PLACES OF INTEREST:

The Mall: 

All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge - a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings , souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town - a favorite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The laby-rinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.

Viceregal Lodge: 

Housed in the Gothic splendor of the Viceregal   Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced studies, India's premier academy for higher research.

Himachal State Museum: 

Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery. 

Jakhoo Hill: 

The steep climb to Jakhoo Hill, Shimla's highest point, is rewarding for superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple. (2Km/1.2 mile)

Annandale:

The open grounds at Annandale, below the ridge, was a favorite location in the days of the eRaji - the venue of picnics, cricket and polo matches and gymkhana. races. (2.4 Km/1.5 mile)

The Glen: 

A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the thickly wooded Glen, beside a sparkling stream. ( 4 Km/2.4 mile)

Summer Hill: 

The quiet and lovely suburb of Summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Gerogian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla -Kalka railway line. (5 Km/3 mile)

Chadwick Falls:

 Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon. ( 7 Km/4 mile)

Prospect Hill: 

A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favorite walk and vantage point with breath-taking views. There is little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill ( 5 Km/3 mile)

Sanjauli: 

 A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible. (3 Km/1.8 Mile)

Chail : 

The idyllic resort, set amidst scented forests of pine and deodar, was once the summer resort of the maharajas of Patiala. Located on a wooded spur, Chail overlooks the Sutlej Valley. Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at night their twinkling lights seem part of the starlit sky.

The palace of the maharajas, built in the late 19th century and the pretty cottages of the complex - that once accommodated the ADCs and guests of the royal party - are now part of a charming holiday resort. Chail has lovely walks and trails that meander through the dense pine forests - the home of barking deer, wild boar, pheasant and a variety of birds. Forest rest houses make overnight halts possible. For those interested in sports, Chail has fine tennis and squash courts and a putting green. There are excellent spots along the River Gaura with opportunities for anglers to tangle with the Himalayan mahaseer. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world - 2250 m above sea level.

Mashobra(9.6 Km/6 mile): 

Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and picnic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering thorough it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the highest point in the area or to Craignano ( 3 Km/2 mile) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden.

Kufri (16 Km/10 mile): 

Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski-resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February.

Fagu: 

Just 6 Km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.

Naldehara(23 Km/ 14 mile ): 

The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springy turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, lord Curzon. So enamoured was he by the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera.

Tattapani(51 Km/31 mile): 

Tattapani is just 28 Km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic countryside. The hot sulphur springs here, are noted for their invigorating and curative powers.

Narkanda (64 Km/ 40 mile): 

A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located  amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice  of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier.

SHOPPING: 

There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets and pickles, jams and squashes.