15 Best Places to Visit in Shimla in December - 2024 (Photos)
Tour
Tours
1597866305 multi.png?w=60&h=60&dpr=1
Best Selling Himachal Tours (Upto 30% Off)

Shimla Places to Visit in December

The Ridge of Shimla, Mashobra, Kufri, Narkanda, Rohru, Summer Hill, Shaily Peak, Chadwick Waterfall,  Annandale, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Jakhoo Hill, Kiala Forest, Viceregal Lodge and many more.

The Queen of Hills becomes an absolute fairyland in winters and there are many places to visit in Shimla in December that offer you a truly ecstatic experience. The sites in December get covered in the bright white snow making the landscapes entirely different from the fresh greenery during the summers.

With a collection of prominent view-points, shopping areas, adventure sports, and religious sites, all types of travelers can enjoy a happy December here. Destinations like the Ridge, Kufri, and Shaily Peak are best when you want to admire and capture the show-packed views or even enjoy some adventure activities.

You can also enjoy the rugged views and spot some flora, fauna, and rare birds in Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary. Popular among devotees and hikers alike, Jakhoo temple is also a unique and important place of worship located on top of the highest hills in Shimla. Due to this, it also receives the highest snowfall in Shimla.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Shimla in December:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
Explore All (59)
Explore All (15)
01

The Ridge of Shimla

One of the most bustling spots in the city, The Ridge is an open space located in the heart of Shimla. Exquisitely charming in its appearance, The Ridge is a popular spot among both locals and tourists. To understand why Shimla is called the Queen of Hills, visit this spot at evening and you will get your answer.

During snowfall, The Ridge is where people come to enjoy playing with snow at. Hence, this is definitely one of the most recommended places to visit in Shimla in December.

Location: Along the Mall Road, Shimla

Things to do: Photography, Horse Riding, Shopping

Also Checkout: 
Luxury Himachal Tour Packages

02

Mashobra

A quaint town located in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, Mashobra is an excellent choice for those who are willing to share their solitude with pristine nature. The town is tucked away from the usual hustle of Shimla so you can be assured to find peace here and it is one of the best Shimla places to visit in December.

Boasting an elevation of 7,040 feet, Mashobra is a perfect getaway with a number of excellent stay options that will spoil you and your companions with their lavishness and amenities. Winters bring a different charm to this place, making it appear all the more beautiful.

Location: 13 km from Shimla

Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Paragliding, Skiing.

You can Also Book: Himachal Pradesh Group Tour Packages

03

Kufri

Separated by the state capital, Shimla by just a distance of 20 km, Kufri is a small hill station located at a higher altitude of 8,628 feet. If you are a photography enthusiast looking forward to find some picture-perfect landscapes on your trip, Kufri is easily among the most photogenic places to visit in Shimla in December.

Kufri has various vantage points that allow you to soak in the beauty of majestic Himalayan mountain ranges. Apart from all the scenic beauty, Kufri has an amusement park called Kufri Fun World.

Location: 17 km from Shimla

Things To Do: Trekking, Photography, Wildlife Exploration.

Also Checkout: Himachal Tour Packages For Couple

Read more

Camping In Shimla Explore All (19)
Explore All (19)
04

Narkanda

An easy weekend getaway from Shimla, Narkanda is a nature lover’s delight with beautiful scenery all around. It is a small town in Himachal Pradesh which also sought by lots of tourists all around the year. However, there is no better time to visit Narkanda than winter season as most days during the season, it stays blanketed under glistening snow.

The major tourist attractions that make Narkanda one of the best places to visit in Shimla in December are Hatu Peak, Hatu Mandir, and Tani Jubbar LakeMoreover, with some good trails amidst thick forests, Narkanda is also a great choice for adventure seekers.

Location: 62 km from Shimla City

Things To Do: Trekking, Sightseeing, Photography, Skiing, Temple Visit.

Also Book - 
Tour Package From Chennai To Shimla
                     Chandigarh To Shimla Trip 

Read more

05

Rohru

Rohru, a picturesque town in Shimla District, is one of the most treasured gems that are still hidden to most tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh. Located on the banks of Pabbar River, Rohru is dotted with apple orchards. Despite its lower altitude of 5,090 feet, Rohru receives snowfall during peak winter months and it is one of the beautiful  Shimla places to visit in December.

Besides, it is also a great escape for adventure junkies as some exciting trekking trails originate here, the most popular among them being Chandernahan Trek that takes you to some incredibly beautiful landscapes.

Location: 115 km from Shimla City

Things To Do:
Orchard Visit, Temple Visit, Trekking, Camping, Trout Fishing.

You can Also Book: Himachal Pradesh Tour

06

Summer Hill

Shimla is nestled on seven hills, and Summer Hill is one of the most popular of them owing to its lush green vegetation and mesmerizing views one can witness from here. The reason why it is among the best places to visit in Shimla in December is because during winters, with the plush cover of fresh snow, this part of the city becomes extremely scenic.

This spot is quite popular among tourists coming to Shimla.

Location: 11 km from The Ridge, Shimla

Things To Do: Photography, Sightseeing.

Also Checkout & Book: Manali Honeymoon Packages From Pune

07

Shaily Peak

If you want to devote your time in hills to admiring the artistry of nature and capturing it on your camera, Shaily Peak in Naldehra is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Shimla in December. To reach this spot, you can either opt for a pony ride or commute via the motorable road.

Otherwise, a steep trail also leads to this place, which is suitable for enthusiastic adventure lovers as hiking there is quite strenuous. However, once you reach Shaily Peak, the grand vistas of the beautiful expanse of green hills and snow-capped mountains make the climb worth all the efforts.

Location: 23 km from Shimla

Things To Do: Photography, Hiking, Picnic.

Also Checkout: Ahmedabad To Manali Couple Tour Packages

08

Chadwick Waterfall

A waterfall so beautiful that spending some moments here on a cold winter evening will take your breath away. Chadwick Waterfall, due to its unmatched popularity, is frequented by tourists and locals all through the year. The water stream plunges from a height of approximately 100 meters to create this wonderful spectacle and it is one of the famous  Shimla places to visit in December.

The surrounding greens of the forest make the site appear all the more charming. As compared to monsoons, the water streams during winters is naturally weak, but the vibes this place gives are calming, nonetheless.

Location: Glen Forest, 5 km from Shimla

Things To Do: Picnic, Photography, Trekking.

Also Checkout & Book: Kullu Manali Tour Packages For Couple

09

Annandale

If you like open landscapes surrounded with lush green forests, you are going to fall for the scenic beauty of Annandale. It is a flat terrain in Shimla that has been developed as a playground used by locals for sports like cricket, golf, and racing and it is one of the best places to visit in Shimla in December

Since this grassy ground surrounded by thick forest of Deodar, Oak and Pine trees is a sight to behold, it has also emerged as a famous tourist site over the past few years. Annandale also features a café and an army museum. If you visit this place during snowfall, it will become the highlight of your trip.

Location: 3.5 km from Shimla Ridge

Things To Do: Picnic, Photography, Museum Visit, Sports

Must Book: Kullu Manali Packages

10

Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to explore the unexplored aspect of Shimla, Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where everything is raw and pure. Established in 1974, the sanctuary covers a total area of 39.4 sq. km, and is a great spot in Shimla for wildlife lovers and it is one of the best  Shimla places to visit in December.

The most exciting way to explore the sanctuary is to trek its steep and rugged terrain to watch and click exotic flora and fauna species that are found here. Apart from some rare bird species, one can also spot Himalayan Bear, Barking Deer and Leopard here.

Location: 76 km from Shimla

Things To Do: Wildlife Photography, Wildlife Exploration, Trekking

11

Scandal Point

The point of the convergence of The Mall Road and The Ridge, Scandal Point is a famous tourist spot in Shimla, located in the heart of the city. This point is of historical importance as an interesting tale is associated with it.

It is said that this is the point from where the then king of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh and Viceroy’s daughter eloped in 1892. Hence, the name Scandal Point in the memory of the romantic scandal. A statue of Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai is placed at this point now.

Location: Intersection point of The Mall and The Ridge, Shimla

Things To Do: Sightseeing, Horse Riding, Dining, Shopping

Also Checkout: Shimla Kullu Manali Trip

12

Jakhoo Hill

This is one unique place in Shimla that is equally popular among devotees, tourists, and adventure seekers. Jakhoo Hill houses an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman where his gigantic statue is erected which is visible from almost all parts of the city.

Though there is a fine road that leads to this place, some people prefer to take a hike amidst dense forests to reach here. Jakhoo Hill is the highest among all the hills that form Shimla, and hence, receives maximum snowfall in the city. So, Jakhoo Hill is one of the best places to visit in Shimla to enjoy snowfall.

Location: 7.4 km from Shimla Ridge

Things To Do: Trekking, Photography, Temple Visit, Picnic.

You can Also Book: Shimla Manali Trip Packages

Resorts In Shimla Explore All (17)
Explore All (17)
13

Kiala Forest

An offbeat tourist place in Shimla, ideal for nature lovers, Kiala Forest will refresh your soul with its rich vegetation and pure air. Kiala Forest is located in the Kotkhai Valley of Shimla, and is synonymous to untamed nature. To enjoy some moments of pure solace and solitude, this lush green area is highly recommended.

If you are willing to indulge in a memorable photography experience without bothering about people looking in your direction, this quiet place is one of your best bets.

Location:
Kotkhai, Shimla

Things To Do:
Picnic, Nature Walk, Photography.

You can Also Book: Kasol Travel Packages

14

Viceregal Lodge

An ultimate treat for the patrons of architecture and history visiting Shimla, Viceregal Lodge is among the most exquisite examples of fine craftsmanship in the city dating back to the era of British India. More popularly known as Rashtrapati Niwas, Viceregal Lodge is located on the Observatory Hill, and once served as the abode of the British Viceroy of India.

You can visit the museum at the lodge where you can learn some interesting details about the days of the British Rule in India through some historical photographs and texts.

Location: Observatory Hill, Shimla

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm

Entry fee: INR 20 per person

Things To Do: Sightseeing, Photography, and Picnic.

 Must Checkout: 
Dalhousie Tour
15

Johnnie’s Wax Museum

Get clicked with iconic public figures and flaunt it on your social media! If you are in a mood to try something unconventional in Shimla, a visit to Johnnie’s Wax Museum is all you need. This interesting place gives you a chance to see life-sized wax figures of your favourite national and international celebrities.

From Bollywood star Aamir Khan to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, you will find them all here.

Location: Willow Bank, The Mall, Shimla

Timing: 10 am to 10 pm

Entry Fee: INR 250 per person

Also Checkout: Dalhousie Tour Packages For Couple

People Also Ask About Shimla

  1. Which are the best places to visit in Shimla in 2 days ?

    Checkout this list of all the best places to visit in Shimla in 2 days for a memorable holiday.

    1. Majathal wildlife sanctuary: The best place for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. You can explore this sanctuary by trekking through the rugged terrain and spot several alpine animals including leopards and Himalayan bears.

    2. Scandal Point: This place is situated at a crossing between Mall Road and the Ridge within the city centre. The place got its name based on an interesting incident. You can spend your day here by shopping, eating at the stalls and partake activities like horse-riding.

    3. Kiala Forest: The forest is situated in the Kotkhai Valley in Shimla and is opulent with its lush and diverse vegetation. You can come here for a day amid untamed naturalness and solace. The best things to do here are picnicking, going on nature walks and hikes. 

    4. Chadwick Waterfalls: One of the most popular places to visit in Shimla. The falls have a plunge of 100 meters which cascades foamy white water against rocky terrain and green surroundings make the places even more beautiful. You can spend your day here by picnicking, clicking photos, swimming and trekking.

    5. Summer Hill: It is one of the seven hills Shimla is nuzzled between, it is also one of the most popular spots. The lush vegetation, scenic panorama and the attractions here are worth a visit. Moreover, in winters the whole place gets a blanket of fresh snow. People can enjoy sightseeing, nature-walks among other things.

    Also Checkout & Book: Shimla 4 Night 5 Days Package
  2. What are the best places to visit near Shimla in December?

    These are some alluring places to visit near Shimla in December.

    1. Mashobra: A secluded town in Shimla district, Mashobra boasts of pristine environs and a peaceful atmosphere. Perched at a height of 7040 feet, December in this town brings snowfall and an opportunity for activities like skiing and snowboarding. Beside this, you can also go trekking, camping and paragliding here. 

    2. Kufri: A quaint town near Shimla, Kufri in December is a sight to behold. The entire landscape gets covered in snow which acts as the perfect backdrop for skiing, snowboarding and other winter-sports. Also popular are horse-riding and cable-car rides to get the best views of the place. 

    3. Narkanda: A ski resort town in Shimla district, Narkanda is among the best places to visit near Shimla in December. You can enjoy skiing on the different slopes while getting exquisite views of the snow-covered valley, go horse-riding and visit the Himalayan nature park here.

    4. Rohru: This is a lesser-known place near Shimla that is breathtaking during December as the entire place gets covered in snow. Moreover, this town is also popular for its winter trekking trails, Apple orchards, fishing (trout) and the ancient Shikru Devta temple.

    5. Shailey Peak: This majestic hill is located in Naldehra, offering enthralling views from the crest. During winters the entire surroundings and the peak gets coated in white and soft snow. The best way to get here is by riding a pony or trekking, though the trail is strenuous which can be an adventure for experienced trekkers. 
  3. What are the best resorts to stay in Shimla?

    Book your stay at the top resorts in Shimla for a comfortable and luxurious holiday.

    1. Wildflower Resort: The most luxurious resort, it is perched on a hill-top that offers exceptional views of the mountains and the valley. The place has a range of accommodations including suites. Moreover, the bar, restaurant, the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and many other facilities promise a relaxing and tranquil vacation. 

    2. Kamna Hill Resort: This resort is settled amidst the hills that offer enchanting views of the surroundings. A cozy and affordable accommodation option, you get all modern and basic amenities. Moreover, the wooden and stone architecture and elegant interiors are charming. 

    3. Marigold Sarovar Portico: This excellent resort in Shimla offers some of the best views of the place. There are 47 spacious rooms with elegant decor to choose from. Moreover, the resort has a spa, 2 in-house restaurants and a range of facilities to cater the guests. 

    4. Club Mahindra Mashobra: This 5-star resort has a rustic charm to it. The place has valley-facing rooms with Colonial-style decor, a spa along with all modern amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay. 

    5. Radisson Shimla: The brand name is a surety for a luxurious experience. The resort offers different rooms and suites with the views of the valley. Moreover, the restaurant and the spa here are top-notch. 
  4. Is it advisable to visit Shimla in December?

    Yes, you can visit Shimla in December as the peaks are cladded with snow and the mild chilling breezes make the atmosphere even more beautiful. The entire quarter is embellished with beautiful views and enveloped with cottony clouds.
  5. Is there snowfall in Shimla in December?

    Well, there is a snowfall in Shimla in the month of December and if you are looking for the snow adventures then you can head to Kufri which is in its proximity.
  6. Which is the best time to visit Shimla?

    The best months to visit Shimla is from March to June and November to February. While in the summer months temperatures are pleasant in winters the valley is all covered with snow.
  7. How many days are sufficient for Shimla?

    Considering the places to visit in Shimla two days are enough to have a complete family trip here. Though, if you are looking for an escape from daily life then you can even extend your stay and visit nearby places like Kufri, Mashobra, Shaily peak, and various others.
  8. What are the best Himachal treks that we can book with Thrillophilia?

    Here is the list of the best Himachal treks that you can book with Thrillophilia:
Newly Added Shimla Experience

Sightseeing in Shimla

Explore All (5)

Camping in Shimla

Explore All (13)
Explore All (13)

Shimla Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Shimla
30 November 2016
Rahul Singh Bhabha Pass Trek
Excellent
Beauty can't be described in words but pictures do very well.
19 February 2020
Excellent
The location is perfect for nature lovers. We enjoyed the view from our hotel rooms. The breakfast buffet was delicious. It is indeed a well-maintained property.
07 November 2019
Rakesh Nambeesan Uptown Boutique Homes
Excellent
Thanks to Thrillophilia fro arranging this awesome trip package with stays and complimentary activities. I loved and enjoyed the sightseeing tour to Kufri with this comfortable stay package.
03 January 2020
Jyoti Bhattathiri Uptown Boutique Homes
Excellent
Place is good. If you are expecting a break from city life. It was organized very well. The food has options and games are interesting. Perfect place to be in nature.
16 January 2020
Hiranmaya Sharma Dwarika Residency, Shimla
Excellent
I visited last week with my family. the stay was very comfortable, the food provided was delicious. Staff was also very helping. We enjoyed hike to Pabbar River and guided pine forest walk. The room was very clean. We enjoyed the view from our room.
27 December 2020
Prashant saini Tree House In Shimla
Excellent
The host and his team are very friendly and they provide the best of their best service and stay to u Thanks to property owner and his team they serve delicious food in the jungle ???????? Overall they are best in terms of luxurious camping sort of things keep up Danyawad
24 November 2020
Koshmi Yadav Camping In Shimla
Superb
The camp is located near Chail which is around 45kms from Shimla. This is amidst of the forest which gives you a sense of peace and relax your mind. Quality of food is superb with delicious taste.
15 December 2019
Ganak Chopra Apple Farm Stay
Excellent
Had the best day there with my family. We enjoyed every moment of our stay, especially the hiking. The food provided was delicious with quite a variety. All thanks to the Thrillophilia for providing such a user friendly online booking platform with discounted deals..
13 February 2020
Anjushree Singh Apple Farm Stay
Excellent
It is a village style resort between the lush green apple orchards. Experiencing Khaddu lifestyle was totally a different and new thing for us. Thanks to Thrillophilia for combining stays with such amazing inclusive activities at the best online deals.
15 November 2019
Kamalesh Chopra The Corner House Shimla
Excellent
It was a gift from my side to my parents for their 25th wedding anniversary. On special request, the staff has arranged a cake and had also arranged a small decoration room to celebrate the evening for my parents. They were very friendly and I loved their hospitality. Thank you Thrillophilia for providing instant booking confirmation.

Popular Nearby Places Around Shimla

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong