Shimla Beyond Mall Road
Apple orchards, natural hot springs, the world's highest cricket ground, Himalayan ski slopes, and pristine cedar forests. Discover the Queen of Hills beyond the crowds.
The Queen of Hills Has a Wild Side
Most visitors to Shimla walk Mall Road, visit Christ Church, and take a photo at The Ridge before heading home. But the real magic of this former British summer capital lies in the hills surrounding it. Just 12 km away, Mashobra offers apple orchards and presidential retreats without a tourist in sight. Naldehra preserves India's oldest golf course amid cedar forests so beautiful Lord Curzon chose the site himself. At Chail, a maharaja's defiance created the world's highest cricket ground at 2,444 meters. Further out, Tattapani's natural hot sulfur springs steam on the banks of the Sutlej River, offering a healing soak that feels almost prehistoric. And at Narkanda, just 65 km from Shimla, you can ski down Himalayan slopes or hike to Hatu Peak for a 360-degree mountain panorama. As Himachal transport specialists who have navigated these winding mountain roads for years, we know every hairpin turn and hidden viewpoint. This guide reveals the Shimla that exists beyond the congested Mall Road -- the one with apple-scented air, hot springs, royal palaces, and snow-capped silence.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
Eight extraordinary places around Shimla that go beyond the crowded Mall Road
Mashobra
A tranquil hill village just 12 km from Shimla, surrounded by thick forests and terraced apple orchards. Home to the President's retreat (Retreat Building) and the Craignano nature area, it offers nature walks, trout fishing in streams, and stunning valley views without the Shimla crowds.
Naldehra (Golf Course)
Home to India's oldest 9-hole golf course, laid out by Lord Curzon in 1905 amid majestic cedar forests. The setting is spectacular even for non-golfers. The annual Naldehra Fair in June showcases Himachali culture. Pony rides through the forest trails are a popular family activity.
Tattapani Hot Springs
A village on the banks of the Sutlej River famous for its natural hot sulfur springs, believed to have medicinal properties. The steaming pools along the riverbank are a surreal sight, especially in winter when steam rises against the cold mountain air. River rafting is available nearby.
Chail
A hill station built by the Maharaja of Patiala after the British banned him from Shimla. It boasts the world's highest cricket ground at 2,444 meters, a beautiful palace-hotel, and the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary with barking deer, goral, and Himalayan birds. The deodar forests here are pristine.
Fagu
A small hamlet at 2,500 meters elevation on the Hindustan-Tibet road, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. It is the first snowfall point near Shimla in winter and a popular picnic spot in summer. The apple and cherry orchards here are beautiful in bloom season.
Narkanda (Skiing)
A small hill town at 2,708 meters known as Himachal's skiing destination, with slopes operational from January to March. The Hatu Peak (3,400 meters) nearby offers a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas. Even outside ski season, the dense forests and apple orchards make it a magical escape.
Wildflower Hall Area
The area around Wildflower Hall (now an Oberoi hotel) at Charabra was once the residence of Lord Kitchener. Even without staying at the hotel, the surrounding cedar forests offer spectacular walks and viewpoints. The nature trails here are among the most beautiful in the Shimla region.
Jakhu Ropeway
A modern cable car connecting The Ridge to Jakhu Temple, offering breathtaking aerial views of Shimla's hills, valleys, and the distant Himalayan snowline. At the top stands a 108-foot Hanuman statue visible from across the city. The ropeway avoids the steep, monkey-filled 2-km climb.
Suggested 3-Day Shimla Explorer Itinerary
Go beyond Mall Road -- discover the real Queen of Hills over three adventure-filled days
01Day 1 - Shimla Hidden Gems
02Day 2 - Royal Heritage & Wildlife
03Day 3 - Mountains & Hot Springs
3-day Shimla explorer cab: ₹4,500-6,000 (includes day trips) | From Delhi: ₹10,000 sedan (3-day round trip)
Frequently Asked Questions
1What can I see in Shimla beyond Mall Road?
Shimla has amazing hidden gems: Mashobra (apple orchards, 12 km), Naldehra (India's oldest golf course, 23 km), Tattapani hot springs (51 km), Chail (world's highest cricket ground, 45 km), Fagu (nature point, 22 km), Narkanda (skiing, 65 km), Wildflower Hall area, and the Jakhu Ropeway.
2Is Mashobra worth visiting from Shimla?
Absolutely! Mashobra is a peaceful hill village 12 km from Shimla, famous for its apple orchards, dense forests, and the President's retreat (Retreat Building). Much less crowded than Shimla, it offers nature walks, trout fishing, and stunning valley views. Perfect for half a day.
3What is Tattapani hot springs?
Tattapani is a village 51 km from Shimla on the banks of the Sutlej River, famous for its natural hot sulfur springs. The hot water pools along the riverbank are believed to have healing properties. River rafting is also available here. A full day trip from Shimla, especially enjoyable in winter.
4What is special about Chail?
Chail, 45 km from Shimla, has the world's highest cricket ground (2,444 meters altitude). Built by the Maharaja of Patiala after the British banned him from Shimla, it also has a beautiful palace (now a heritage hotel), Chail Sanctuary with Himalayan wildlife, and stunning deodar forests.
5Can I go skiing near Shimla?
Yes! Narkanda (65 km from Shimla, 2,708 meters altitude) has skiing slopes operational from January to March. The Hatu Peak nearby offers panoramic Himalayan views. Even outside ski season, Narkanda is beautiful with apple orchards and dense forest trails. Our cab can get you there in about 3 hours.
6What is Naldehra known for?
Naldehra (23 km from Shimla) is famous for India's oldest 9-hole golf course, built by Lord Curzon in 1905. Even non-golfers can enjoy the beautiful setting among dense cedar forests. The Naldehra Fair in June features local culture. Pony rides and nature walks are available.
7Is the Jakhu Ropeway worth it?
Yes! The Jakhu Ropeway (cable car) opened in recent years and takes you from Ridge to Jakhu Temple in minutes. It offers spectacular aerial views of Shimla and the surrounding valleys. The 108-foot Hanuman statue at the top is visible from across the city. Much easier than the steep climb.
8How many days do I need for Shimla beyond the main sights?
1 day covers Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church, and Jakhu. Add 1 day for Mashobra + Naldehra + Wildflower Hall area. Add another day for Chail or Tattapani or Narkanda. Our 3-day itinerary covers all the hidden gems and is the most comprehensive way to experience Shimla.
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