The top places to visit in Shimla and Manali take you on a whirlwind tour revealing the beauty and variety offered by these Himalayan hill towns. From Shimla’s busy Ridge to Manali’s placid Lake Bhrigu, the charm of each site is different.
Both these locations are the epicenter of Himachal pradesh tourism. Whether you look for colorful markets, ancient temples or peaceful glades, these hill stations have something to cater to every traveller. Come with us as we explore the must-see sites that make Shimla and Manali so remarkable.
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Places to Visit in Shimla and Manali
Shimla
The electric Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is best known for its colonial influence and scenic beauty. This hill station combines beauty, history, and culture, which is why it is so popular. Now, we will checkout the top five Shimla tourist places.
1. The Ridge of Shimla
The Ridge One of the most comprehensive places to visit in Shimla is the Ridge, the hub of all local activities. In addition to being the venue of the very significant Summer Festival that is celebrated every April or May, the Ridge is easily accessible to other important places of Shimla like Mall Road, Scandal Point, and Lakkar Bazaar.
There are lots of interesting places along the Ridge, but Christ Church is one of the most frequented place. It is of the neo-gothic architectural virieu, and is the second oldest church in north India, after St. Stephen’s Church, Delhi. And it’s a fantastic place to shop, eat and go out in addition to its beautiful buildings and scenery! Below the Ridge, lying underground, is a reservoir of 1,000,000 imperial gallons (4,500,000 l). It provides water to Shimla, and was built in the 1880s of lime mortar.
2. Jakhoo Hill
The highest point in Shimla, Jakhoo Hill is considered to be among the most popular tourist places in Shimla. The most visited sites on the hill are the Jakhoo Temple and the recently erected Hanuman statues. When you are seeking tranquility away from downtown Shimla with the masses of tourists, Jakhoo Hill is a fantastic place to go. On reaching the top, savour the cool climate and magnificent views of the Shivalik range from the 2.5-kilometre footpath. Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point, rests at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above the sea. It is situated around 2 km east of Shimla centre.
3. Annandale
Do you want to play polo or cricket in Shimla? You can bet Annandale will satisfy your gaming cravings! It was the playground for the British aristocracy and it continues to play its part in sports such as racing, polo and cricket. People not just love to visit the best places like Annandale to have their party but they also get their destination weddings at Shimla. The area is speckled with pine and oak trees. Annandale, or locally known as Annadale is a town and a hill station (and a notified area) in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh India.
Its altitude is 6127 feet or 1864 meters. The valley is a flat area that contains a helipad, a golf course and an army cantonment, which is the location of the Army Heritage Museum. It is known as “The Heart of Shimla” because of its greenery and beautiful environment. In British India, Annandale was the venue of many refinements and amusements by the British colonials such as fancy dress shows, picnics and birth day parties.
4. The Shimla State Museum
Himachal state museum and library (Also known as the state museum) Situated at Mount Pleasant. Check Out: 5 Captivating Indian Museums You Must Visit 19. Its lovely gardens and stunning British-style architecture are well worth the trip. The museum houses an enormous collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and other works of art, reflecting the rich cultural history and heritage of the state. This top place in Shimla is all set to be you next sightseeing click!
The Shimla State Museum, also known as the Himachal State Museum is located on Mount Pleasant in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the west side of Mall Road, about 2.5 km west of Scandal Point. Find an eclectic mix of antique sculptures, coins, paintings, textiles, wood carvings, and traditional Himachali objects. (All ages)Enjoy different paintings, old and new. Learn about Himachal Pradesh history through museum exhibits.
5. Shimla Mall Road
This strip of Shimla, busy and commercialized to this day, is a small world unto itself. One of the favorite places in Shimla is its Mall Road and it is rightfully so. The hills are filled with tourists apart from hotel and house. This Mall Road is one of the best places to enjoy with friends, with family. Shimla Mall Road is situated in the heart of Shimla and it is one of the most popular attractions of the town. Enjoys good weather and is great for sightseeing, as well as adventure activities. Perfect for snow activities.
1. Solang Valley
Thousands of tourists from across the country visit the valley every year while travelling to Rohtang from Manali. Parachuting, parachuting, horse riding, and mini-open jeeps driving are just a few activities offered to adventure enthusiasts, of all ages, in the Solang Valley. In winter, skiing is a popular sport in Solang Valley as the valley has a number of slopes ranging from easy to medium to provide skiing to the enthusiasts. There’s a training institute and trainers to supervise the people and train them in skiing. In the spring, when the snows thaw, zorbing takes over from skiing.
2. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass, located on the Manali-Keylong road, is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It would be a rare case indeed if you didn’t consider this a necessary pit stop in your itinerary while you are on a trip to Manali. The Rohtang Pass is a popular spot amongst the film directors. The location has been used for many a blockbuster, right from ‘Jab We Met’ to ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’. Rohtang Pass is about 51 km from Manali.
It links the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India to the north, and is situated in the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. Experience a snowmobile ride, skiing and mountain biking, best during June to October. Snap pictures of a beautiful passage, snowy summits and a dramatic landscape. You might want to visit the nearby Solang Valley where paragliding, zorbing and ropeway rides are available. When to go Rohtang Pass is best visited during June to October when you can go there by road. The finest times for clear skies and clement conditions are early in the morning.
3. Hadimba Temple
Situated amidst the snow-covered slopes of the quaint town, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine and a much visited place of worship.The temple is dedicated to the demon god Hidimba (the wife of Bhima). The beautiful temple is erected on a huge rock which was supposed to be in the image of Goddess Hidimba and is enclosed by a cedar forest. Constructed of wooden doors, walls and a cone-shaped roof, the Hidimba Devi temple is strikingly distinct from the other temples of the area. Hadimba Temple (Hidimba Devi Temple) Located in Manali. It is located in the snow-covered hills, which gives travelers an excellent backdrop.
4. Nehru Kund
It is a summer destination that lets you to visit Nehru Kund, a natural spring which lies on the Manali-Rohtang Pass Road. It is named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who used to drink water from the water fall whenever he used to stay in Manali. Nehru Kund: As one travels to Rohtang pass, 12 km from Manali, one encounters a beautiful place called Nehru Kund.
Plus if you are a photographer or love nature: it’s great. Nehru Kund is situated at a distance of approximately 5 km from Manali Bus stand on the Manali-Keylong highway. The most ideal time to go to Nehru Kund is between the months of May to October as the climate is moderate and the spring season would have just started.
5. Lake Bhrigu
The Lake Bhrigu is as picturesque as alpine meadows in postcards, and sit near an evergreen forest, is one of the top Manali’s trekking places. The altitude of the lake is more than 4000mts; therefore you need to take acclimatization if you are planning to go on an excursion. It is a tourist destination for its landscape and wider views of the Pir Panjal mountains.
The Bhrigu Lake is about 20 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The trail-head of the lake starts from Gulaba Village, which is an entry point to this beautiful destination. It is best to visit Lake Bhrigu from August till September when the meadows are green and the weather is pleasant. Snow is present during July. Steer clear of the monsoon season (July through early August) when heavy rains make the trails slick.
Conclusion
So if you have the destination in your mind for your next trip here are some of the best places to visit in Shimla and Manli to add in the memories of your holiday. And we hope these places present a kaleidoscope of experiences, from cultural to natural, that offer inspiration and renewal. Enjoy the ride and soak in some beauty in these Magical Places!
Also Read: Tourist Places in Himachal Pradesh
