Places To Visit In Shimla

"Himachal’s colonial hill station with mall roads and peaks"

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65 Places To Visit In Shimla

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  • Hills & Valleys (12)
  • Fairs & Festivals (5)
  • Temple (4)
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1. The Ridge

The Ridge
Popular among Locals

0 km from city center

Commercial Street

The Ridge is one of the most central places to visit in Shimla, known for its open space, colonial surroundings, and panoramic mountain views. Located next to Mall Road and Christ Church, it serves as a natural starting point for sightseeing in the town. You can spend 45 minutes to 1 hour here, ideally in the evening, and cover nearby attractions on foot. A must-visit for first-time travelers, tho (Read More)ugh it can get crowded during peak season.

2. Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)
Top Attraction

3 km from city center

Landmark

Built in 1888, the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla is a six-storey building in Scottish Baronial style that once served as the residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy of India. Today the lodge houses articles and pictures of the British empire and is popularly known as the Rashtrapati Niwas.

3. Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Kalka Shimla Toy Train
Fun For Kids

3 km from city center

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge line running about 96 km between Kalka and Shimla, passing through over 100 tunnels and nearly 1,000 bridges as it climbs through pine and deodar forests. Rather than the full route, many visitors ride a shorter stretch, such as Shimla to Barog and back, since it still covers the scenic tunnels and viaducts. Trains range from the bas (Read More)ic Kalka Shimla Passenger to the more comfortable Shivalik Deluxe Express with chair cars and meal service.

4. Kufri

Kufri
Day Trip 4.1 /5

9 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Kufri is a hill station about 13 km from Shimla, higher and quieter than the main town. It's built around snow and adventure: skiing on the slopes in winter (roughly November to March), pony rides up to Mahasu Peak, a small Himalayan wildlife zoo with animals like the monal pheasant, and one of the highest go-karting tracks in the world at Kufri Fun Campus. Most visitors treat it as a half-day tri (Read More)p from Shimla rather than an overnight stay.

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5. Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple
Top Attraction

1 km from city center

Temple

Set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges, the highest point in Shimla, the Jakhu Temple is an ancient site dedicated to the Hindu god - Hanuman. Jakhu Temple has the world's largest Hanuman statue, which is visible from most parts of Shimla.

6. Mall Road, Shimla

Mall Road, Shimla
Top Attraction 4.9 /5

0 km from city center

Commercial Street

Highlights: Scandal Point
Mall Road is Shimla's main shopping and commercial street, where you can browse local handicrafts, shawls, and woolens alongside restaurants, cafes, banks, and post offices. It's one of the busiest parts of town, especially with the day's tourist crowds, and sits close to Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple, and Gaiety Theatre, making it easy to combine with a walk to The Ridge and Christ Church.

7. Mashobra

Mashobra
Great For Couples 4.1 /5

6 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Mashobra is a small, quieter town about 10 km from Shimla, sitting at roughly 7,700 feet. It has enough resorts to make it a workable base for a few days rather than just a day trip, and it's a reasonable pick if you want a calmer alternative to central Shimla without going too far.

8. Christ Church, Shimla

Christ Church, Shimla
Top Attraction

0 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India (after St John's Church in Meerut), built in neo-Gothic style and consecrated in 1857. It sits right on The Ridge next to Mall Road, so most visitors see it as part of the same walk, and its five stained glass windows and floodlit evening look are the main reasons to stop by.

9. Gaiety Theatre Heritage Cultural Complex

Gaiety Theatre Heritage Cultural Complex

0 km from city center

Shows & Theatres

The Gaiety Theatre, opened in 1887 in Gothic Revival style on The Ridge, is Shimla's main hub for performing arts, with an exhibition hall, art gallery, multipurpose hall, and amphitheatre across five storeys. It has hosted well-known Indian actors and musicians over the years and has appeared in several Bollywood films and music videos. Worth a stop if you're interested in art and culture rather (Read More)than just architecture from outside.

10. Summer Hills

Summer Hills
Great For Family Outing

4 km from city center

Hill Station

Located at an altitude of 2,123 m, Summer Hill is a suburb of Shimla that happens to be one of the city's Seven Hills. It is known for its panoramic views of the nearby hills and valleys, especially during the winter months, horse riding, and trekking opportunities. What attracts visitors to Summer Hill is the chance to visit famous attractions on or around like the Viceregal Lodge, the Railway st (Read More)ation, Annandale Army Heritage Museum, Kali Bari Temple, and Gaiety Theatre. Not too far from the Hill is The Ridge, where tourists can eat and shop.

11. Himalayan Bird Park

Himalayan Bird Park
Temporarily Closed

2 km from city center

Bird Sanctuary

Himalayan Bird Park is a small aviary near the Viceregal Lodge, home to the Monal pheasant (Himachal's former state bird) along with other Himalayan birds. It's a quick, easy stop for a walk among the park's plants and trees, best visited in summer for the most bird activity.

12. Kasauli

Kasauli

33 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Kasauli is a small cantonment town about 77 km from Shimla, set up by the British in 1842 at a lower altitude (1,800m) that makes it warmer than the higher hill stations nearby. It's known for its colonial-era buildings and churches, walking trails like the Gilbert Trail, and the Kasauli Brewery, one of Asia's oldest, which still makes its original Lion Beer and Solan No. 1 whisky. Most visitors t (Read More)reat it as a quieter, low-key weekend trip rather than a full sightseeing itinerary.

13. Cafe Hide Out

Cafe Hide Out

0 km from city center

Cafe

Cafe Hide Out is one other wonderful cafes in Shimla popular for its delicious snacks and even better coffee. Situated on the first floor near The Mall, the place is run by two brothers and offer finger licking food. In addition to that, the food is priced at fairly cheap rates and is a must stop cafe when in Shimla.

14. Jakhoo Ropeway

Jakhoo Ropeway
Top Things To Do

0 km from city center

The Jakhu Ropeway is a cable car that connects the Ridge to Jakhu Temple at the top of Jakhu Hill, the highest point in Shimla, saving you the steep uphill walk. Cabins seat around six people, and the ride itself gives good views over the town and surrounding hills on the way up.

15. Green Valley

Green Valley
Great For Family Outing

5 km from city center

Viewpoint

Green Valley is a scenic stretch of pine and deodar forest on the road between Shimla and Kufri, known for the yaks often seen grazing here. It's undeveloped for tourism, so it works better as a quick roadside photo stop than a place to spend much time, and looks best from July to October or February to April.

16. Lakkar Bazar

Lakkar Bazar

0 km from city center

Located on the tiny road adjoining The Ridge in Shimla, Lakkar Bazaar is one of the popular street shopping places famous for the wooden decorative paraphernalia. There are also small shops lined along the market selling woollens, Pashmina shawls and handicrafts, with the Kullu shawls being the prime attraction.

17. Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls
Great For Family Outing

4 km from city center

Waterfall

Chadwick Falls is a 100-metre waterfall in Glen Forest, about 7 km from central Shimla, reached via a walk through dense forest. It's popular with picnickers and is at its best during the monsoon months, June to September, when the water flow is strongest.

18. Tara Devi Temple

Tara Devi Temple
Popular among Locals 4.1 /5

6 km from city center

Temple

Tara Devi Temple sits atop a hill about 7 km from Shimla, built in 1766 and dedicated to Goddess Tara, worshipped here as the goddess of stars. It's a quieter, more spiritual stop than Shimla's more visited temples, with a special puja held during Ashtami in Sharad Navratri drawing larger crowds. The climb up is part of the experience, with views over the surrounding hills.

19. Chail

Chail
Day Trip

15 km from city center

Landmark

Chail is a small hill station about 44 km from Shimla, at an altitude of 2,250m, surrounded by pine and deodar forest. It's best known for the Chail Cricket Ground, the highest cricket ground in the world, built by the Maharaja of Patiala in 1893, and for Chail Palace, the Maharaja's former summer retreat that's now a heritage hotel. The area is also popular with hikers, with trekking routes via K (Read More)ufri and Junga.

20. Solan

Solan
Day Trip 4.1 /5

27 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Solan, nicknamed the 'Mushroom City of India,' sits at a lower altitude than Shimla on the route up from Chandigarh, making it a natural stop for travelers heading to the capital. It has a cooler, quieter feel than Shimla, along with ancient temples and the Mohan Meakin Brewery, one of India's oldest distilleries.

21. Tattapani

Tattapani

22 km from city center

Town

Tattapani, meaning 'hot water' in Hindi, is a village about 51 km from Shimla on the banks of the Sutlej River, known for its natural hot springs, believed locally to help with joint pain and fatigue. It's also a base for river rafting, along with other activities like zorbing, paragliding, trekking, and camping.

22. Pabbar Valley

Pabbar Valley

56 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Pabbar Valley is about 80 km from Shimla, centered on the Pabbar River as it runs through the Chanshal mountain range past apple orchards and oak and deodar forest. It's more of a trekking and nature destination than a sightseeing stop, with trails through the surrounding slopes drawing hikers each year. Worth the distance if you want a quieter, less touristy area than central Shimla.

23. Gorton Castle

Gorton Castle
Permanently Closed

1 km from city center

Historical Site

Gorton Castle is a colonial-era building in Neo-Gothic style on a hilltop surrounded by deodar trees, now used as the office of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. Since it's a working government office, it's really a walk-by or photo stop from outside rather than something you can go inside.

24. Army Heritage Museum

Army Heritage Museum

2 km from city center

Museum

The Army Heritage Museum sits in Annadale, a flat, forested area outside central Shimla, and houses a collection of military memorabilia: weapons old and new, uniforms, flags, and other armoury. It's a specific-interest stop, best for visitors curious about military history rather than a general sightseeing must-see, and pairs easily with a walk around Annadale itself.

25. Kali Bari Temple

Kali Bari Temple
Popular among Locals

1 km from city center

Temple

Built in 1845, the Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, whose idol here is adorned with jewellery and colourful flowers. It's close to the Shimla City Mall, and the best time to visit is the evening of Navaratri, when you can watch the aarti and hear the chanting.

26. Cafe Simla Times

Cafe Simla Times
Instagram Worthy

0 km from city center

Cafe

Cafe Simla Times is known for wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, and milkshakes, with a decor-forward interior and window views over the town. It's a solid option for a sit-down meal or a coffee break while exploring nearby Mall Road, rather than a specific must-visit landmark.

27. Kiala Forest

Kiala Forest

10 km from city center

Forest

Kiala Forest is a dense forest in the Kotkhai valley on the outskirts of Shimla, home to pine and deodar trees and occasional leopard sightings. It has marked hiking and trekking trails with restroom facilities, and works well for nature photography given the views back over the city. It's a good pick if you want an actual forest walk rather than a quick roadside stop.

28. Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary
4.1 /5

7 km from city center

Forest

The Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary, located near the eastern end of Shimla, is known for its dense forest cover and rich biodiversity, including species like oak, pine, deodar, and cedar. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to various animals such as leopards, deer, and a variety of bird species. The sanctuary offers scenic trekking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding (Read More)mountains too.

29. Horse Riding in Shimla

Horse Riding in Shimla
Fun For Kids

0 km from city center

Animal Rides

Horse riding is a popular activity around Shimla, with rides available at spots like the Ridge, Kufri, and Naldehra through pine forest trails. Rides are guided and suitable for all ages, from first-timers to experienced riders, making it an easy add-on rather than something to plan a special trip around.

30. Bantony Castle

Bantony Castle

0 km from city center

Historical Site

Bantony Estate is a British-era heritage site on Bantony Hill in Shimla, made up of Bantony Castle and Bantony Cottage. It's part of the official Shimla Heritage Walk, with wooden architecture and lawns worth a look if you're doing that walk rather than a separate trip.

31. Theog

Theog
Day Trip 3.8 /5

17 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Theog is a quiet town about 32 km from Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet Road, known for its apple orchards and lower tourist numbers than Shimla itself. It works well as a stop on the way to Narkanda or Kufri rather than a standalone destination, and is a common base for camping and short treks in the surrounding hills.

32. Shoghi

Shoghi

9 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Shoghi is a small, tranquil town located close to Shimla, offering a serene alternative to the bustling hill station. It is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, and a range of outdoor activities like trekking and bird watching. Shoghi is also famous for its local temples and orchards, making it a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the crowded tourist spots of (Read More) Shimla.

33. Kharapathar

Kharapathar

43 km from city center

Viewpoint

Khara Pathar is located at a height of 8770 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on the Shimla route. The staggering height of the village makes the view here a thing of the legends, especially at night when all the scattered houses on the hill are lit up like tiny specks. Although, the road that leads to Khara Pathar from Shimla is an extremely off track road, this never dims the pla (Read More)ce's charm.

34. Skiing in Kufri

Skiing in Kufri
Top Things To Do 4.3 /5

9 km from city center

Skiing

Kufri, about 13 km from Shimla, is the main spot for skiing near the city, with slopes and facilities for both beginners and experienced skiers. It also hosts a winter sports festival in February. The best time to catch snow is mid-December to early February; outside that window there's little reason to come specifically for skiing.

35. Shimla State Museum

Shimla State Museum

2 km from city center

Museum

The Himachal State Museum, at Chaura Maidan in Shimla, holds a collection of wood carvings, bronzes, coins, jewellery, and Pahari-style miniature paintings, along with a library of around 10,000 books and journals. It's best suited to visitors specifically interested in art and regional history rather than a quick sightseeing stop.

36. Naldehra

Naldehra
Great For Family Outing

9 km from city center

Town

Naldehra is a small hill station about 22 km from Shimla, known mainly for its golf course, one of the oldest in India, laid out in a valley surrounded by pine, cedar, and deodar forest. It's a quieter, offbeat alternative to central Shimla, best suited to those who want a round of golf or a peaceful walk rather than a list of sights to check off.

37. Ice Skating in Shimla

Ice Skating in Shimla
Top Things To Do

0 km from city center

Adventure Zone

The Shimla Ice Skating Rink is the only naturally formed ice rink in South Asia, drawing skaters from around the country. It only operates when temperatures are cold enough to sustain natural ice, typically from December to February, so it's worth checking conditions before planning a visit. Skates can be rented on-site.

38. Fagu

Fagu
Great For Couples

12 km from city center

Town

Highlights: Hike or Take a Stroll, Apple Orchards, Bhanti (Read More)a Devta Temple, Chharabra Sunset and Sunrise Point
Situated at an elevation of 2500 meters, Fagu is a serene snow-clad hamlet, located around 45 minutes drive from Shimla. It is known for its apple plantations, sowing fields and the snow-covered Himalayas in the backdrop. Since it is secluded, Fagu is a honeymooner's heaven. It also popular amongst trekkers and naturalists.

39. Shimla Summer Festival

Shimla Summer Festival
Popular among Locals

Fairs & Festivals

The Shimla Summer Festival is a celebration of the bounty of the harvest, and the festivities honour the advent of the summer. Spread out over five days; the festival is a gala of musical performances, cultural attractions, folk performances, local handicraft exhibitions, as well as with quirky activities like fashion shows, dog shows, stalls that sell artisanal ware and serve up local cuisine; it (Read More) is an event that has something for everybody.

40. Narkanda

Narkanda
Day Trip

32 km from city center

Town

Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills, this is one place that tourists to Himachal Pradesh should not miss.

41. Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir

Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
4.7 /5

4 km from city center

Temple

Shri Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir in Shimla is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, set amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings. Situated on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway, about 5 km from the city center, it offers panoramic views of the valley below. The temple was established in 1950 by Baba Neeb Karori Ji Maharaj and has since become a significant spiritual site.

42. Dorje Drak Monastery

Dorje Drak Monastery
Hidden Gem 4.7 /5

4 km from city center

Buddhist Temple

Dorje Drak Monastery sits in Panthaghati, about 8km from Shimla's railway station, well outside the usual Ridge-Mall circuit. Founded in 1984 by Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, it recreates one of Tibet's original "Six Mother Monasteries" of the Nyingma school, destroyed after the Chinese invasion, and now serves as the seat of the Nyingma sect's spiritual head. Expect a quiet complex of prayer halls in (Read More) Tibetan Buddhist style rather than a big tourist crowd — a good stop if you want something different from Shimla's colonial-era sights.

43. Scandal Point

Scandal Point

0 km from city center

Viewpoint

Located in : Mall Road

Scandal Point sits where Mall Road meets The Ridge, with an open view over the surrounding hills and pine forest. It's one of the more lively parts of central Shimla, with pony rides, food stalls (hot maggi is a local favorite here), and arcade games, making it a good stop to combine with a Mall Road walk rather than a destination on its own.

44. Hatu Peak

Hatu Peak
Top Attraction 4.8 /5

35 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Hatu Peak, located at an altitude of 3,400 meters (11,152 feet) in Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh, is the highest peak in the region, offering sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges, apple orchards, and dense cedar forests. It is accessible via a 7 km trek from Narkanda or a scenic drive through winding mountain roads.

45. Wake & Bake

Wake & Bake
Instagram Worthy

0 km from city center

Cafe

Wake & Bake is a breakfast-focused cafe known for its coffee, pancakes, and bacon, with an artsy interior and views over the town from its windows. It's a good stop for a sit-down breakfast if you're staying nearby, rather than a destination worth planning a special trip around.

46. Gurudwara Sahib

Gurudwara Sahib
4.5 /5

0 km from city center

Gurudwara

Gurudwara Sahib Chail, established in 1907 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, is a Sikh shrine in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. The structure resembles a church with its Indo-Western architectural style, featuring a distinctive 22-foot-high wooden roof, and sits about 200 meters from the Chail bus stand, reachable via a steep path from the Chail post office. After independence, the Himachal Prades (Read More)h government took over its upkeep, and it's now managed jointly with the Chail Heritage Foundation and the SGPC.

47. Shaily Peak

Shaily Peak

7 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Shaily Peak is a trekking destination near Mahakali Lake, with wide rocky trails through forest leading to the summit at about 9,400 feet, roughly 8 km from the base at Khatol. It has views over the Shimla countryside and the snow-capped Himalayas beyond, plus a temple at the top and horse riding available along the route.

48. Wild Flower Hall Hotel

Wild Flower Hall Hotel
3.3 /5

7 km from city center

Stay Experience

Originally built as a residence of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, this building is said to have been a favorite retreat of Lord Ripon. However, the building got burnt in 1993 and a new Wildflower building was built as a hotel there by joint venture between HP government and Oberoi group of Hotels.

49. Bharara Fair

Bharara Fair

0 km from city center

Fairs & Festivals

Bharara Fair is held every year in the Village of Bharara held in the honour of Lord Koteshwar, locally known as Devta and is open for people belonging to all caste and creeds. It is an event where everyone comes together to celebrate and seek blessings from the Lord.

50. Bhoj Fair

Bhoj Fair

0 km from city center

Fairs & Festivals

Bhoj Fair is celebrated in the Gumman Village in Shimla. It is a three-day event celebrated in the honour of Lord Banshur/ Lord Bansor, Lord Parshuram and Lord Kilbaru. Held in November every year, it is dedicated primarily to the commanding deity or the Kul Devta, Devta Bansor.

51. Chanshal Pass

Chanshal Pass

78 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Also known by the name of Chanshal Valley, the Chanshal Pass is a refreshingly beautiful destination located in Himachal Pradesh, precisely 160 kilometres in distance from Shimla. Whether you work a tiring desk job or simply want to get away from the pollution and chaos of a metropolitan city, this gorgeous mountain valley is the perfect spot for your weekend getaway.

52. Lavi Fair

Lavi Fair

5 km from city center

Fairs & Festivals

Lavi Fair is a unique event held in Rampur Bushahr which is a municipal council in the district of Shimla. It is celebrated every year from 11th to 14th of November and is attended by small and large-scale merchants and businessmen, but is majorly organised to encourage business amongst the locals and the shepherds.

FAQs on Shimla

What are the top restaurants in Shimla?

The best places to eat in Shimla are Cafe Sol, Cecil Restaurant, Ashiana & Goofa, Wake & Bake Cafe, Indian Coffee House, Cafe Simla Times. You can see all the places to eat in Shimla here

What are the top hotels in Shimla?

There are 482 Hotels in Shimla which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Shimla are Chapslee Hotel, Karam Vidhata Resorts, Hill-View 2BHK in Mashobra-Naldera, Premium Home Studio in Bharari, Hotel Kaithli Hills Shimla, Elegant 2BHK House in Bharari. You can see all the hotels in Shimla here

What are the top activities in Shimla?

The top activities in Shimla are Stay in Urban Getaway in Shimla, Forest Camping in Shimla's Junga, Camping in Shimla with Trekking, Cottage Stay in The Woods Of Shimla, Camping at Mashobra in Shimla, Offbeat Camping Experience in Shimla.

What are the top sightseeing places in Shimla?

The top sightseeing places in Shimla are The Ridge, Kufri, Chail, Kalka Shimla Toy Train, Tattapani, Mall Road, Shimla.

How can I commute within Shimla?

Local bus service is easily available within Shimla from 7 AM to 9 PM. Buses mainly run on the Ring Road. There is a special bus reserved only for women. Himachal Pradesh Tourism also runs special buses for local sightseeing that cover only the tourist attractions.

Private taxis are easily available and economically viable. Local sightseeing charges vary from 800 INR to 1500 INR per day. Auto rickshaws are not very popular in Himachal Pradesh.

To travel to places like Mall, Ridge, Kali Bari, one has to walk to reach there are they are no vehicles zone. But you can avail the facility of elevator run by HP Tourism which links the lowest point of Shimla- Cart Road to the highest point - the Mall.

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Can you suggest an itinerary for Shimla?

Day 1- Reach Shimla by noon and unwind a little in the hotel room. Head out to Mall Road by walking to enjoy the crisp air in the evening. Soak in the aura of the place and dine at local restaurants on the Mall Road.
Day 2- You should consider visiting the Jaakhu temple, without which your trip to Shimla is not justified. If it's the winters, you could take a cab for half an hour to Kufri and enjoy the snow there with your loved ones. A perfect activity for the whole day. Or you could visit the Viceregal Lodge and lose yourself in the way the British indulged. Call it a day at the Church on the Ridge.
Day 3- Wake up early, take a hike to the nearest hilltop and watch the sunrise. Walk into any bakery at the Mall Road for a continental breakfast; the British way. Head on for some local shopping at the Mall Road and the Lakkar Bazaar (also visit the Chota Bazaar for cheap overcoats, jackets, and blazers), to get little trinkets and curios. Head to the hotel by evening and call it a day, early.

How much does a package cost for Shimla?

The packages for Shimla start at INR 7000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
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