Shimla Summer Festival is one of the most prominent globally recognised events of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists visit Shimla and other cities of Himachal Pradesh all around the year. However, visiting this vibrant city during the Shimla Summer Festival can be one of the best experiences of your life. Local people of Shimla celebrate this festival every year on an extravagant level. At this beautiful capital city of Himachal, you can not only plan your perfect summer holiday but a trip to remember. Here in this specific, blog post, we have mentioned some of the specific highlights, significances, and important places to visit in Shimla. So, what are we waiting for? Let's uncover the essential factors associated with this summer festival.
Key Highlights of Shimla Summer Festival
During the British era, Shimla was the summer capital of India, and people from different parts of the world visited to attend the Shimla Summer Festival. Cool weather, beautiful landscapes, and attractive places are some of the primary reasons to visit this city. Mostly, people prefer to visit the capital city of Himachal Pradesh during this iconic festival. Indeed, it's the best time to plan a holiday, as you get the chance to explore the local culture, cuisine, and captivating traditions of this city. Amid this festival, musicians, singers, dancers, Buddhists, chefs, handcrafting workers, and other people who have a specialty in their fields attend this festival from all around the country. According to the perspective of locals, this festival is a symbol of the start of the harvest season. Local art performers perform their respective art forms as a tribute to their God. Due to its global recognition, it is counted as a significant festivals in India. The trend of celebrating this festival started almost 60 years ago to promote regional art and culture. Let's have a look at some of the primary highlights of this festival in Shimla.
- The Shimla Summer Festival is organised for five days at the Ridge of Shimla. It is basically an ample open space in the middle of the city.
- There is no entry fee to attend the summer festival in Shimla. Anyone can explore this festival according to their interest and suitable time.
- This year, artists and performers from different backgrounds will mark their presence at this renowned festival.
- The primary goal of this festival is to restore the history of Shimla’s specific products, local craftsmanship, and traditional cuisine.
- Government officials are planning to invite international art performers to this festival. Apart from this, local folk dancers, musicians, Bollywood celebrities, and pop artists will also join this extravagant summer festival.
- This year, Shimla will be hosting this festival from 1st to 5th June. It is the perfect time to visit Shimla as your summer escape.
Additional Attraction of Shimla Summer Festival 2025
Here in this section, we have added some of the specific attractions of the Shimla summer festival. Once you know about these attractions, we bet you won't hold back from visiting Shimla. Let's know about these specific attractions.
1. Himachali Food Festival
If you love local Himachali food, you cannot miss this opportunity. This year at the Shimla summer festival, you can try some of their local cuisine, such as "Siddu", "Chana Madra", "Babru", "Trout Fish", "Chaa Ghost", and everyone's favourite "Momos".
2. Natural Flower Show
During summer, there are so many different types of beautiful flowers that bloom in Shimla. The natural flower show is basically a demonstration of the vibrant flora of the city. At this flower show, you will get to see a range of refreshing and colourful flowers. This show particularly adds a scenic view and fragrance that attracts tourists.
3. Quiz & Painting Competition
Both locals and tourists can participate in this specific competition. If you don't want to take part, you can just roam around and take a look at those paintings. Attending this event can be a fun and learning experience. It can also make you aware of the latest current affairs as this event also has a quiz competition.
4. Healthy Baby Competition
This competition is ideal for local people with babies at their homes. In this specific competition, parents bring their babies and showcase their health developments. This event basically promotes childcare and early-age nutrition. It would be great to attend this event if you have babies or are planning to have one.
5. Road Safety Awareness Program
It is one of the important events of the Shimla summer festival. As we all know, road safety is one of the significant things to take care of while in the mountains. Every here and then, we hear news of accidents from mountain areas. The Shimla government is hosting this specific awareness program for locals as well as for tourists to keep themselves safe on mountain roads.
6. Table Tennis & Roller-Skating Event
At this festival, you can also enjoy or take part in table tennis, roller skating and other specific sports events. Sports lovers can have a great time at this event; they can enjoy all these competitions. Mostly, local players take part in sports events, but there is no restriction on tourists who want to go to any particular sports competition.
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12 Places to Visit in Shimla During Shimla Summer Festival
- The Ridge
- Scandal Point
- Jakhu Temple
- Christ Church
- Kali Bari Temple
- The Green Valley
- Gaiety Theatre Heritage Complex
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Chadwick Falls
- Shimla State Museum
- Wake & Bake Cafe
- Reserve Forest Sanctuary
1. The Ridge
The Ridge is the most popular and primary tourist attraction place in Shimla. The city is hosting the Shimla summer festival at this prime location. This open area is situated in Shimla's heart, offering scenic mountain views and an impeccable atmosphere. It is the place where all the major events, festivals and gatherings take place. To enjoy city life along with a breathtaking mountain view is one of the best things to do in Shimla.
Visiting Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (General days), 10 am to 10 pm (During Summer festival)
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2. Scandal Point
This place in Shimla is popular for its historic scandal between the King of Patiala and the daughter of a British Viceroy. It is said that both of them eloped from this place, and the King was banned from entering the city. This scandalous story took place in the year 1892. Scandal Point is known as the tallest point in Shimla, which is near Mall Road. You must visit this place to take a stunning view of the extravagant Himalayan range.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 8 pm (All Days)
3. Jakhu Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Jakhu temple in Shimla beholds remarkable mythological significance. It is believed that Lord Hanuman took a rest in this place while searching for “Sanjeevani Booti” in the Himalayas. During the Shimla summer festival, you should visit this place to seek divine blessing and witness the panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range. A giant statue of Lord Hanuman in the temple’s periphery is the primary attraction of this place.
Visiting Hours: 7 am to 8 pm (All Days)
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4. Christ Church
The architectural and historical significance of Christ Church attracts tourists and makes it one of the best places to visit in Shimla. This church was built during the British era and is the second oldest church in North India. The neo-Gothic architecture, tranquil ambience and panoramic view of the Himalayan range enhance the tourism value of this church. Since it is near The Ridge, you can visit it here easily.
Visiting Hours: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Saturday), Sunday closed
5. Kali Bari Temple
Built-in 1845, the Kali Bari temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. She is the primary deity of Shimla, also known as "Shyamala". The city's name is Shimla, which is based on the deity's name. People who visit Shimla visit this temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Kali. It's a place for spiritual offerings and awakening. So, if you are visiting this city specifically during the summer festival, do not forget to visit this temple.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 7 pm (All Days)
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6. The Green Valley
The Green Valley is the best nature escape in Shimla. With lush green surroundings, Deodar and Pine trees, it's a perfect place to capture memories. This valley is a perfect escape from the city's turmoil. Couples who are on honeymoon in Shimla can visit this place to enjoy some quality time in the lap of nature. Tourists and locals usually visit this valley to enjoy picnics in order to relax and rejuvenate their minds. You must not leave Shimla before visiting this place; this valley is also visible and a breakpoint of Shimla-Kufri Road.
Visiting Hours: 6 am to 6 pm (All Days)
7. Gaiety Theatre Heritage Cultural Complex
As the name suggests, this place is a cultural and art hub of Shimla. It is popular for hosting cultural events and theatrical performances. The number of cultural events increased during the Shimla summer festival. It was constructed in the British era and still has a preserved Victorian theatre. If you visit this complex during the summer festival, you can attend phenomenal events and see iconic shows.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 7 pm (All Days)
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8. Lakkar Bazaar
The Lakkar bazaar in Shimla is significantly known as a prime shopping location for tourists. From here, you can buy local wooden handicraft products. Wooden Souvenirs, sticks, home decor items, and toys are some of the essential things you can get from this market. You can also buy premium quality woollen clothes from this market. While spending your holiday in Shimla, you can buy gifts from this market for your family and friends.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 7 pm (All Days)
9. Chadwick Falls
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Chadwick Falls is a perfect destination for adventure and nature lovers. Located in the middle of a tranquil forest, this waterfall is a perfect gateway to dive into enticing nature’s realm. However, hiking is the only way to reach this wonderful place. It is evident that this place is not for physically unfit persons. You are advised to visit this waterfall along with a guide to avoid any misshaping.
Visiting Hours: Open 24x7
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10. Shimla State Museum
To delve into the historical and cultural heritage of Shimla, this museum is a must-visit place. It is also well recognised as Himachal State Museum. This museum has specific things related to Shimla’s history, culture, and heritage. It is recommended that you visit this place during the Shimla summer festival. Visiting this museum can add the utmost historical and architectural knowledge to your holiday journey.
Visiting Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday closed.
11. Wake & Bake Cafe
Although there are many cafes and restaurants in Shimla, Wake & Bake Cafe is the most recommended. This cafe serves scrumptious European and American cuisine with signature drinks. This cafe is easily accessible for tourists, as it is located right at the mall Road. Burgers, falafel and sandwiches are some of the best dishes to taste here. If you are visiting this city during the Shimla summer festival in June, you must stop by and try their signature dishes.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 9.30 pm
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12. Reserve Forest Sanctuary
Surrounded by Oak, Pine and Cedar trees, this Reserve Forest Sanctuary is home to Monkeys, Leopards, Deer, and other wild animals. Apart from animals, you can also explore a diverse range of Flora and Fauna. Bird watching is also one of the interesting activities to do at this sanctuary. You stop by the sanctuary with your family and friends to rejoice in the wild.
Visiting Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday closed.
Thus, above is all the precise information you need to know about the Shimla summer festival. If you are visiting the city during this festival, you must visit all the above-mentioned places in Shimla. However, it is essential to book a Shimla tour packages for a wonderful holiday experience. You can book a package from the Myholidays website at reasonable prices. So, what are you waiting for? Book your package now to avoid last-minute hustle.
Shimla Summer Festival: FAQ’s
Chadwick falls, the Green Valley, Scandal point and Jakhu temple are some of the best places to visit in Shimla.
The Shimla Summer festival is organised between 1st to 5th June. It is a five-day festival to explore the culture, heritage and history of Shimla.
If you are visiting Shimla during Summer festival, you can try their authentic cuisine at the Himachali food stall.
Yes, you can take part in several sport event. Though it is for locals, but tourists are most welcome to become a part of it.
If you are a music lover, you must attend the Shimla summer festival to enjoy musical evening and other art programs. Some of the Bollywood singers will also perform at this event.
Yes, tourists can participate in several competitions of Shimla summer festival, such as paintings, quiz and different types of indoor and outdoor sports.
Always book your tour packages from a reliable source. Nowadays, Myholidays is considered one of the best travel partners. You can book your Shimla tour packages from here and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
From March to June and September to November are considered best time to visit Shimla. Summer festival also falls in June first week, so plan your trip now and do not forget to attend this trip.
