What makes it a tourist attraction is its architectural design and the picturesque surroundings with unparalleled natural beauty. The Retreat Building is situated on a hilltop with woods and dhajji wall construction. The design and construction are worth capturing. The total area this property covers is about 10,628 square feet. In this large area, you can detect a number of plant species. For sightseeing and birdwatching, this is a great place in Shimla. Every year the President of India shifts to The Retreat Building with his core team for at least 2 weeks during the summer season
Location: Mashobra, Shimla
Chail Sanctuary: Covering many rich varieties of wildlife the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 110 sq. km. It was built in 1976 and soon the area was declared a protected area. The dense forest in the sanctuary is occupied with Oak and Pine trees. The animals you can get a glimpse of include – wild boar, spotted deer, Himalayan black bear, goral, sambar, common langur, flying squirrel and Indian porcupine. Unusual species of Chir birds can also be spotted during sightseeing. Other bird species of Cheer Pheasant, Grey Headed Flycatcher, Khaleej Pheasant, and Golden Eagle can also be seen in the Sanctuary. Chail Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year but the best season for tourists is considered between March to October. The easiest route to reach the Sanctuary goes from Kalka – Shimla highway. Other important places that you can visit along the sanctuary are – Kali Ka Tibba, Chail Gurudwara and Sidh Baba Ka Mandir.
Green Valley, Shimla: The beautiful and breathtaking mountain range of Green Valley is one of the best places if you are visiting Shimla for trekking purposes. The Green Valley is situated on the way to Kufri via Shimla. The verdant hill is covered from all sides with thick pine and deodar forests. You should not wonder if you see Yaks wandering and grazing around in the Green Valley. Every year thousands of tourists visit the Green Valley. The valley is so popular that it has been featured in multiple Bollywood movies. The great scenic views provide photographers an opportunity to capture lively images. The place is an all-year-round destination that you can review, however, if visited in the monsoon or summers the greenery is fully covered with natural vegetation. With the help of binoculars, you can visit the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Be it honeymooners, solo travellers or family trips, this valley is suited to all to offer an unforgettable holiday experience.
