Take a one day trip to Shimla over a weekend and let yourself relish this bewitching hill-station. Over this one day trip you can explore the best of attractions including temples and churches to satiate your spiritual experience, museums and monuments to take a plunge into the city's history and the hills and waterfalls to soak in the boastful natural beauty.
Additionally, on this one day trip in Shimla, you can also enjoy many fun filled activities like trekking at Summer Hill, camping in Junga and cycling at Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, while also engaging with the diverse flora and fauna at all these places.
Besides this, if you have kids and want them to have a memorable trip then you can also plan to spend your day at any of the amusement parks that Shimla has to offer. Therefore, check out our list to find out more about these and many other places in Shimla.
Shimla Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Shimla
The Roopkund Lake is situated high up in the Garhwal Mountains in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This lake is of much historical and religious importance. It was also called the Mystery or Skeletal Lake after a large number of human skeletons were found in it in 1942 by a Forest Officer.Following this discovery, a number of scientists visited the lake to find out the reason for the skeletons being there and it was eventually concluded that the skeletons belonged to some pilgrims who were caught unawares in a flash hailstorm.Due to the huge chunks of ice that came with the hailstorm, the pilgrims died due to injuries to their skulls. This story was aired in national and international media and since them the Roopkund Lake has become a popular tourist destination. The trek to Roopkund Lake showcases the best of Himalayan beauty. The trek begins at Lohajung, which is situated at an elevation of 3200 metres and goes on for five days till you reach the lake, which is at an altitude of 5000 metres. The first couple of days will take you through beautiful villages, forests, rivers and Bugyals.The air will get thinner and thinner as you ascend and gain altitude. So it is very important that you are in the best of health and fitness when you set out for this trek. Higher energy levels will allow you to adjust better with the changing environment and enjoy the views offered by the region. Your team leader will also offer you tips on how to cope with the changing levels of the atmosphere.The trekking trail followed during the Roopkund trek coincides with that of the Raj Jay Yatra pilgrimage route. This is conducted during a festival dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi and the residents of nearby village participate in this festival dressed in their traditional attire.Best Season: August - OctoberDifficulty Level: DifficultMax. Elevation: 5020 mMore Details: Guide to Roopkund TrekGet a Quote for Roopkund The mystery lake
The 2 feet 6 inches narrow gauge that takes the trains through the mountainous stations from Kalka to Shimla has a lot of admirers all over India. Thus Kalka- Shimla Railway secures its place intact among travelers of Himachal Pradesh. The relishing views of the hills and valleys of Himachal Pradesh seem to be more charming while you make a journey in one of the trains along this railway track. It was built in 1898 to connect Shimla with other parts and it is recorded that during the construction of this system, there were 107 tunnels and 864 bridges through the course of the track as well. Though the system is years old, it emerges out to surprise the visitors of Himachal still.
At the convergence of two famous roads, the Ridge and the Mall Road in Shimla is the famous Scandal Point, to the western edge of the convergent point. There are multitudes of stories existing related to the birth of this Scandal Point, dating back to the British regime. One story says that the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy after meeting at the Scandal Point and thus it got this intriguing name and another set of tales shows that the Maharaja kidnapped young women from Scandal Point. Regardless the umpteen number of stories, this square overlooking the paradisiacal location has ample features to be on the top of the best sightseeing places in Himachal Pradesh’s list.
Popular Day Outs Destinations
Shimla Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Day Outs in Shimla
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What are the best places to visit for a one day trip in Shimla?
These are some of the best places to visit for a one day trip in Shimla.
1. Christ Church: This is the second oldest church in the northern region of India. The pale yellow edifice has beautiful architecture that is admirable. You can come here to spend some time in peace and attend the Mass.
2. Shimla State Museum: The museum has a library, lush gardens and beautiful British era architecture. The building is a pleasant attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts. Here you can find displays of paintings, sculptures, artefacts and handicrafts that have preserved the heritage and culture of Shimla.
3. Tara Devi Temple: This is one of the many temples in Shimla. Considered to be of significance to the Hindu religion, the temple is settled on top of a hill. One can get here via Kalka-Shimla highway to seek spirituality, peace and harmony of the body and mind.
4. Viceregal Lodge: It is one of Shimla's most beautiful buildings. People can take a tour of this historic structure and admire its architecture as well as learn about the history. The Viceregal Lodge was the residence of the Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1946.
5. Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary: This place is a nature-lover's haven. Spread over 1000 acres of lush greenery, the place displays the finest flora and fauna. During your visit you can go on nature-walks and safaris to spot a variety of wildlife.
6. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex: This historical masterpiece was designed by Henry Irwin in Gothic style architecture with victorian accents. The once five storey building is among the top tourist spots. People can visit the Gaiety theater situated here.
7. Chadwick Waterfalls: The 1586 meters high waterfalls in Shimla is one of the top tourist destinations. Covered with dense oak and deodar forest, the milky-white cascading against the contrasting backdrop looks enthralling. During your visit here you can enjoy a picnic, swim in the water and hiking. -
What is the best time to visit Shimla?
The best time to plan a trip to Shimla would be from March till June which is when the weather is idyllic for touring, sightseeing as well as indulging in adventure activities. Moreover, the winter months from November till February are also great, if you want to witness snowfall and enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding etc.
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How much does a one day trip to Shimla cost?
A one day trip to Shimla for one person can cost anywhere between 3500 - 4000 INR. This amount includes the travel fare from your respective location till Shimla and further travelling within the city, along with that are accommodations, food and sightseeing.
Also, the overall cost of the trip can vary depending on the accommodation one picks as well as activities and shopping expenses during the trip. -
Is Shimla safe for couples?
Yes. Shimla is safe for couples, both married and unmarried. The city has a well established law enforcement that ensures safety of all the visitors and the locals. Moreover, from accommodation to the people in the city, they all are quite welcoming and friendly to the couples.
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How far is Manali from Shimla?
The distance between Manali and Shimla is about 246 km on road via the NH-205 route. Also, the total duration to travel from one place to the other can take 7.5 - 8 hours.
Moreover, one can reach Manali from Shimla either by renting a taxi or driving in a personal vehicle or by bus. -
Which place is better to visit, Shimla or Manali?
It would depend on the type of vacation you want since Manali and Shimla are both renowned holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Each of these hill-stations have affluent natural environs, beautiful sceneries, plethora of activities as well as many attractions worth visiting.
While Shimla gets a bit crowded during its peak season, Manali remains quieter which is perfect as an escape from the bustling cities. -
Is Shimla worth visiting?
Shimla is definitely worth visiting. It is one of the most popular hill-stations in Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque valleys and hills, rich vegetation and wildlife, it's history, shopping and much more. Thus, promising a memorable holiday.