Things to Do in Shimla in 2 Days: Complete Activity Guide 2026

Shimla is one of India's most visited hill stations, and it packs a surprising variety of experiences into a compact area. From the iconic Mall Road to hidden viewpoints, heritage churches, mountain treks, and the world-famous Kalka-Shimla toy train - there is plenty to keep you busy for 2-3 days. Add a day trip to Kufri (13 km away) and you have a complete Himalayan getaway.

This guide covers the best things to do in Shimla and the surrounding area, organised by type of activity - so you can plan your days based on what interests you most.

Top Things to Do in Shimla in 2 Days

Day 1 Morning: Mall Road and the Ridge

Start your Shimla trip on the Mall Road - the 1.8 km pedestrian promenade at the heart of Shimla. The road is lined with colonial-era buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Ridge (a large open plaza at the end of Mall Road) offers views of the Shimla valley and houses Christ Church, one of India's most photographed colonial churches. Arrive by 8-9am before the crowds build up. The morning light on the Ridge and Christ Church is excellent for photographs.

Day 1 Late Morning: Jakhu Temple Hike

Jakhu Temple is a famous Hanuman temple perched at 2,455 metres, about 2.5 km from Mall Road. You can hike up in 45-60 minutes on a well-marked trail through oak and rhododendron forests, or take a ropeway (Rs 250 each way). The 33-metre Hanuman statue at the top is visible from most of Shimla. Warning: monkeys are everywhere near the temple and will snatch food, bags, and phones. Keep everything secure.

Day 1 Afternoon: Shimla Heritage Walk

Shimla's colonial heritage is best experienced on foot. Walk from the Ridge down through the Lower Bazaar to the Gaiety Theatre (a heritage performance venue from 1887), the Gorton Castle (a Gothic-style government building), and the old secretariat building. Most of these are not open to tourists inside but the architecture from outside is worth seeing. The walk takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.

Shimla Sight	Distance from Mall Road	Time Needed	Entry Fee
Mall Road and Ridge	At the centre	2-3 hours	Free
Christ Church	On the Ridge	30 min	Free
Jakhu Temple	2.5 km uphill	2-3 hours round trip	Free (ropeway extra)
State Museum	3 km from Ridge	1-2 hours	Rs 10
Viceregal Lodge	3 km from Ridge	2 hours	Rs 75

Day 2: Day Trip to Kufri (Highly Recommended)

Kufri is 13 km from Shimla and takes 30 minutes by taxi (Rs 400-500). This is the best day trip from Shimla and should not be missed. Kufri sits at a higher altitude than Shimla (2,622 metres vs 2,205 metres) and offers a completely different experience: open meadows, horse riding, the Himalayan Nature Park, and wide Himalayan views.

Things to Do Near Shimla (Day Trips)

Kufri (13 km from Shimla)

Horse riding on the open slopes, Himalayan Nature Park (90 hectares, snow leopards and Himalayan bears in enclosures), the Kufri Fun World adventure park, and the Mahasu Peak trek. In winter (December-February), Kufri has skiing. Kufri is the most popular day trip from Shimla and can easily take a full day.

Chail (45 km from Shimla)

Chail is a quiet hill station 45 km from Shimla, famous for the world's highest cricket ground (2,444 metres). The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Palace (now a heritage hotel), and the Kali Temple are the main attractions. The road to Chail is scenic and narrow - allow 1.5 hours each way.

Naldehra (25 km from Shimla)

Naldehra is known for its golf course (India's highest, established by Lord Curzon in 1905) and the Naldehara Shiv Temple. A gentle, uncrowded destination that makes a relaxed half-day trip from Shimla.

Shimla Shopping - What to Buy

Shimla's Mall Road and Lakkar Bazaar are excellent for picking up souvenirs and local products:

• Himachali shawls and stoles - woollen Kullu shawls are the most popular buy, starting Rs 800
• Wooden handicrafts - Lakkar Bazaar specialises in woodwork (boxes, showpieces, toys)
• Himachali caps - traditional topi hats, great souvenirs
• Local apple products - apple jam, apple juice, apple cider vinegar from local brands
• Pickles and preserves - Himachali rajma, rhododendron juice, local honey

Best Time to Visit Shimla

Month	Weather	Crowd Level	Best For
March-April	10-20 deg C	Low	Best overall - pleasant weather, low crowds
May-June	15-25 deg C	High	Summer escape - busy but worth it
Jul-Sep	Monsoon, heavy rain	Very Low	Avoid (landslide risk)
Oct-Nov	8-18 deg C	Low-Medium	Clear skies, best mountain views
Dec-Feb	-2 to 8 deg C	Medium	Snow season - magical but cold

Also Read

• Shimla Kufri Tour Package 2026 - All Inclusive
• Best Places to Visit Near Kufri
• Kufri Family Trip: Complete Guide for Families
• Adventure Sports in Kufri

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top things to do in Shimla?

The top things to do in Shimla are walking on Mall Road, visiting Christ Church on the Ridge, hiking to Jakhu Temple, exploring the colonial heritage buildings, taking a day trip to Kufri (13 km), visiting the Viceregal Lodge, and shopping at Lakkar Bazaar for Himachali handicrafts and shawls.

How many days are enough for Shimla?

Two days are the minimum for Shimla - one day for Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and the heritage walk, and one day for a Kufri day trip. For a relaxed trip covering Shimla and Kufri both, 3-4 nights is ideal. This gives you time for all the sights without rushing.

What is the best day trip from Shimla?

Kufri (13 km, 30 min) is the best day trip from Shimla. It offers horse riding on open mountain meadows, the Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun World adventure activities, and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. In winter, Kufri also has skiing. Chail (45 km) is a good second choice for a quieter day trip.

Is Shimla crowded in summer?

Yes, Shimla is very crowded in May and June due to school holidays. Mall Road and Jakhu Temple become packed on weekends. To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit on weekdays, start sightseeing early (by 8am), and consider staying in Kufri (13 km away) which is quieter than Shimla city while still being close to all the sights.

Where should I stay for a Shimla trip?

For a Shimla trip, staying in Kufri (13 km beyond Shimla) offers the best of both worlds. You are close enough to visit Shimla Mall Road and Jakhu Temple by day, but return to a quieter, greener resort environment in Kufri by evening. Kufri Heritage Resort and Spa is a 5-star option at 2,622 metres with mountain views, outdoor pool, and full board packages.