Destinations The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Christ Church in Shimla was built to accommodate the many British Christians living and visiting Shimla during the colonial era. Started in 1844, it took over a decade to complete, but remains one of the best places to visit in Shimla at Christian festival times, but really at any time of the year, to take in some wonderful colonial architecture and feel yourself transported back into history. Christ Church is located on the Ridge, near Lakkar Bazaar and The Mall Road, within walking distance of The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

The Town Hall in Shimla was built by the British in 1910 and sits on The Mall Road near many hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil. Many offices of the Shimla Municipal Corporation still operate from within the Town Hall. There is also a library within its walls. However, most people venture little further than its iconic steps; one of the best Shimla tourist spots for a selfie.

The Shimla State Library, Municipal Corporation Library or fondly named: Tudor Library, is located near Christ Church and The Mall Road, in central Shimla. It is easily reached from many hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road, including The Oberoi Cecil, and is rated as one of the best places to see in Shimla, home to many rare books that can only be found here.

The monument of Rani Jhansi is approximately ten minutes’ drive from The Oberoi Cecil. Located in Rani Jhansi Park, the statue is a memorial to the horse-mounted queen, or Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi who died aged 30, one year after fighting in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She is a symbol of resistance against the British colonial rulers and a source of pride for Indian nationalists.

Kali Bari temple is located at the top of a hill overlooking Shimla and is dedicated to Shyamala Mata. It is one of the best Shimla tourist places and a popular stop for Hindu devotees. Some argue that the name Shimla comes from Shyamala itself. The temple was originally located on Jakhoo Hill by a Bengali Brahmin but was shifted to Bantony Hill by the British some years later. Its current location is an easy drive from many five star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil.

Jakhoo Temple sits atop Jakhoo hill, the highest peak in Shimla, standing at 2,438 metres above sea level. Jakhoo Temple is devoted to the monkey god: Lord Hanuman, who symbolises unfailing energy and spiritual devotion. The statue here, of Lord Hanuman, stands at 108 feet above sea level, making it 10 feet higher than the statue to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jakhoo Temple and the hill can be reached by road in around 30 minutes from The Oberoi Cecil or Clarkes, Shimla’s best hotels on Mall Road.

Sankat Mochan Temple is dedicated to the Hindu monkey god: Lord Hanuman, as well as Lords Shiva and Rama, and is one of Shimla’s best places for sightseeing; second only to the Hanuman temple that sits atop Jakhoo hill. Sankat Mochan Temple is a popular place for weddings and also boasts an Ayurvedic clinic onsite. The temple is an easy drive from Shimla’s best hotels, including The Oberoi Cecil.

Dorje Drak or TDAC Nyingmapa monastery, is a breath-taking example of authentic Tibetan religious culture, located in Shimla. Dorje Drak was established in India after the original monastery in Tibet was destroyed by the Chinese in 1959. For Shimla sightseeing, Dorje Drak is a must-do. The best hotels in Shimla, such as The Oberoi Cecil, can arrange private transport and an informed guide for you.

Himachal State Museum houses everything from bronze relics to photographs and paintings from around India. The five main galleries are devoted to archaeology, pre-history, wall paintings, wood carvings, coins and medals. Mahatma Gandhi has his own room, as do the Himachali dolls and extensive library. The Himachal State Museum can be reached by road from many 5 star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

The Himalayan Bird Park is located at 2,000 feet above sea level and is open during the summer months only: 1st March to 30th September. Amongst the many residents, you will find the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, as well as pheasants, peacocks and peafowl. The Himalayan Bird Park is easily reached within minutes by car from hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla.

Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park is located around 15 kilometres from central Shimla and can be comfortably reached in a private vehicle from The Oberoi Cecil and other hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road. The park offers rides and thrills spread over 5,000 square metres (1.2 acres) at 8,500 feet above sea level. Try zip lining and bungee jumping or opt for video gaming and movies.

Indira Tourist Park may not be one of the best places to visit in Shimla but it makes for a modest day trip out of central Shimla, should you have some time on your hands during your stay at The Oberoi Cecil. Indira Tourist Park has a small café, a beer bar and an ice cream parlour. You can try on a Himachali dress and have your photograph taken, or try a yak or pony ride.

Adventure Resorts, New Kufri offers year-round activities at 9,000 feet above sea level. In the winter, you can try skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, zip lining, rope bridge walking, commando nets and more. Please contact the concierge at The Oberoi Cecil, the best of 5 star hotels in Shimla, for more information, bookings and transport reservations.

Shawl Hut is located on The Mall Road within walking distance of The Oberoi Cecil, the best of hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road, and stocks shawls of every colour, fabric and description you can imagine. It is a great place to pick up a souvenir of your time in Shimla, or should you be caught short in the cool environs of this hilltop resort.

The ice skating club is one of the best places to visit in Shimla in the winter months of December to February. Established during the times of British colonial rule in India, the ice skating rink continues to be a regular annual fixture in Shimla. Centrally located, it can be reached on foot from The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla and other hotels in Shimla’s Mall Road.

The Indira Gandhi Sports Complex is located on the Mall Road, within walking distance of The Oberoi Cecil and other 5 star hotels in Shimla. It hosts many school competitions, as well as local leagues. Tennis, badminton and ice skating facilities are available onsite. Maybe not one of the best places to see in Shimla if you are only here for a few days’ sightseeing.

At 2,200 metres above sea level and dating back to the times of the British Raj, Naldehra Golf Club is the oldest and the highest golf club in India. The golf course measures 4,285 yards, within which there are two par 5s, ten par 4s and six par 3s; making a total par 68 course. Naldehra Golf Club is 23 kilometres from Shimla’s tourist spots and 5 star hotels in Shimla, including The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla