Shimla, a hill station that never fails to evoke joy with its tales, captivates hearts with its enchanting narratives. Its snow-draped peaks, horseback adventures, vibrant winter celebrations, and delectable cuisine weave a tapestry that lures travelers, making it one of India's most sought-after destinations. Its serene culture and uncomplicated lifestyle cast an enduring spell, beckoning visitors to return time and again.
The allure of Shimla transcends seasons; it welcomes visitors year-round. Embrace the winter wonderland blanketed in pristine snow or revel in the summer's hustle, brimming with thrilling escapades. Shimla caters flawlessly to mountain enthusiasts, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Here are 6 transformative activities in Shimla that promise to etch indelible memories during your sojourn:
# Enjoy a Soft Serve at the Mall Road Every kid who visited Shimla in the ‘90s can tell you the thrill they felt while walking to Mall Road. This emotion stemmed from the excitement of devouring a soft serve, popularly known as a softy from a local vendor. The sheer pleasure of eating this type of ice cream can be experienced even now! There are several shops at Mall Road selling softy in various flavours and sizes. If this is not one of the best things to do in Shimla, then what is?! You can try out freshly-prepared samosas and jalebi from any of the sweet shops at Mall Road because all of them are simply amazing!
# Buy Wooden Handicrafts at Lakkar Bazaar It is almost impossible to visit Shimla and not shop at the Lakkar Bazaar. Located right next to Mall Road, this is a market area where you will get hand-crafted wooden handicrafts at dirt-cheap prices! As one of the most popular things to see in Shimla, Lakkar Bazaar has something for everyone. Be it wooden toys, walking sticks or kitchen tools, you will get top-quality wooden items in this market. While booking a Shimla holiday package, make sure you have enough time to explore Lakkar Bazaar and bring back souvenirs for your friends and family.
# Try Your Luck at the Ice Skating RinkWhile searching for things to do in Shimla on your next vacation, you should consider trying out ice skating. Did you know that Shimla has Asia’s only open-air ice skating rink? That’s right! One of the few good deeds the British left behind is the technique to form ice on a skating rink in the heart of Shimla. Due to weather constraints, you will only be able to try out ice skating in the winters of December, January, and February. So, you should get a little adventurous and try one of the most exciting activities to do in Shimla.
# Reminisce Your Childhood on the Toy Train Bringing back warm childhood memories for more than a century, the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is among the top-rated things to do around Shimla on a vacation. The most remarkable fact about this toy train ride is that it has never had an accident since its inception! Perfect for kids, youngsters, and the elderly, this is a joyride that will make feel like a child again. This train ride begins from Shimla and takes tourists to Kalka within 5 hours. Due to the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and the adorable feel of this train, it is among the most memorable things to do in Shimla.
# Have a Relaxed Evening at The Ridge The Ridge is one of the most iconic places to visit in Shimla without a doubt. From getting horseback rides to eating delicious snacks, there are a number of activities to do in Shimla’s ridge area. Set in close proximity to Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar, it is known as the cultural hub of this hill station. If you are lucky enough to experience a local fair at The Ridge, then you can buy the purest pashmina shawls, leather goods, and so many other items made by craftsmen from all over the state of Himachal Pradesh. What’s more? The second oldest church in North India, Christ Church, is a heritage building that you can explore at The Ridge. Bookworms are in for a treat as the State Library Shimla is also set in the middle of the Ridge!
# Take a Detour to KufriShimla honeymoon tour packages provided by reputed travel companies always include a getaway to Kufri, a resort hill station in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Only 20 km from Shimla, Kufri is the ideal destination for tourists who want to relax and unwind in peace. So, when you need a break from exploring all the things to do in Shimla, book a taxi or hire a private car and drive up to this little piece of paradise. Our recommendation would be to stop at a local vendor and devour a hot cup of chai with some pahado wali maggi to truly make your Shimla vacation memorable.