25 Places To Visit Near Shimla For A Cool Vacation
Shimla is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India in 1864. After independence, the town became the capital of Punjab and was later made the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.
Major city center's attractions include the Shri Hanuman Jakhu (Statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge, and Annandale. The Kalka–Shimla Railway line built by the British, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is additionally a serious tourist attraction.
Shimla also has the most important natural ice rink in South Asia. Apart from being a tourism center, the town is additionally an academic hub with a variety of schools and research institutions.
There are many attractive tourist places to visit in and near Shimla. 25 of them are as follows:
1. Kufri - Himachal Pradesh
Kufri is a resort hill station within the district of Shimla, India. It is one of the places to visit near Shimla. It is located 20 km from the capital, Shimla on National Highway No-22. Kufri is a place known for snow-laden peaks, skiing, and Kufri Zoo.
Mahasu Peak and Fagu Valley are the foremost attractions in Kufri but are accessible via pony ride. You can also enjoy go-karting at the Kufri Fun World, which has the very best Go-Karting track, otherwise, you also can head to Kufri Zoo.
On Kufri Avenue, the most thoroughfare, boutiques, and restaurants mix with Indian-style hotels and souvenir shops to see during a visit. Kufri features a Himalayan wildlife zoo that hosts rare antelopes, felines, and birds including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a well-liked ski track. You can go here by roadways and railways.
2. Chail - Himachal Pradesh
Chail may be a quiet hill station known for the world's highest cricket ground and therefore the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, within the midst of pine and deodar trees. Chail is found at an altitude of 2250m above water level. It is 44 km from Shimla. This place to visit near Shimla is understood for its salubrious beauty and virgin forests.
Chail is additionally frequented by hikers because it offers wonderful views of the lower Himalayas. It has good trekking points and many eco camps are held here. There are many camping sites for campers and hikers in Chail. You can go here by bus and car.
3. Mashobra - Himachal Pradesh
Mashobra is a lush green expanse in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet. This place is crammed with hills, trees of pine, oak, cedar, and deodar, apple orchards, and a picturesque stream gushing through the valley, enabling visitors to connect with their rich, fresh surroundings.
The wildlife consists of monkeys, Langurs, jackals, Kakkar (barking deer), and therefore the occasional leopard, also as numerous bird species like the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor, and partridges. It is 10kms away from Shimla and you can go there by road.
4. Narkanda - Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda may be a quaint little town in Shimla district that's popular for skiing in winters.
Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills, this is one of the places to visit near Shimla that tourists shouldn't miss. Narkanda also has a lake called the Tannu Jabar Lake which is one of the most important tourist attractions here.
There also exists a temple near the lake which may be a must-visit for all tourists and devotees coming here. Narkanda features a beautiful hill called Hatu Nag which one can trek up to. This hill offers a bird's eye view of the town below and every one of adventure lovers traveling to the present town should try it. It is 71kms away from Shimla and you can go here by car or bus.
5. Tattapani - Himachal Pradesh
Tattapani may be a quaint village situated on the banks of river Sutlej, it's famous for rafting and its hot sulfur spring is believed to possess curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue, and other skin diseases.
On asking locals, they're going to surely suggest you visit the favored Shiva's Cave. Located 3.5 km from the town center, Shiva's Caves are famous for his or her tales of miracles and fulfillment of vows and therefore the needs of its devotees.
You can also try the adventurous sports of White rafting, Zorbing, Skiing, Paragliding, Trekking, and Camping. It is situated at an altitude of 2,230 ft. above sea level. It is 53kms away from Shimla and you can go here by bus or car.
6. Kasauli - Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town. This place is understood for its beautiful villas to remain in and therefore the peaceful environment. It is located within the south of Himachal and is one of the places to visit near Shimla. The town is situated between beautiful woody forests of Pine (Chir Pine), Herbs (Milk Thistle), and Cedar Trees.
It is 77 km from Shimla. Kasauli has a moderate climate. Winter temperature is approximately 2 degrees Celsius; the summer temperatures rarely exceed 32 degrees Celsius or more. You can go here by roadways.
7. Barog - Himachal Pradesh
Barog may be a hill station in Solan district within the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The station lies on Kalka-Shimla Railway. Barog is found at a height of 1560 meters above the mean water level. Due to its height, temperatures here range between 23 and 10 °C during summers and between 15 and 5 °C during winters.
This would be a neighborhood rather like Shimla, but without the capital city’s hustle and mainstream crowdedness during the vacation season. In case you’re visiting Shimla during monsoons and are looking to trek, camp, and visit nearby spots, Barog should be on your bucket list! It is 59kms from Shimla and you can go there by road.
8. Solan - Himachal Pradesh
Solan may be a town within the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The place is understood after the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi.
Every year in June, an honorific venerating the goddess is held, featuring a 3-day mela at the central Thodo ground. Solan is additionally called the "City of Red Gold", because of the bulk production of tomatoes within the world. The narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla railway passes through Solan.
Solan is located within the Shivalik hills of the Himalayas. Solan has ancient temples and monasteries, and thus the town has one of the oldest breweries within the country. This city also features a 300-year-old fort located at the highest of a hill. One of the foremost famous monasteries in this region is the Yundung Monastery. It is 52kms from Shimla and you can go there by road.
9. Shoja - Himachal Pradesh
Shojha may be a small village sitting quietly within the middle of wilderness and panorama. Its untouched beauty could be just the thing that you simply got to relax and unwind. Located amid the Banjar Valley, the village is dotted with several temples made up of wood. It is at a mere distance of 5 km from Jalori pass.
With verdant deodar forest covering the world with the snow-peaked Himalayas hovering on one side, this village is full of tourist attractions, sort of a fort, lake, and waterfall. It is 80kms away from Shimla and you can go here by roadways.
10. Shoghi - Himachal Pradesh
Shoghi is a small hill station just 13 km from Shimla that is abundant in natural scenic beauty and an outsized sort of flora and fauna. This village has everything from attractive old temples to adrenaline-teasing activities and its famous fruit-made products.
Amazing weather throughout the year, perfect accommodation facilities within the vicinity, and good surroundings to rejuvenate your mind, all contribute to form your vacation to the present stunning place a dream come true. You can go here by car or bus. It is a place to visit near Shimla.
11. Nahan - Himachal Pradesh
Far from the chaos of the town, Nahan may be a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the Shivalik range and having green fields and clean streets, this is a perfect place to go on vacation.
It is 129kms from Shimla and you can go there by roadways and railways. It has a mean elevation of 932 meters.
12. Fagu - Shimla
Fagu is a beautiful place to visit near Shimla to have an adventure in snow as this place is always enveloped with fog and snow. It is at an elevation of 2500 meters. Fagu may be a serene snow-clad hamlet, located around 23.1kms from Shimla. Here you'll visit Apple Orchards, continue a hike or take a stroll of its scenic beauty, visit Bhantia Devata Temple, Chharabra sunset and sunrise point, etc.
It is believed that 'Fagu' has derived its name from the word 'fog'. It remains covered in fog for nearly 9 months a year. The whole place is enveloped by lush green pine and cedar trees and features a dreamy landscape. Several apple trees are also located here which are adorned with rich red apples. You can go here by roadways.
13. Naldehra - Himachal Pradesh
Naldehra may be a small enchanting hill station in Himachal Pradesh, located just around 27.1 km from Shimla. It is perfect for tourists trying to find natural scenic beauty and an offbeat location. Naldehra is famous for its greenery, golf course, and plain view of the mountains filled with pine, cedar, and deodar trees.
With a backdrop of the mountains and therefore the Sutlej River flowing through, Naldehra is breath-taking. Tourists can enjoy an exquisite afternoon within the lush green valley or take a horse ride to the Naldehra golf links, India's most famous golf links. You can go here by roadways.
14. Manali - Himachal Pradesh
One of the foremost popular hill stations in Himachal, Manali offers the foremost magnificent views of the Pir Panjal and therefore the Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow for many parts of the year. Manali has many trekking options around it, making it an excellent base for exploring this side of the Himalayas. River Beas provides great rafting options within the nearby town of Kullu.
It snows the most in December and January followed by February and March. Tourists flock to Rohtang Pass and Solang valley for various adventure activities including skiing, paragliding, horse-riding, and zorbing. Rohtang Pass is nearly always covered with snow. It is 244 km away from Shimla and you can go here by roadways, railways, and airways.
15. Parwanoo - Himachal Pradesh
Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Parwanoo village offers beautiful apple orchards and delicious fruit products. An ideal getaway for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking, it's also a destination for nature lovers. The verdant cover of pine and fir trees alongside pleasant weather will cause you to fall crazy with this place.
Parwanwoo has a moderate climate. Winter temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius, with Summer temperatures rarely exceeding 38 degrees Celsius or more. It is 80kms from Shimla and you can go here by roadways and airways.
16. Tirthan valley - Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley in the Kullu District of Himachal is a place to visit near Shimla. Deriving its name from the Tirthan River flowing through it, Tirthan Valley lies around 3 km from the doorway of Great Himalayan Park.
The magnificent Himalayas with snow-covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing, trekking, and adventure activities, and delightful guest houses set in nature.
It is 175kms from Shimla and you can go here by roadways. Tirthan Valley is at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level. The average temperature in summer ranges between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius making it a perfect time to go.
17. McLeod Ganj - Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj may be a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Also mentioned as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence thanks to the most settlement of Tibetans here.
Few of the foremost eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund. It is 235kms from Shimla and you can go there by road.
18. Theog - Himachal Pradesh
Theog in Himachal Pradesh, warmly wrapped within the arms of the mighty Himalayas, has everything a well-liked hill station offers you minus the tourist rush. 32 km far away from the town of Shimla,
Theog makes up for a gorgeous weekend getaway within the hills, comfortably located within the lap of nature. It is also considered one of the foremost favorite campsite options for campers.
Theog is often called an underrated destination, which works in its favor, far away from the town jazz and closes to the lost tranquility of nature. Theog is 2153m above sea level. The climate is warm and temperate here. The summers here have an honest deal of rainfall, while the winters have little or no. You can go here by roadways.
19. Chindi, Karsog Valley - Himachal Pradesh
Chindi is a small village that sits at 1850 mts in Himachal Pradesh. Located within the Karsog Valley, around 87 km from Shimla, Chindi is understood primarily for its different temples.
Since Chindi remains a little town far away from the stretches of tourism, there are only a few hotels. The government accommodation at the PWD building is the best choice additionally to the hotel Mamleshwar.
Visitors might not receive top-notch modern amenities, but they might receive essential requirements to relax within the beautiful valley. You can go here by roadways. Here in the summer months, it remains mildly cold, though sunny. Monsoons are tough, landslides can occur. Winter months do experience snowfall and therefore the region is converted into a magical wonderland.
20. Chandigarh - Punjab
Chandigarh could also be a city, district, and union territory in India that's the capital of the two neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.
The name Chandigarh may be a compound of Chandi and Garh. Chandi refers to the Hindu goddess Chandi and Garh means fortress. Chandigarh is found near the foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas in northwest India. It covers an area of approximately 114 km.
The city has forests surrounding it that sustain many animal and plant species. Sukhna Lake hosts a spread of ducks and geese and attracts migratory birds from parts of Siberia and Japan within the winter season. The Parrot aviary Chandigarh provides a home to an outsized number of parrots. It is 108 km from Shimla and you can go here by roadways, railways, and airways.
21. Sirmour - Himachal Pradesh
Sirmour may be a calm and tranquil district where still quite 90% of individuals sleep in villages. Sirmour includes towns of Nahan, Paonta Sahib, and Suketi and offers travelers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills to trek, serene lakes for boating, and beautifully built temples. Sirmour is additionally called the “Peach Bowl of India” due to the high cultivation of peaches that's undertaken here.
A lot of fruits and vegetables like apples, ginger, potatoes, tomatoes, mangoes, and peaches are grown here, so you'll even carry a number of these fresh products home. It is 1,101 km away from Shimla and you can go there by roadways and railways.
22. Sarahan - Himachal Pradesh
Sarahan is a beautiful hamlet situated in Himachal Pradesh. Known as the "Gateway to Kinnaur", it's located near the Sutlej River Valley and therefore the Indo Tibetan road, at an altitude of 2165 m below water level.
The unparalleled great thing about the landscape, with mountains flanked by cliffs on one side and plush ravines on the opposite, to not forget the Srikhand Mahadev Peak make Sarahan a memorable place. This place to visit near Shimla indeed has soaked tons of nature's blessings.
At the very heart of the place is the fabulous two-towered temple of the local version of Devi Kali, the Bhimakali temple. It is also called the Gateway to Kinnaur because it acts as a base for several trekking expeditions within the surrounding areas.
Sarahan is additionally famous because of the summertime capital of the rulers of Bushahr, who were believed to be settled in Kinnaur. This place is 156kms from Shimla and you can go there by railways and roadways.
23. Sangla - Himachal Pradesh
One of the foremost charming valleys within the whole Kinnaur District, Sangla Valley may be a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the swarming cities.
It is named after a gorgeous village by an equivalent name. Baspa River also makes its way through the place, meandering and gurgling, famous for trout fishing. The place is dotted with several attractions from temples and forts to nearby villages making it an amazing holiday destination.
Summers of Sangla are moderately hot. The temperature ranges from 8°C - 30°C in March to May. July marks the start of the Monsoon season in Sangla and lasts till mid of September. Winters approach Sangla in December and last till February. It is 211kms from Shimla and you can go there by roadways and railways.
24. Chitkul - Himachal Pradesh
Chitkul is a village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. During winters, the place mostly remains covered with snow and therefore the inhabitants move to lower regions of Himachal. It is also the last point in India one can travel to without a permit.
The powerful goddess of Chitkul is the only non-Buddhist deity to whom respect must be paid by the Parikrama pilgrims. It is 234kms away from Shimla and you can go there by roadways and railways.
25. Tosh - Himachal Pradesh
Tosh village is within the Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is located at about 2,400 meters in elevation on a hill within the Parvati Valley, surrounded by mountains. It is described as a "traditional village turned hippie colony".
Birds within the world include lammergeiers, bullfinches, rose finches, Himalayan griffons, white-capped water stars, and brown dippers. It is 239kms from Shimla and you can go by roadways and railways.
To sum up, Shimla is a heritage city and had been the British's favorite destination to spend the summer, all thanks to the chilled weather of this place back then, that attracted the British from the hot and humid areas.
These are some of the best places to visit near Shimla. Hope you enjoyed reading!
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