These places scream the essence of Shimla and you’ve not done things right if you’ve missed out on any one of them. So here’s making sure there's no FOMO by visiting these 12 locations found in and around Shimla ASAP!

1. A Picnic At Chadwick Falls

Picture Credits: Navdeep Singh Saini

A trek through the magnificent Glen Forest leads you to this marvelous creation of nature where water tumbles down the mountains from a height of about 86m and drizzles over the surrounding rocks. Soaking in the calmness, along with the cool fresh water breeze, is the best escape from the hustle of the city.

Where | Inside Glen Forest

2. Take On The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

For a true traveler, train journeys bring about a mesmerizing and challenging experience, embracing distinct landscapes and stirring the soul. The toy train, also known as the Kalka-Shimla rail is 96 Kms long and with its curvy and steep pathways passes through plenty of tunnels across various heights. Ensure that it is a day journey so that the scenic beauty can be truly enjoyed!

Route | From the Himalayan Shivalik Hills foothills at Kalka to several landmarks such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Totu (Jutogh), Summerhill & Shimla.

3. Explore Viceregal Lodge

Built on the second largest hill of Shimla, it is known for its splendid and intricate British architecture. You enter through the reception, followed by a colossal gallery made of teak that is surrounded by rooms on all sides. It also has an indoor tennis court and is surrounded by resplendent gardens on its three sides. Although some parts of it are not accessible, but a guided tour through the building is most helpful.

Where | Rashtrapati Niwas, Observatory Hill, Near The Summer Hill Railway Station

4. Trek To Jakhoo Temple

The Jakhoo Hill is one of the highest points in Shimla, covered with numerous alpine and oak trees and nestled is an enormous statue of Lord Hanuman. The temple has beautiful paintings and statues of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. The view from the top is exquisite and unveils the true beauty of Shimla. In addition to the religious offerings, it also offers one of the best trekking experiences.

Where | Near The Ridge

5. Indulge At Cafe Simla Times

This beautiful café with its artistic interiors and warm ambience is the perfect spot to grab a book and while away your afternoons whilst during the evenings, the place turns into a lounge with live music by various local bands! The menu incorporates cuisines like Italian, Chinese and Indian. Do try their bruschettas, wood-fired pizzas and the sinful tiramisu.

Where | Adjacent To Hotel Willow Banks, The Mall

6. How About Some Thrilling Adventure Sports

Shimla, and the places nearby have many sports for the adventure-seeking soul. It has an open air natural ice skating rink, river rafting in Tattapani, skiing in Kufri and Narkanda, various mountain biking trails, paragliding near Naldehra besides so much more.

Get The Deets Here | https://so.city/#!/delhi/article/thrillists-here-are-6-best-adventure-activities-to-take-on-in-and-around-shimla

7. Dinner At The Restaurant, Cecil Restaurant

With its colonial-era architecture, this place is perfect if you’re looking for a well-spent evening. The menu includes International, Pan-Indian and local Himachali dishes. Try the Kullu Trout with Zucchini Couscous, the Kebab Platter, Cha Ghosh and for dessert the Masala Chai Kulfi.

Where | The Oberoi Cecil, Chaura Maidan Road

8. Witness A Glorious Sunset At Scandal Point

The place where the Ridge and the Mall Road converge is the Scandal point of Shimla. It is the heart of Shimla and brings to you the real city life experience. Evening walks are a delight here. Halt at the Scandal Point to witness the most beautiful sunset amidst the dense trees and the hills.

Where | A Point Where The Ridge And The Mall Road Converge

9. Relive History At Gorton Castle

Inspired by the Neo-Gothic architecture, the Gorton Castle is a heritage site in Shimla. The three-storeyed building is surrounded by timber blocks, mostly of rosewood and the roofs are made of red tiles. It is surrounded by huge deodar trees that offer a gorgeous view from its balconies. Yes, it is a castle right out of your favourite fairytale so go explore!

Where | Mall Road, Nabha

10. Annandale

Picture credits: Rohit Chhiber

A quiet place amidst the dense pinewood forests, Annandale is one of the best tourist spots in Shimla. It has huge playgrounds for polo, golf and cricket matches. The field is also used as a Heliport. The major attraction is the Army Heritage Museum, that portrays a good collection of swords, guns, bullets, arrows, uniforms and statues of many soldiers.

Where | Near Vidhan Sabha

11. Summer Hill

A perfect getaway from the hustle of the city, this lovely place offers picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains. Go out for nice long walks to savour the charm of the hills, embracing the cool breeze and the pine, deodar and oak vegetation in the background. There are many accommodations nearby to ensure a comfortable stay for you in this part of the town.

Where | 5 Kms From The Ridge

12. Gaiety Theatre

Drawing influence from the theatre tradition during the British era, this extravagant theatre is present in the heart of the old town hall in Shimla. It's the epitome of Victorian-theatre architecture which has been restored. It comprises of an art gallery, exhibition hall, amphitheatre, multipurpose hall, old theatre, a conference hall and the City Museum.

Where | The Mall

Ticked them all off of your list? If yes, then you've witnessed the best of Shimla!

Pine Forest Vagabond