Heritage Walk, Shimla Overview

Shimla Heritage walk is a guided tour of the Heritage Zone located in hill town. The heritage walk begins at one end of the city and participants walk to every heritage monument in Shimla. One can choose to hire a guide to get more information and hear exciting stories from the British era.

Almost all of the historical monuments in the city are well preserved, and tourists from all over the world visit the city to take a heritage walk. As one explores the Heritage Zone, they will observe the different style of architecture used to build the offices, the castles, the hotels and the cottages. The importance of these structures back in the time is worth knowing.

The Shimla heritage walk is more like a leisurely stroll at one's own pace with or without a guide. It is the best way to explore the heritage monuments when travelling on a tight schedule. The walk usually begins in the morning, and the city landscape, the slopes and the hills make the walk an interesting one under the clear Shimla skies.

The monuments and the scenery add to the beauty of the location which cannot be compared with any other place in the country. The heritage zone has a breathtaking collection of heritage monuments, and the walk is sure to give you a glimpse into the fabulous past of Shimla and must be taken by everyone visiting the city.

Must Know Before You Visit Heritage Walk

Tips : 1. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes while going on the walk.
2. Carry enough water and keep yourself well hydrated.
3. A guided tour should have pit stops. One may want to check with the guide for the entire schedule/ route and the meeting point.
4. Additional expenses may not be included in the cost like tips, entry tickets, camera tickets etc.
5. English speaking guides are available. Do check with the organizers for the same.

Read More on Heritage Walk

Heritage Walk Route

Different organizers take different routes for the heritage walk. Some begin at the Ridge while some at the Mall Road. The tour starts in the morning around 9:00 AM and includes pit stops for afternoon meal and refreshments. The route covers the Vice Regal Lodge, Clark's Hotel, The Ridge, Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Bandstand, Scandal Point, Town Hall, Telegraph Office, Connie Cottage/ General Post Office, Gorton Castle, Council Chambers of the State Legislative Building, Cecil Hotel and Kennedy Cottage. Some guides continue the walk into the Bazaar where tourists can purchase local spices, vegetables and other items.

Best Time

The best time for a heritage walk is in the winter season, i.e. between October and February. The region receives snowfall, and the natural landscape is covered by snow, making the trail a beautiful experience. It is recommended to start early so that tourists can include all the heritage monuments during the day.