Mall Road is the main street in Shimla and tops the list of things to do in Shimla. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall road is located a level below the ridge. This is the place for shopping in Shimla.
The Ridge road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla and is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. The place offers a beautiful view of the mountain ranges in Shimla especially in clear weather when a jagged line of distant snowy peaks is clearly visible to the north from here.
At the centre of things beside Scandal Point, Shimla’s town hall dates from 1910 and it has been recently opened after a major facelift, restored back to its original glory
Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India. Located at the Ridge, the interiors and the neo-gothic architecture are very beautiful and appealing making this church one of the most important attractions in Shimla.
Nestling atop Jhakhu Hill, the Jhakhu Temple is one of Shimla’s popular places of religious importance. It is situated 2.5 km away from the ridge, at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level.
The point where the Mall Road turns onto the Road is the Scandal Point. Located at the heart of the town this is a must visit spots for tourists. It owes its interesting name to the fact that the King of Patiala abducted the daughter of the Viceroy, because he fell in love with her, from this very place.
As the name suggest, Lakkar Bazaar is a wood market in Shimla. Popular for its wood items like walking sticks and decorative articles, Lakkar Bazaar is an ideal place to take your family for shopping. This place has everything from a small wooden key ring to huge home décor items, so depending upon what your budget is, you can shop something fancy or simply buy a souvenir atleast.
Another chart topper in ‘things to do in Shimla’ is the the Viceregal Lodge, about a 3km walk from the Mall Road. Perched on the Observatory Hills Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as “Rashtrapati Niwas” is a magnificent building and was built as a residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferinin 1888. Many historic decisions, including the Shimla Conference of 1945 and the Separation of Pakistan and East Pakistan in 1947, have been taken in this building.
More than a century-old symbol of art and culture – the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club. With an array of venues, including exhibition hall, art gallery, multi-purpose hall, amphitheatre and old theatre hall, this is the hub of performing arts in the state.