Shimla Heritage Walking Tour - A Full-Day Shimla Tour
Tour Description
You have heard from all your friends how the beauty of Shimla is mind boggling? How Shimla is one of the most breathtaking destinations in India? Mesmerizing snow-capped mountains and the land where the popular Kalka Shimla toy train. But a general Shimla Tour Package will not offer you an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Well, this Shimla Heritage Walk gives exactly what the rest of Shimla Holiday packages seem to miss out. The best way to explore Shimla is by taking a walk through its green trails. This is where you become the protagonist of this incredibly mesmerizing British Himalayan town of the bygone era.
We not only take you through the best places to visit in Shimla but also on the offbeat routes that are bound to enchant you in all ways possible. From old rugged gothic castles to Victorian structures that still stand to date.
These places mainly include the Christ Church and the vintage Viceregal Lodge that was the summer residence of the Viceroy of India. It is now used as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies
A walk of Shimla would not only give you brief glimpses of heritage hotels, landmarks, and temples located in the Shimla Heritage Zone. But it will also show you the natural sights and breathtaking scenes of Shimla valley. The best place to be in the entirety of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is the right spot to experience a unique blend of nature walks and historical walks.
A relentless and awe-inspiring experience at your disposal on this Shimla Heritage Walking Tour
Meeting Point
Christ Church
Itinerary of Shimla Heritage Walking Tour
Let's know more about the prominent spots we going to cover on this Walking Tour of Shimla:
- Your guide will accompany you throughout this elaborate Shimla Tour and walk along with you all the time. Your tour starts with the popular Christ Church.
- Built-in 1857, the Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. It served as the primary place of worship for the local British populace before India's Independence.
- A fine example of Neo-Gothic architectural style, the church still flaunts its ethereal beauty. You will fall in love with this structure and would be glad to know that its chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of renowned British author, Rudyard Kipling.
- You walk further to reach the Mall Road, here you will come across the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex. This is one of the best places to visit in Shimla and a prominent tourist hotspot.
- A thorough blend of Gothic and Victorian-style architecture, this structure houses theatre, ballroom, armory, police office, bar, and galleries. A significant center for performing arts, this theatre has hosted numerous historical shows, plays, and performances of artists from all across the globe. Maybe you might find a show here to watch later.
- Later, your guide will take you to the Shimla General Post Office. A vintage building spanning across decades, this is one of the oldest post offices in India. Check out the bygone process of postal service that still operates here in Shimla. Know more about its history through your guide.
- Move one further and discover one of the most significant landmarks of Shimla. The Railway Board Building of Shimla is a bright red colored structure located near the Bawa Market in the Mall region.
- Built-in 1897, this old structure stands strong to date, thanks to its cast-iron steel structure and flawless British engineering. Admire its white-colored spires blending in the red-colored walls. It is now home to various government offices.
- Built by Sir Winton Jacob in the year 1904, the Gorton Castle might as well give a fairytale edge to your walking tour. One of the prominent gems promoting Shimla tourism, the castle Neo-Gothic and was the office of Accountant General of Shimla. Its mesmerizing glimpses amidst Deodar trees is all you need on this trip.
- The next stop on your Shimla Heritage Walk is none other than the Knockdrin at Annadale Road. This place is popular for its sprawling grounds that are used from playing games such as Golf, Polo and Cricket. Tourists visit this spot enjoy a quaint time and have a picnic. You can also relax here before proceeding further.
- Our next destination is the famous Oberoi Cecil Hotel. You are especially visiting this place to witness its classic Colonial style architecture. Established in 1884, it offered spectacular views of the nearby valleys and forests. Rudyard Kipling was a frequent guest of the hotel.
- Your final destination of this Shimla tour is none other than the Viceregal Lodge. Formerly the Summer residence of Viceroy of India, it was later converted into the Second Rashtrapati Bhavan besides the one in Delhi.
- A magnificent example of English Renaissance architecture, it was built by Lord Irwin and houses a rich greenhouse. Know that it is currently used as the Indian Institute for Advanced Studies.
- Other prominent monuments you will come across on this tour include Bantony Castle, Betink’s Castle, Imperial Bank, Shimla Sanitorium and Scandal Point.
What is included in the tour?
- A well conversed English Speaking Guide who holds a good knowledge of the Heritage Zone of Shimla
- Water bottle
- A chocolate
- A packet of chips for everyone.
What is excluded from the tour?
- Lunch
- Entrance Tickets to the buildings and monuments
- Transfers
- Personal expenses
Pricing of the tour
- Heritage Walk with Our Guide For a group of 4 people is INR 3500/- per day. Charges for Extra person is INR 600/- per person.
- Heritage Walk with Shimla Walks Leader Sumit Raj For a group of 8 People is INR 8000/- per day. Charges for Extra person is INR 600/- per person.
- If you are staying at any hotel other than Hotel Cecil then transport would be required. We can arrange transport with an Innova / Crysta Car for INR 3500/- per day.
- Entry fees to the any of the Heritage Buildings which includes
- Gaiety Theatre - INR 10 for Indian Nationals and INR 25 for Foreigners. Additional camera fees for INR 25
- Viceregal Lodge - INR 30 for Indian Nationals and INR 65 for Foreigners. No Cameras Usage is allowed here.
Things To Note
- You have to assemble at the Christ Church at the Ridge at 10 a.m. and begin our walking tour.
- If you are staying at hotel Cecil then first we visit the Viceregal Lodge and then go to the town, passing other Heritage buildings.
- If you are staying at hotel Wild Flower Hall, then hire a local vehicle to reach Shimla and to get back to the hotel.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as this tour include walking.
- The dress code for this tour would be smart casuals. Wear Sunglasses and not forget to carry an umbrella and a raincoat during the monsoon.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation policy of Tour
- If you cancel the tour before 3 days of the tour start date, a full refund will be given.
- If you cancel within 1-3 days of the tour start date, there is a 30% cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 1 day of tour start, full cancellation charges would be applied.
FAQs for Shimla Heritage Walking Tour
- What is the total time is taken to complete the Shimla Heritage Walk:
- It takes nearly a full day.
- What are the timings?
- 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM
- What is the starting meeting point?
- We are meeting at Your Hotel Lobby in Shimla.
- How much distance are we going to walk?
- We are going to walk 5 miles approximately.
- Is this package valid for the whole year?
- This package is available throughout the year except for Mondays, Holi, Diwali, Independence Day (15th August) and on Republic Day (26th January).
- Any other things I need to take care of?
- Dress casually, carry a water bottle, wear sunglasses, and walking shoes. Do not forget to carry an umbrella and a raincoat during the monsoon.
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