Tourism in Shimla District includes several exploring sites like ancient temples, museums, botanical gardens and much more. The spectacular cool hills of Shimla accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an aura, which is very different from other hill stations. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, Charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. The Mall, packed with shops and eateries, is the centre of attraction of the town, and Scandal Point, associated with the former Maharaja of Patiala`s escapades, offers a view of distant snow clad peaks. Some of the major tourist attractions of Shimla District are as follows -

Pilgrimage Tourism in Shimla District
Christ Church and St. Michael`s Cathedral: Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church overlooks the ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. The clocks on Christ Church were added later. The Church`s exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows. The town`s other important churches are St. Michael`s Cathedral and Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself.

Sankat Mochan Temple: On Shimla-Kalka road at a distance of around 5 kms is the famous Lord Hanuman temple. Situated at an altitude of 1,975 metres, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Temple has beautiful campus and Langar is held every Sunday.

Tara Devi Temple: Situated on top of a hill that faces Shimla, the temple offers panoramic views of Shimla town and surrounding hills. A thick forest of oak and rhododendron surrounds it. It is a famous picnic spot of Shimla.

Kali Bari: The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Temple faces heavy rush during the festivals of Diwali and Durga Puja.

Leisure Tourism in Shimla District
Himachal State Museum and Library: The museum is located at around 2.5 kms west of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays for the visitors. It has got a good collection of ancient historical sculptures, paintings, coins, photos and other items from all over the state as well as outside the state. There is also a library, which houses many historical books and manuscripts.

Viceregal Lodge: On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as `Rashtrapati Niwas`. This magnificent building was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that every brick for the building was carried by mules. This building is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns. The lodge has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study. It is one of the heritages of Shimla.

Nature Tourism in Shimla District
The Ridge: The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla`s landmarks - the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new - Tudor Library building is worth seeing.

The Mall: Most of Shimla`s landmarks are located here. The Mall further joins the Ridge at the `Scandal Point` of Kipling`s Shimla, where a statue of the nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai has been erected. This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British Theatre, is a centre of cultural activities.

Prospect Hill: The hill at an altitude of 2,155 metres offers a spectacular view of the area. It is crowned by Kamna Devi Temple.

Summer Hill: At an altitude of 1,283 metres, 1 km from Boileauganj. Summer Hill is a picturesque spot on Shimla-Kalka Railway line offering shady walks in quiet surroundings.

Potter Hill: Situated at a distance of 1 km from Summer Hill, it is a very beautiful picnic spot with all the natural beauty. Ecological Park is situated here.

Annandale: It is another popular picnic spot. It is covered with deodar forests and was once the playgrounds of Shimla, where racing, polo and cricket entertained the British rulers. Surrounded by deodar trees, this glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

All these tourist spots are worth visiting. Shimla can be visited throughout the year, as each season has its charm. The snowfalls during the winters attract many tourists. In the summers one can escape from the scorching heats of the plains and can enjoy the cool breeze at Shimla and in its vicinity.

In the summer season, Shimla has the attraction of excellent walks and treks against the backdrop of the scenic beauty of wooded ravines, flowers and pines. In winters, it is home to winter-sports and an ice-skating carnival.

Shimla is a stark example of the diversity that India offers to tourists. In the tourist season various entertainment programmes are organised such as Summer Festival in June, Ice skating in December and January and Winter Carnival. Most of the time one or the other exhibition or craft fair is held around the mall area. Further, possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities are enormous in Shimla District. Trekking, fishing, skiing, golf and ice skating are other attraction for those tourists who are adventure lovers.