Exploring Shimla On Foot

Himachal Pradesh

The mesmerizing capital of Himachal Pradesh has always been a favourite destination for those who crave to escape the scorching heat and choking pollution of the plains. Flaunting a pleasant weather throughout the year, a 2-nights-3-days trip is sufficient to explore this beautiful hill station, on the foothills of the Himalayas. You can always tick off the tourist hotspots in Shimla on a bike or car, however, the best way to soak in the magic of Shimla is to explore it on foot!

Do you like to take delightful walks through picturesque locations? Then check out our 3-day Shimla itinerary, specially curated for you.

Here are some Centrally-Located Hotels in Shimla for a Seamless On-Foot Exploration

• Hotel Willow Banks

• Marina- Shimla First Designer Boutique Hotel

• Hotel Prestige

DAY 1

After waking up to the breathtaking views of the hills, prepare to walk back in time with a visit to the popular hotspot called the Viceregal Lodge. Also known as the as the Rashtrapati Niwas, this place will envelop you with its calmness and serenity in the morning. Viceregal Lodge was the former residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy of India and therefore flaunts a stunning colonial architecture, along with ancient artefacts and photographs from the British era. It is located just 2 km away from the Shimla Railway Station and 3 km from Old Shimla Bus Stand.

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day, on all days except Monday

Once done with the Vice Regal Lodge you can please your taste buds with some scrumptious street food, or take a 20-minute walk to Oberoi Cecil Hotel – a heritage hotel, to relish European and Asian dishes.

Early in the evening you can seek blessings at the famous Kali Bari Temple. One of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Shimla, Kali Bari Temple is a 15-20 minute walk from Oberoi Cecil Hotel and just 1 km away from the Old Shimla Bus Stand. The Bengali hut-style temple is dedicated to goddess Kali and attracts a large number of tourists, especially during the Navratras.

#MMTTip: Don’t miss the evening aarti here!

Timings: 6 am to 7 pm

As the day comes to an end, it’s time to hit Shimla’s Mall Road. Located in the heart of the city, Mall Road is always buzzing with foodies and shopaholics from all over the world. Automobiles, except emergency vehicles, are not allowed on the entire stretch. Admire the charisma of the street dotted with restaurants, cafes, clubs and shops. Enjoy a lovely evening walk and shop for woollens, handicrafts, jewellery and wooden antiques.

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Himachal Pradesh

DAY 2

Start your second day with The Ridge. Situated along the Mall Road, The Ridge witnesses the maximum crowd in Shimla due to its prime location, bustling shops and the mesmerising views of the snow-capped mountain ranges. Also, automobiles are completely banned in this area. So you can enjoy the long walk without being disturbed by continuous honking. Prominent landmarks like Jakhu Hill, Scandal Point, Lakkar Bazaar and a few others, are in close proximity to the area.

Spend the afternoon at the Christ Church, just 5 minutes away from The Ridge. This historical church will impress you with its stunning architecture. Featured in several movies, songs and celeb Instagram posts, Christ Church is the second oldest church in northern India and is one of the most recognisable tourist spots in Shimla. The bells in the church and the five stained glass windows represent different virtues of Christianity.

Exhausted after a long day of exploring the city? Wrap up your day with lip-smacking dishes at the famous Café Sol – only 5 minutes from the Christ Church. Leave your taste buds tantalised with their classic Caesar salad with grilled chicken or grilled fish, served with spicy finger chips. Enjoy your favourite cocktail along with live music or DJ-spun beats!

DAY 3

On day 3, take a walk to the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, just 1 km away from the Old Shimla Bus Stand. The heritage building was earlier used for hosting theatrical, cultural and literary events by the British.

#MMTTrivia: Legends like K. L. Sehgal, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Baten Powel, Rudyard Kipling and others have performed at this acclaimed theatre.

Once you’re done, you can trek to the lush green Jakhu Hill to relish breath-taking views of the city and get amazed by the huge iconic statue of lord Hanuman, standing right beside the Jakhu Temple. The Temple is located at an altitude of 2455 metres and is about 20-25 minutes walking distance from the complex, 2 km from the Mall Road. According to the legend, lord Hanuman stopped at this spot to take rest before resuming his search for the Sanjeevani Booti.

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm every day