Shimla, the queen of hills leaves tourism spellbound with the raw beauty it has. No matter how long the tourist has been coming they will never get bored of coming to Shimla again. Housing the age-old culture with accommodations to the modern outlook Shimla has welcomed generations and centuries beautifully.
Let’s direct ourselves to the most famous food joints in India which the locals swear by. Places to indulge in Himachali cuisine and the taste of Shimla
- Dragon Express: Best Try: Vegetarian Momos, Kurkej, mushroom noodles, Chinese Paratha.
A hidden place and a locally popular food joint in Shimla. The best part about this place is everything you order is prepared in front of you. So you know what are you eating more than you expected. Also, this place is light on your pockets and favorable to your palate.
Timings:10:00A.m to 9:00P.m
Location: Lower Bazaar
- Nathu Halwai: Best try: Doodh Jalebi
A very old and go-to confectionery in Shimla, running successfully for three generations without any overrated addition to their original taste.
Besides the taste what else is unique thing about this place is the way they serve you and also the flavor the soggy milk-soaked jalebis develop.
- Mehru’s Shop : Best try: Rasamalai,Dahi Bhalla, Papdi Chaat
The oldest food joint embarked on the new culture of food joints in Shimla. A tempting range of sweets, flavors chaats, and also food consumed during fasts (without grains ). Mehru’s account for exclusive and massive selling of sweets during the time of festivities.
Timings: 8:30A.m to 9:00P.m
Location: Lower Bazaar
- SitaRam & Sons: Best try : Chole Luchi, Aaloo Tikki
A food joint that joins the culture of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bengal. This shop ages more than 80 years and the generations have successfully lived up to the benchmark of taste and popularity. The majorly known food items include Lucchi which is flatbread and a healthier and lighter version of world famous Bhatura.
Location:Lakkad Bazaar
- Himachali Rasoi: Best Try: Mandhiyali Dham Thali, Herbal Tea, Renu, Babroo
Located inside the lanes of Shimla this place will embellish the vibe of the culture Himanchal gives. Himachali Rasoi is well known for serving authentic Himachali food.
Other food joints to try are:
- Indian Coffee House
- Trishool Bakery
- The Brew Estate
- Cecil Restaurant
- Café Sol
After the feast on the palate let us move further to the less-known places to visit.
The offbeat place to visit in and near Shimla:
Jakhoo Temple: The temple to the Hindu god Hanuman, your visit to Shimla will not start officially until you visit the Jakhoo Temple. The first sight of Shimla from height, the wind, and the vibe of this temple is just exquisite.
Caricnano National Park: A huge tourist destination. A big spot for nature lovers offering the beautiful sight of gardens, rocks, trails and a beautiful variety of flowers.
Naldehra: This place marks familiarity with all Bollywood lovers. Recognized for its pleasant beauty and tall chir and deodar trees this place has been a center of shooting like-Kudrat, Maachis, Deewana, and many more.
Naldehra house is a beautiful golf course that strikes people with awe who are unaware of its relation with colonial period.
Things you can do in Naldehra are:
- Horse riding
- Visit Naag Devta Temple
Indian Institute of Advanced Study: A colonial-era architecture used as a viceroy lodge. The place is now under the government and maintains up-to-date sitting spaces, gardens , a squash room, and a souvenir shop.
Shimla Heritage Museum: With a vast number of artifacts collected and preserved from all over Himanchal.
Chadwick Falls: The road to the falls and the destination both will leave you mesmerized. This place is not just famous for its natural beauty but also for it marks the presence of some old shrines.
Other places to not miss while your stay in Shimla are:
- Chail
- Parashar lake
- Sangla
- Shaily Peak
- Jalori Pass
- Hatu Peak
- Johnnies’s wax museum
However, people get pre-determined as they connect the increasing popularity with the declining charm of the place, Shimla stands strong as a symbol of acceptance and respect for cultures.
