Exciting Activities to do During Your Vacation in Shimla

1. TOY TRAIN RIDE

The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train journey is one of the most scenic journeys of India offering the tourists an unbeatable train ride experience. The train ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and villages, pine covered hilltops, lush green forests, flora and fauna, misty mountains, valleys and twisted curvy route. Added attraction is the tunnels, through which the train passes by offering the traveller a greater thrill. The route, spanning 60 miles, connects Kalka with Shimla on a five and a half hours journey. The train passes by 18 stations, 103 tunnels, and 864 bridges before reaching Shimla and the entire journey is quite adventurous. On the way, it stops at a number of tourist destinations, like Solan, Dharampur, Summer Hill, Salogra, Taradevi, and Barog, among others.
The railway was built under the direction of Herbert Septimus Harington between 1898 and 1903 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system. The Shimla toy train was declared as a heritage site in 2007 by the Himachal Pradesh State Government and in 2008 it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train ranks at fourth position in the world heritage list of UNESCO. Tourist trains commuting in Kalka-Shimla route are – Rail Motor Car, Shivalik Deluxe Express and Himalayan Queen. One can avail tickets from the railway station counter or book online from the IRCTC website.

2. ICE SKATING

The Ice Skating Rink in Shimla is the only Naturally formed Ice Skating Rink in South Asia which attracts a number of locals and tourists from all over the world. Ice skating is a famous sport of Shimla in winters. The ice skating rink has been used for sports and recreational activities since 1920. The Ice Skating Club of Shimla maintains the rink and hosts numerous sports, recreational activities, annual carnivals, and national-level competitions every year. The Ice Skating Carnival is held in Shimla every year from the first week of December to the last week of February which features fancy dress competitions, Ice Hockey matches and various skiing activities.

The Ice Skating Rink provides memberships on both short term and long-term basis for a nominal fee and also provides basic Ice Skating equipments like skates, caps and kneepads.

3. RAFTING AT TATTAPANI

Tattapani is a popular tourist spot located in Karsog, Mandi district at a distance of 60 kms. from Shimla. The place is famous for river rafting in River Sutlej, which is supervised by rafting instructors. One can either avail the 14 km long or the 36 km long rafting route. While the former can be completed in 1.5 hours, the latter takes up to 3-4 hours. A number of other sports such as Zorbing, Canoeing and kayaking are also conducted here. After the rafting, visitors often like to take a dip in the hot sulphur springs of River Sutlej, which are believed to have curative properties for various health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue and other skin diseases.

4. VISIT TO THE ARMY HERITAGE MUSEUM AT ANNADALE

The famous Army Heritage Museum is located at 6117 feet above sea level at Annadale, 2 kms. away from the Shimla Railway station. The place is dedicated to the Indian Army and houses collectibles like – modern and traditional weapons, uniforms, flags, armoury and lots of other military items, that take you back to 2500 BC. Landmarks of the 1971 battle and Kargil war are also showcased at the museum. The destination is surrounded by dense forest and picturesque landscapes, which attract the tourists.
Timings : 10 am to 2 pm; 3 pm to 5 pm. Monday closed.

5. VIEW SUNRISE & SUNSET AT SCANDAL POINT

Scandal Point in Shimla is a home to several fine-dining restaurants, cafes and shops where one can enjoy and hang out with friends. The spot is surrounded by Himalayan ranges and one can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset from here.

6. HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is a popular activity of tourists in Shimla. Horse riding is conducted on the Ridge and children, grown-ups and even the newly-weds are often seen taking a ride or clicking photographs on the horse.

7. VISIT THE KALI TIBBA TEMPLE

Built in Bengali architecture style, the Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, where devotees and pilgrims come from all over the world. Kali Ka Tibba provides spiritual peace to the visitors, accompanied by natural charm and divinity. The route also offers a 2-hour trek for the adventure lovers.