During summers, it's obvious to recall our memories of Shimla. And we thought of sharing some of the interesting places around Shimla, if any of our viewers is planning to have summer vacations in Shimla. Here we are trying to share some useful details the summer queen of India and things to do around the town. This Photo Journey will try to share some of better options to explore in and around Shimla town. Shimla has changed a lot in last 3 decades and here I would also want to share some interesting facts about capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
Over the years Shimla town has become crowded. These days I hear people saying this and I agree to the fact. But at the same time, I would like to share that Shimla is one of the very few destinations which offer diverse experience. Shimla was summer capital for Britishers in past and hence the town still has impressions of british era. There are various heritage buildings in the town and one of the most important one is Viceregal Lodge which is also known as Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
Shimla town has some of the most beautiful walks in hills surrounded by dense forests full of high deodar tress. One needs to be aware of such walks and make best of these while there in Shimla. One of my favorite walks is Mall Road to University through Legislative Assembly of the state & Viceregal Lodge. This is a beautiful road, which crosses through some of the amazing buildings of town. Clean, well maintained, almost no traffic and surrounded by beautiful trees & green landscapes.
Toy train experience of Shimla-Kalka train is incomparable. At the same time, I don't recommend to travel in toy train from Kalka to Shimla, because it takes lot of time. If you have enough time in hands, you can plan this. Otherwise plan to have a ride from Shimla railway station to Tara Devi Railway Station. This is most beautiful ride. There are two reasons that I recommend this ride - one is to save time and other is about the beautiful trek to Tara Devi temple from railway station. This trek exposes you to amazing panoramic views of Shimla town and surrounding areas. This trek is through dense forests. One can come back to town from Tara Devi temple by taking local bus.
If I start thinking about other approachable destinations around Shimla, following names come to my mind - Chail, Mashobara, Kufri, Naldehra, Narkanda, Hatu Peak, Tanijubber Lake etc. One of the recommended one is Chail. And in fact, it's recommended to stay around Chail area, which is naturally more beautiful and peaceful. There are quite a good options to stay around Chail.
If you love driving, we would recommend you to drive towards narkanda. This journey offers a diverse experience. and nearby Narkanda, Hatu Peak and Tanijubber lake are two worth visiting places. If you around this place during winters, don't miss visiting Dhomri where skiing happens.
What's there in the town -
Ridge Ground - A huge ground on top of one of the biggest water tanks in Shimla, which is close to Mall Road in capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
Lakkar Bazar - For shopping different decorative and gift items made of wood.
Gaiety Theatre - is now renovated and some interesting plays and exhibitions keep happening. So go & checkout. It's on mall road and generally a good place to explore.
Christ Church on Ridge Ground - This is a beautiful church near
Mall road, which looks awesome in the evening with sunset hues in the background.
Jakhu Temple - Not sure if you would want to visit this temple. More than a trek or a religious place, it's an adventurous place where you need to be aware all the time and overall environment can be threatening for you. Monkeys around the temple are really mischievous. 
There are some interesting cafes and restaurants in Shimla town, mainly on mall road. Bars in shimla are pretty economical without any compromise in service or ambiance. Devicos on Mall road and Peter Hoff are two of our favorite places to hang out with friends in evening.
Most of the restaurants and cafes are facing Mall Road but there are few options which offer views on both side. Crowded Mall road on one side and green hills on the other side.
Another popular walk from Mall Road to Sanjauli is beautiful. There was a time when cycles were also available for tourists on this road but not sure if this facility is still available or not. One of the good part is that vehicles are not allowed on Mall road and adjoining roads, which don't hinder your walks.
There are various beautiful sunset sights around Shimla Town. One of the famous places are TV tower, Viceregal Lodge, Mall Road, Jakhu Tibba, Sanjauli & Summer Hill.
Walking around the streets of Shimla town is a very different experience and almost every turn opens up new views to the beautiful landscapes.
Another lush green region around Shimla in Anadale ground, which is maintained by Indian Army. A good place to plan some walks in the morning or evening. This is comparatively calm place and nothing much to do, but a good experience if you have time available with you.
If you have interest in Temples, there is another beautiful temple near Tara Devi Temple - Sankat Mochan Temple. This is highly recommended for folks having interest in religious places and even otherwise this temple is nice place to hang around. If you are there on Sundays, don't miss the food served in bhandara, which is very unique. Place is clean and hygienic.
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