Shimla is a pristine hill station in Himachal Pradesh. Once popular as the summer capital of British India, it is still renowned for its breathtaking beauty as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Shimla offers stunning views of nature, amazing sightseeing opportunities, and a plethora of adventure activities. The spectacular charm of the hill station includes majestic mountains, snowfalls, waterfalls, bubbling streams, greenery, clean and fresh air, and much more.
Shimla is a beautiful hill station in India that provides tourists of all age groups with myriad experiences and immense possibilities for fun and recreation. Thus, the hill station is a tourist-satisfying destination that is equally famous among foreign visitors. From simply strolling around in the pine forests, hills, and valleys to performing adrenaline-pumping activities you will be splurged with options on your one day Shimla local sightseeing tour.
Shimla is both an eye-soothing treat and a calming balm for the soul. You can explore the different tourist attractions, and gaze at the Elizabethan-style architecture. History enthusiasts can explore museums preserving the rich history of the place. The lush orchards add a dash of color to the scenery.
Well connected via road from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Agra, Shimla makes an ideal gateway from the busy city life. One day Shimla local sightseeing tour by car is a rejuvenating experience. Hiring a private cab you can merrily enjoy the short trip with your friends, family, partner, or even group of colleagues.
Quick Menu
- Highlights
- Book this Tour
- Pricing
- Inclusions
- Exclusions
- What to Expect
- Itinerary
- Places to Visit
- Terms & Conditions
- FAQs
- Reviews
Highlights of Shimla City Tour by Cab
- Full-day Shimla Local Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Shimla Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Sankat Mochan Temple, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Tara Devi Temple, Jakhu Temple, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Scandal Point, Lakkar Bazar, and Kali Bari Temple
Book your 1 Day Shimla City Tour Package!
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Package Price for 1 Day Shimla Local Sightseeing by Cab
Amaze / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan
₹ 2,599/-
Maruti Ertiga
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,099/-
Toyota Innova
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,399/-
Toyota Innova Crysta
6 – 7 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,899/-
Tempo/ Force Traveller
12 Seater / LCV
₹ 4,599/-
Mini Bus
21 Seater / LCV
Price on Request
Package Inclusions
- Pick and drop from Hotel / Home in Shimla
- Cab for Shimla sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Batta
Package Exclusions
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Shimla
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation in Shimla
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
What to Expect on your Shimla Sightseeing Tour
The romantic hill town of Shimla is idyllically set in the lap of nature to offer refreshing views and a pleasant climate. The hill station offers respite from the scorching summers and also has many interesting tourist attractions to explore on a one day sightseeing tour.
We will pick you up from your accommodation early in the morning so that we can cover most of the important sightseeing attractions in Shimla. We will begin by offering prayers at the revered Sankat Mochan Temple. You can spend some time enjoying the splendid views of the hill station from the hilltop. Our next stop on this one day tour will be the magnificent Indian Institute of Advanced Studies on Observatory Hill.
We will also visit the Tara Devi Temple to seek the blessings of the presiding deity and next head for a cable car ride to Jakhoo Temple. After enjoying a bird’s eye view of the hill station and experiencing the spiritual bliss of the Lord Hanuman temple we will visit the Gaiety Theater on Mall Road. Go back in time with the ethereal beauty of the theatre which was once an epicenter of culture, music, and everything creative.
We will go a little further on Mall Road to witness the charming surroundings of Scandal Point, post which you can shop for Himachali goodies and souvenirs at the Lakkar Bazaar
Winding up the day we will visit the Kali Bari Temple near Lakkar Bazar. After offering prayers at the temple you can feast on the yummy snacks sold at the food stalls near it. At the end of this day trip, we will drop you at your place of stay.
Itinerary of Shimla Sightseeing Trip
Pickup from your Hotel in Shimla at 9:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sankat Mochan Temple | 30 minutes |
| 2 | Indian Institute of Advanced Studies | 60 minutes |
| 3 | Tara Devi Temple | 30 minutes |
| 4 | Jakhu Temple | 30 minutes |
| 5 | Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex | 50 minutes |
| 6 | Scandal Point | 40 minutes |
| 7 | Lakkar Bazar | 60 minutes |
| 8 | Kali Bari Temple | 30 minutes |
Drop back at your Hotel in Shimla by 5:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the Shimla tourism places listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. In order to include any other sightseeing place, guests can check with their cab provider while booking this Shimla local sightseeing tour by private car.
Places to Visit in Shimla in 1 Day
Shimla is among the most popular hill stations in India. The hill station offers plenty of options for exploring on your sightseeing trip including vantage points, temples, historical sites, and ancient monuments. It is also renowned for thrilling activities such as Shimla toy train, trekking, hiking, ice-skating, rafting, shopping, and photography. Following are the popular places we will visit on your one day Shimla local sightseeing tour by private cab:
1. Sankat Mochan Temple
Spanning over 18.8 bighas of land, Sankat Mochan Temple in Shimla is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman. After the revered Jakhu Temple, it is the second most visited temple in Shimla. Located at a height of 1975 meters on the Kalka- Shimla Highway, it provides a panoramic view of Shimla.
Established by Neem Karoli Baba in 1950, the temple was constructed in 1962, by the then Lieutenant Governor, Raja Bajrang Bahadur Singh, and was inaugurated on 21st June 1966. It is renowned for its unique construction in the South Indian architectural style.
The temple also houses idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha. A temple dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba has been recently built. Inside, there is a huge hall where langar is served to people on Sundays. People can also organize marriage ceremonies and several sacred rituals.
You can appreciate the tranquil setting and greenery all around after offering prayers to the deity. It is a great spot to click pictures of the peaceful environment. Children can enjoy themselves in the park. You can also avail medicines from the Ayurvedic clinic.
- Must See / Things to Do: Worship Lord Hanuman and marvel at the scenic view from the hills.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
2. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS) is also known as the Vice Regal Lodge. The British-era monument is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and a breath-taking landscape. An exotic Burmese teak and grey stone fetch this quaint building an exquisite look.
Located on Observatory Hill in Shimla, it is now a museum and residential center for higher education. It was originally home to Lord Dufferin, who was the Indian viceroy from 1884 to 1888. Historic decisions like the Shimla Conference of 1945 and the Separation of Pakistan and East Pakistan had been made in this building.
Post-independence, it had been the summer retreat of the President of India. Later it was converted into the research center for Indian culture, religion, humanities, and social and natural sciences. It promotes free and creative thoughts in areas of human significance. It started functioning on 20th October 1965.
You can explore the well-stocked museum and spend time at the well-maintained garden within the campus on your Shimla sightseeing trip by car. Its charisma has attracted historians, tourists, archaeologists, and even Bollywood filmmakers over the years. The historical edifice provides an ideal setting for photography.
- Must See / Things to Do: Explore the history and culture of India preserved at the museum.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM – 4:50 PM except on Mondays and national holidays
- Entry Fee: Indian Nationals (Adults – INR 200 per person | Children (5-12 years) – INR 100 per person | Senior Citizens – INR 100 per person) Foreign Nationals (Above 5 years) – INR 500 per person
3. Tara Devi Temple
Located at a height of 7200 ft high, Tara Devi Temple is on the western side of Shimla. Surrounded by dense and thick oak and rhododendron forest, it offers remarkable views of the lofty Himalayas and the entire town. Dedicated to Goddess Tara Devi, it is also a popular vantage point.
A Pahari-style architectural marvel, the temple is noted for its serenity and positive vibes. The clean and fresh ambiance relaxes the mind and the soul. It is an ideal spot for both the summers and the winters. It is a 6km uphill drive from the main highway.
The temple was built by the Sen dynasty kings around 1766 AD, and it appeals to both the local crowds and tourists from all over the world. Legends have it that King Balbir Sen envisioned Goddess Tara asking him to install the temple on Tarav Hill top. He obeyed the divine order and established the Goddess’ idol made of 8 precious elements or ‘Ashtadhatu’.
According to folklore it is also a belief that the Goddess herself came all the way from Bengal to Himachal Pradesh. You can offer prayers and feast on the langar/bhandara served on every Sunday.
- Must See / Things to Do: Offer prayers and capture the beauty of the hill station.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Jakhu Temple
Jakhu Temple in Shimla is located on a hill called Jakhu, which is the home to the most ancient temple of Lord Hanuman. You can take an adventurous ride on a gondola to the temple. Situated on the highest mountain peak of Shimla, it is a tourist site that you should not miss on your one day Shimla local sightseeing tour.
The thrilling ropeway connects the Jakhu temple to the historical ridge ground. A cable car ride is convenient and saves your time for sightseeing. You can enjoy a jaw-dropping aerial view of Shimla city and the breathtaking beauty of the forests. A 108 feet tall Hanuman statue which is considered the tallest in the world, situated at an altitude of over 8100 feet is also visible from the ropeway. Children can enjoy the theme park inside the temple premises. You can even have a coffee in the Café under the tree at a height of 2455 meters.
- Must See / Things to Do: Pray to Lord Hanuman and enjoy a ropeway ride.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults- INR 250 per person | Children (3-12 years) – INR 200 per person
5. Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Located on the historic street of Mall Road, the Gaiety Theatre is an open-air theatre in Shimla. It is a popular place for hosting cultural events and also displays exquisite pieces of ancient and historical art. The popularity of English plays at one time had christened this place as the Mecca of Theatre.
Designed by the English architect Henry Irwin, it opened its gates on 30th May 1887. The Gothic-styled Theatre hosted its first drama on 9th June 1838. It has brilliant acoustics and has become a vibrant center for various kinds of performing and creative arts like dance, drama, theatrics, sculpture, elocution, cultural and folk music, photography, and painting.
Being one of the oldest cultural complexes in the country, the Gaiety Theatre takes you back in time to enjoy the British era moments. It attracts people from all corners of the world due to its cultural prominence. Bollywood film and music video makers have also utilized the theatre for several projects. You can visit the amphitheater, exhibition hall, art gallery, multi-purpose hall, and an old theatre hall inside the premises.
- Must See / Things to Do: Explore the site of cultural activity in Shimla
- Timings: Open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Indian Nationals – INR 10 per person and INR 25 per person including camera fee. Foreign Nationals – INR 25 per person and INR 50 per person including camera fee.
6. Scandal Point
Another popular tourist attraction in Shimla that you should not miss on your one day trip, Scandal Point has its own historical importance and stories. It got its name in the 19th century as it is the point where the Mall Road meets the Ridge Road on the west.
History has it that a British lady, daughter of the viceroy, eloping with the Maharaja of Patiala had caused confusion and commotion at this point. The Maharaja was later banished from entering Shimla. He had counter-attacked it by building his own summer capital in Chail, 45 kilometres away from Shimla.
Amidst the folklore, the notable highlight of this place is the statue of the freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. Surrounded by the exotic mountains, it provides an astounding backdrop for your captures from your one day local tour of Shimla.
- Must See / Things to Do: Stroll or enjoy horse-riding at the most scenic point in Shimla.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
7. Lakkar Bazar
Located next to the Mall Road of Shimla, Lakkar Bazar is a popular destination for shopaholics. It is noted for wooden decorative items and other gift items. The Sikh carpenters who had settled down a century ago from Hoshiarpur make wooden toys and handicrafts.
Besides tourists, the local people flock to this market to spend a delightful evening. There are small shops selling a wide variety of items such as pashmina shawls, woolen garments, Himachali handicrafts, and artificial jewelry. There are also exquisitely crafted wooden walking sticks, key chains, spoons, pots, candle stands, and other stuff that you can buy as souvenirs.
You can also explore the roller skating rink and an old cinema hall. It is also a great place to purchase local fruits and vegetables. You can also visit the iconic sweet shops of Shimla in this market on your sightseeing tour. Street food like momos, Maggie, and Chaat is sold at the eateries. Unlike other markets in North India, you may not be able to bargain with the shopkeepers.
- Must See / Things to Do: Reach the market before 5 PM to witness the best collection of unique products.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
8. Kali Bari Temple
Situated on the Bantony Hill, the revered Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to the fearsome re-incarnation of Goddess Kali, Shyamala Mata. It is believed that the powerful Hindu goddess existed near Jakhoo. Built in 1845 by a Bengali brahmin, Ram Charan Bramhachari, the temple appears similar to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata. Since it is located in the city center it offers panoramic views of the scenic beauty of Shimla.
The Kali Bari Temple was originally established in the neighborhood of Rothney Castle on Jakhoo Hill. Later the British had shifted it to the new site. It has been constructed in a unique Hindu architectural style. The blue-colored wooden idol of the deity is also a crowd-puller. The auspicious occasions of Durga Puja and Diwali or Kali Puja are celebrated with much fanfare at the temple.
Due to its spiritual vibes, charm, and aura, the temple attracts tourists from all over the globe. You can soak in its mesmerizing beauty and click photographs. At the nearby canteen, you can relish the tasty meals and snacks.
- Must See / Things to Do: Pay respect to the deity and enjoy the local food.
- Timings: Open on all days of the week from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Things to Do on your Shimla Sightseeing Tour
Shimla is a serene hill station with incredible sightseeing options including prominent pilgrimages. Besides the host of activities offered by the hill town, you can also spend time shopping and eating at the local markets.
What to Shop during your One Day Shimla Local Sightseeing Tour by Cab?
Apart from its soothing climate and natural charm, Shimla offers amazing shopping opportunities and alternatives to its tourists. You can have a delightful shopping experience even on your one day local sightseeing trip to Shimla.
Visit the local marketplaces from where you can purchase knick-knacks at affordable prices. You can buy colorful and ethnic Himachali hats which are usually worn in Himachali cultural events and occasions. Purchase local handicrafts like wooden carvings, toys and items, carpets and rugs, woolens, metal items, home décor, and many more.
In Shimla, you can procure excellent quality woolen products, like shawls, caps, and gloves at reasonable prices. You can also obtain authentic handmade souvenirs, made by local artisans with products such as paper, jute, and bamboo which are transformed into baskets, jute bags, and jewelry.
Since Shimla is nestled amidst pine, deodar, and cedar trees, it is famous for its stunning and traditional wooden carpentry, like toys, carvings, walking sticks, and showpieces. Traditional jewelry from this region comprises vibrant and bold designs made from beads and wood.
You can also buy enchanting earthen pots, incense burners and stands, lamps, traditional Kangra silk scarves, Kinnauri shawls, knitted jumpers, and thick fabrics.
What to Eat during your One Day Shimla Local Sightseeing Tour by Cab?
Shimla is equally well-known for its wide variety of eating options available to tourists. From local to exotic, you can explore the commonplace eateries as well as the authentic cafés, fine dining restaurants, and hotels.
The sumptuous Himachali cuisine is a pleasant blend of Tibetan and Punjabi cuisine. You can find a mix of lentils, wheat bread, rice, pulses, and usually red meat. Although it is homely, the food is spicy and richly prepared. Chana Madra is a popular dish whereas Chicken Anardhana is a flavourful Pahari delight, strongly influenced by Persian culture. Sidu is a tempting wheat-flour side dish, stuffed with boiled and mashed green peas, roasted peanuts, paneer, lentils, and ghee.
You can try the Himachali thali, known as Dhaam. It is a great meal with a decent dose of nutrients. Another exotic delicacy is Chha Gosht (or, lamb gravy) served with plain rice. Thupka is a Tibetan dish that is an all-time favorite noodle soup. Babru is a flatbread served with tamarind chutney which makes an ideal snack option.
You can also buy fresh fruits like cherries, plum, peach, and mangoes from the local markets. Satiate your sweet tooth with the freshly baked delicious muffins, pastries, and cakes from the notable cafés and bakeries of Shimla.
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 Day Shimla Local Sightseeing tour package. Ideally this 1 day Shimla local sightseeing tour package cannot be customized,
The time spent on each Shimla tourist attraction is to be followed as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular Shimla sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no.
Shimla is a stunning hill station offering a myriad of fun opportunities for a satisfying and memorable vacation. To escape the hustle and bustle of routine life you can hire a private car for a one day Shimla local sightseeing tour. Hiring a private car allows you to enjoy a comfortable trip and spend as much time as you want at each tourist spot.
You can affordably travel across Shimla without worrying about local transport. Enjoy the beauty of the hill station as we drive you from one tourist spot to the other. Add convenience to your trip as you can take a halt at any place and use the time to click photos, relish snacks, or sip beverages while enjoying the views.
One day Shimla local sightseeing tour by private car is the best option for those traveling with kids, family, and senior citizens. It is even budget-friendly for large groups of friends or office colleagues.
