Shimla, one of the most popular tourist places in India, is known for its snow-clad mountains, old-world architecture, and endless tourist spots and activities. It is located in the beautiful landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, making it a great weekend getaway from Delhi or for those living in North India. Whether you’re looking for a romantic and peaceful weekend surrounded by nature or seeking adventurous activities like skiing or trekking, this quintessential hill station has it all. With architecture dating back to the British era and breathtaking majestic peaks, Shimla offers an ideal way to spend your holiday. Even though a single day is not enough to explore all that Shimla has to offer, with a well-planned itinerary, you can experience its magic. In fact, you can get a curated Himachal pradesh tour package that will get everything covered?Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your one day in Shimla and return home with some enchanting memories.
Places To Visit In Shimla In One Day
- The Ridge Of Shimla
- Mall Road
- Jakhoo Hill
- Green valley
- Christ Church
- Kufri
- ViceRegal Lodge
- Himalayan Bird Park
- Tara Devi Temple
- Kali Bari Temple
- Chadwick Waterfall
- Ride In The Toy Train
- Summer Hills
- Scandal Point
- Shimla State Museum
- Annandale
- Chail
1. The Ridge of Shimla
Located in the centre of Shimla, The Ridge is a wide-open street next to Shimla Mall Road. It’s known as one of the best places to visit in Shimla in one day for its shops selling unique items and the beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains. The area is famous for shopping and is the social centre of the city. The buildings along The Ridge reflect Shimla’s rich history with their Gothic architecture. The street is lined with cafes, bars, boutiques, shops, and restaurants, drawing large crowds from the nearby Mall Road. The Ridge runs from east to west, connecting to the popular Scandal Point on the west end and the renowned Lakkar Bazaar, known for its wooden crafts, on the east end.Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, All days of the week
Location: The Ridge is one of the most famous places in Shimla and is located in the centre of the hill station, right by Mall Road.
Cost: Entry free
2. Mall Road
Don’t miss visiting the Mall Road when in Shimla, especially for couples. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Shimla in one day in this hill station with plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops, and more. The Mall Road is one of the top places to shop in Shimla as you’ll find everything from jewellery and books to beautifully crafted wooden items. The road is closed to vehicles, so it’s a great place for a leisurely evening walk with beautiful views of the hills. Many of the best hotels in Shimla can be found near the Mall Road.Timing: All day.
Location: Located at a distance of 6 KM from Shimla bus stand.
Entry fee: Free of cost.
3. Jakhoo Temple
The Jakhoo Temple is located in the Shivalik hill ranges in Shimla. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman and features the world’s largest Hanuman statue. The temple is surrounded by beautiful Deodar trees and is home to a large population of monkeys. It’s about 2 kilometres from the centre of Shimla and takes around 30 minutes to reach. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman rested at this spot while searching for the Sanjeevani Booti to revive Lord Lakshman. This place is a top Shimla one day sightseeing spot.Timing: 6:0M Am to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, All the days of the week
Location: Jaku, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171001
Cost: Entry Free
4. Green Valley
Green Valley near Shimla and Kufri is a beautiful natural dale surrounded by snow-covered mountains and lush green forests. It is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Shimla in one day since it’s a peaceful place away from the crowds, where you can experience the grandeur of nature. Green Valley is also a popular location for Bollywood movies and is best visited during the summer months although you can visit it all year round.Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
Location: Located near Kufri at Shimla, the Green Valley is surrounded by verdant hills.
Cost: Free of cost.
5. Christ Church
The Christ Church in Shimla is a historic landmark and the second oldest church in North India. It has beautiful architecture in the neo-Gothic style and was built in 1857. The church is located on the Ridge and is a lasting symbol of the colonial era. It has stained glass windows, a brass church bell, and impressive towers. The church looks magnificent during the day and is enchanting when illuminated at night. It also houses the largest pipe organ in India. If you’re planning a quick 2-day sightseeing itinerary in Shimla, be sure to visit this splendid attraction, as visiting this church is considered to be the best thing to do in Himachal Pradesh.Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM
Location: Hotel Ridge View, Ridge To US Club, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla
Cost: Free of cost.
6. Kufri
Kufri, one of the most amazing places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is a small hill town located 20 km from Shimla, and also one of the popular places to visit in Shimla in one day. It was a famous summer destination for the British in 1819 and still retains its colonial buildings and architecture. The best time to visit Kufri is from November to March when it experiences peak snowfall. Situated at an altitude of 2720 metres above sea level, Kufri is the starting point for famous treks in Himachal. The Mahasu Peak trek and the Fagu Valley are popular attractions in Kufri, accessible by hiking or pony rides from the parking lot.When visiting Kufri, you can enjoy activities such as visiting Kufri Zoo, experiencing Go-karting at Kufri Fun World, and taking Yak rides. These are the best things to do in Shimla in one day. 7. Viceregal Lodge
The Rashtrapati Niwas in Shimla, previously called the Viceregal Lodge and later the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, is a beautiful building in Shimla. It was built between 1884 and 1888 as the summer residence for the Viceroy of India. The architecture, a mix of Jacobean and Elizabethan styles, reflects the grandeur of the colonial era. It has played a significant role in the history of India, hosting important discussions and decisions before independence.Timing: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, All days except Monday
Location: Observatory Hills, Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Cost: INR 20
8. Himalayan Bird Park
This vibrant aviary is a sanctuary for rare and exotic birdlife, featuring the dazzling monal pheasant, which was once Himachal’s state bird. Nestled in the heart of the city, opposite the ViceRegal Lodge, this nature park draws in thousands of visitors year-round. Taking a leisurely walk in the park and admiring the wide variety of plants and trees are the top things to do in Shimla in one day. For birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the park’s array of pheasants, peacocks, and peafowl is an absolute delight. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the lush green landscapes that the park proudly showcases. Plan your visit during the summer months to witness this picturesque park in all its glory, as it transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder seasons!Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Cost: INR 10 per person
9. Tara Devi Temple
This temple is one of the well-known religious places to visit in Shimla in one day and is located about a 20-minute drive from Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla highway. The temple is situated on a hilltop near Shimla and is dedicated to Goddess Tara. It holds great significance for visitors to Shimla as well as the local residents.Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
Location: NH.22, Kachi Ghati, Bagh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Cost: Free of cost.
Suggested Read: Top Eateries in Shimla: Places to Eat in Shimla (wanderon.in)
10. Kali Bari Temple
The Kalibari Temple, built in 1845, is an old place of worship dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is near the Shimla City Mall and is visited by many devotees. The best time to visit is during the evening of Navaratri to witness the aarti and chanting of holy verses.Timing: 7 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
Location: The temple is located at the Kali Bari Road, Shimla.
Cost: Entry to the temple is free.
11. Chadwick Waterfalls
Chadwick Waterfall is located in an unspoiled part of Glen Forests, making it one of the most beautiful places to see in Shimla in one day. The falls are 100 metres tall, and the trek through the lush surrounding forests makes the visit worthwhile. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season to see the waterfall at its fullest. The area is filled with fragrant exotic flowers, towering pine trees, and has a refreshing climate, making it a perfect place to rejuvenate.Timing: All-day
Location: New Summer Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171005
Cost: No Entry Fee
12. Take A Ride In The Toy Train
Add a trip from Barog to Shimla to your must-do list in Shimla. Enjoy beautiful views of pine-covered hills during this five-hour train ride that covers 96 kilometres, passing through 20 stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, and about 900 curves.The most amazing part of the journey is the stretch between Barog and Shimla, where the train slows down due to a steep climb, offering mesmerising scenes. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance.Location: Kalka-Shimla-Kalka.
Highlights: Barog Station which has the longest tunnel.
Cost: INR 65 to INR 500.
13. Summer Hills
Summer Hill is a neighbourhood in Shimla, situated at an altitude of 2,123 metres. It’s known for its beautiful views, horse riding, and trekking, especially during the winter. It’s close to attractions like the Viceregal Lodge, the Railway station, Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Kali Bari Temple, and Gaiety Theatre. The Ridge, a place for eating and shopping, is also nearby.
14. Scandal Point
Scandal Point in Shimla is a popular spot located between the mall road and the ridge. It is known for its stunning mountain views and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The point offers unobstructed views of the beautiful mountains covered in dense fir and spruce, making it a picturesque location.Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM on all days of the week.
Location: Mall Road, Near Railway Building, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171001, India
Cost: No entry fee.
Suggested Read: 6-Day Captivating Himachal Tour: Explore Shimla and Manali’s Beauty. (wanderon.in)
15. Shimla State Museum
Shimla State Museum is also one of the most popular places to visit in Shimla in 1 day, located 2.5 kilometres from Scandal Point. It used to be the private residence of Lord William Beresford during colonial times. The museum has a large collection of ancient sculptures, photographs, artworks, and coins from all over the country. Its library holds over 10,000 books, magazines, and journals that showcase the historical significance and cultural diversity of Shimla and India. The museum features dedicated displays on sculptures, jewellery, history, textiles, and more.Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, All days except Monday
Location: Chaura Maidan Rd, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004, India
Cost: INR 10 for Indians, INR 50 for foreigners
16. Annandale
Annandale is a flat area in Shimla that has been turned into the city’s playground. The ground is used for playing cricket, as well as other sports like golf and polo. Picnics are also held here. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Shimla in one day and offers various adventurous and fun activities. This ground has been famous since British rule, where sports like racing, cricket, and polo were played. Entertainment activities were also organised during that time.Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week except Monday. Monday closed.
Location: Near Ridge Shimla
Cost: Free of cost.
17. Chail
Chail is a peaceful place to visit near Delhi, known for having the world’s highest cricket ground and a historic hotel called Chail Palace. Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, Chail is situated at an elevation of 2,250m above sea level. Tourists often visit Shimla, Kufri, and Chail during the same trip, and many Shimla tour packages include these destinations. Chail can be visited as a day trip from Shimla, as it’s only a 2-hour drive from the Mall road. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in one of the resorts for a more complete experience. Another important city, Solan, is also located nearby, just 45 km from Chail. 
