Shimla, truly the Queen of the Hills, is a beautiful town perched atop 7 hills and with vast vistas. There’s a lot to take in when in Shimla. One of the most popular hill stations of India – Shimla’s charm captures the heart of many. Also, the fact that it is a comfortable drive away from the Indian capital also adds to its popularity.
However, over the years, Shimla has become very touristy. And, I can understand if you want to explore the nearby regions in similar distances and with similar landscapes. Though, with far lesser tourist visitations – the places I will mention today will take you back to the old time charm of Shimla, without compromising on the time to reach there.
3 Other places to visit instead of Shimla
With Shimla becoming especially congested with traffic woes – there are a bunch of other places nearby for you to explore and fall in love with. Though, this post is in no way discouraging you to enjoy the beauty of Shimla. It is merely a guidepost for those who have covered the Queen of the Hills!
1. Kasauli
As a resident of Chandigarh with a lot of family in Shimla, I never thought much of Kasauli. So, it was a shock to me when a coworker informed me she had honeymooned in Kasauli! Classic case of taking a place for granted, I guess. Don’t get me wrong – Kasauli is a beautiful, picturesque town and cantonment, just about an hour from Chandigarh. Primarily known for its scenic beauty, there is a lot to do in this sleepy little town. Kasauli lies halfway from Chandigarh to Shimla.You’ll be surprised to know that the easiest way to get to Kasauli is by train. Get yourself a seat on the Kalka Mail, which is one of the most important trains in the country connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Amritsar. From Kalka – you’ll be only 40 KMs from Kasauli.
2. Chail
Former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is a stunning hill station. Chail lies approximately 63 km from Shimla. Not known to many outsiders – Chail lies in the Shivalik region, and is spread across the three hillocks – Sadh Tiba, Pandewa and Rajgarh. Overlooking the river Satluj, Chail has some beautiful weather all year round. Truly representative of the idyllic village life in the hills, Chail is beautiful for its British Raj era architecture. In fact, you will find the world’s highest cricket stadium here. Some of the most beautiful accommodations are available here, making your trip one to remember.
Chail along with Shimla and Kufri, is also known as the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. A stunning hill station, free of Shimla’s massive crowds – Chail is a perfect alternative for those looking to relish the charm of this village in relative peace.
3. Kufri (& nearby places)
Only a small drive from Shimla, the tiny and scenic town of Kufri is quite famous in itself and doesn’t need no introduction. Surrounded by a ring of the Himalayan ranges, Kufri gives Shimla a stiff competition in terms of tourism. Particularly – honeymooners flock to the region in spades.
The supercilious gorges of the small town are almost always pleasingly green especially during warmer months. And, as soon as the winter beckons – the valley turns ethereally white – truly a winter wonderland. Adding to the charm of the valley are the variety of local flora and fauna, such as thick forests of pines and deodars. Kufri is similar to Shimla in the sense that it is fairly developed. And, it also houses a few sports and adventure opportunities for travelers.
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