Sightseeing: Shimla's Most Iconic Landmarks
Mall Road is the social and architectural core of the city. A traffic-free promenade lined with colonial-era buildings, bakeries, and shops, it is best visited in the early evening when the light falls softly on the old stonework. Just above Mall Road, the Ridge opens into a wide esplanade with unobstructed views of the snow-capped ranges on clear days. The neo-Gothic Christ Church at the Ridge, built in 1857, is among the most photographed things to do in Shimla for first-time visitors.
Jakhoo Temple, perched at approximately 2,455 metres above sea level, rewards those willing to earn the view. The trek from Mall Road takes around 30 minutes through a trail shared with rhesus monkeys. Arriving before 8:00 a.m. offers a quieter experience and clear sunrise views across the valley. It remains one of the most enduring activities to do in Shimla across all traveller types.
Offbeat Shimla: Beyond the Usual Circuit
Naldehra, approximately 23 km from Shimla town, is greener, quieter, and significantly less visited than the town centre. The 9-hole Naldehra Golf Course, one of India's oldest, sits at 2,200 metres amid towering deodars and is open to visitors for a round or a walk through the fairways.
Kufri, approximately 16 km from Shimla, draws winter visitors for snow conditions and spring visitors for the Himalayan Nature Park wildlife trails. Both are among the most rewarding things to do in Shimla if you have more than 2 days.
Adventure Activities to Do in Shimla
Paragliding at Devidhaar puts you above the Shimla valley for 10 to 15 minutes of aerial views that no road or trail can replicate. Trekking routes range from 2-hour loop walks near Naldehra to full-day hikes through the Shali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mountain biking through the pine forests is best from April to June, when trails are dry and lined with seasonal blooms. Zip-lining, archery, and overnight camping under clear skies round out the activities to do in Shimla for travellers seeking movement and pace.
Wellness and Relaxation in Shimla
The altitude does much of the work: sleep deepens, the mind quiets, and the pace of the hills enforces a natural slowdown. Ayurvedic spa treatments, outdoor yoga sessions, steam baths, and guided meditation are among the most restorative things to do in Shimla.
Cooler temperatures make warm-water therapies, including sauna sessions and jacuzzi soaks, feel genuinely effective. Wellness in the mountains carries a depth that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Shopping in Shimla
Lakkar Bazaar, a short walk from Mall Road, specialises in Himalayan wood craft such as hand-carved figurines, walking sticks, and decorative items. The Lower Bazaar carries woollens, Himachali topi, shawls, and locally produced preserves at more accessible prices.
Both markets are compact and walkable, making shopping one of the most accessible activities to do in Shimla regardless of time or budget.
Local Experiences Worth Seeking Out
A forest lunch arranged among deodar trees offers a quieter alternative to typical itineraries. Farm visits near Naldehra provide insight into local cultivation practices, often followed by home-style meals.
Stargazing sessions away from the town’s light pollution reveal exceptionally clear night skies. These lesser-known experiences are among the most memorable things to do in Shimla for those willing to slow down.
Seasonal Guide to Activities in Shimla
Shimla’s activities shift with the seasons, and understanding this helps align expectations with travel plans.
- Winter (November to February): Snowfall in Kufri allows for snow walks and sledging. Ice skating operates seasonally.
- Spring (March to May): Blooming landscapes make nature walks and wildlife visits ideal.
- Summer (June to August): Peak sightseeing season with full access to outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and lighter crowds create ideal trekking conditions.
Your Base for the Best of Shimla: The Manor Sports & Wellness Hotel
Positioned in Auramah Valley near Naldehra at 6,300 ft above sea level, our hotel sits approximately 23 km from Shimla town. The location provides easy access to both valley experiences and key attractions without the congestion of the town centre.
Facilities include Ayurvedic spa treatments, yoga sessions, indoor sports, and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and guided walks. Accommodation ranges from spacious Luxury Rooms to a Presidential Suite, each designed to make the Himalayan setting central to your stay.