When you think of Shimla, chances are the Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and Kufri come to mind. And while these spots are iconic, they also attract heavy tourist crowds, traffic, and long queues.
But what if we told you Shimla hides a softer, quieter side — places where you can breathe in the mountain air without the chaos, where pine forests whisper stories of the past, and where locals find peace away from the spotlight?
In this blog, we’ll explore the hidden gems of Shimla — the secret corners that make this hill station more than just a holiday spot. And along the way, we’ll also touch upon how Shimla (and its nearby towns like Solan, Kasauli, and Kumarhatti) is becoming not just a destination to visit, but a lifestyle choice for those who dream of living in the mountains.
1. Glen Forests – Shimla’s Green Heart
While most tourists stick to the Ridge, locals sneak away to the Glen Forests, just 4 km from the city center. With winding trails, bubbling streams, and picnic-perfect clearings, it’s one of Shimla’s most peaceful escapes.
👉 Perfect For: Morning walks, family picnics, or quiet reading sessions under deodar trees.
2. Annandale Ground – A Slice of History
Once a playground for the British, Annandale Ground today hosts golf, polo, and fairs. Surrounded by thick forests, it has a charm that’s both colonial and timeless. Unlike Mall Road, this spot has space to breathe and relax.
👉 Perfect For: Couples looking for a romantic picnic, or families who want open green space for kids.
3. Chadwick falls –Nature’s Hidden Symphony
Tucked away in the Glen forests, Chadwick Falls comes alive during monsoon when the water cascades down 86 meters into a lush green gorge. Few tourists venture here, which makes it one of Shimla’s most serene natural attractions.
👉 Perfect For: Nature lovers, photographers, and couples seeking quiet moments.
4. Summer Hill – Beyond the University Walls
Most people know Summer Hill for Himachal Pradesh University, but the surrounding area is a true hidden gem. Dense woods, quiet trails, and old colonial houses give it an otherworldly charm. Mahatma Gandhi himself stayed here during visits.
👉 Perfect For: Writers, artists, or anyone seeking solitude.
5. Mashobra – The Pine-Covered Retreat
Just 12 km from Shimla, Mashobra is a haven of apple orchards, pine forests, and quiet meadows. It’s often skipped by tourists who stick to Kufri, but Mashobra offers more authenticity, less noise, and an untouched charm.
👉Perfect For: Pre-wedding photoshoots, long weekend getaways, and those exploring second home possibilities.
6. Shoghi – Shimla’s Lesser-Known Twin
On the way to Shimla lies Shoghi, a small town often ignored by tourists. Famous for temples, fruit orchards, and peaceful homestays, Shoghi feels like Shimla’s calmer, more personal cousin.
Perfect For: Spiritual travelers, honeymooners, or families looking for a slower pace.
7. Tani Jubbar Lake – A Tranquil Escape
Near Narkanda (around 60 km from Shimla), Tani Jubbar Lake is surrounded by cedar forests and apple orchards. It’s less commercial, incredibly scenic, and feels worlds away from crowded Kufri.
👉 Perfect For: Day trips, picnics, and photography enthusiasts.
8. Beyond Shimla: Solan, Kasauli & Kumarhatti
While Shimla itself offers hidden corners, the real gems often lie just outside the city. Towns like Solan, Kasauli, Baddi, and Kumarhatti are becoming lifestyle destinations in themselves.
- Solan: Known as the “Mushroom City,” it’s peaceful, well-connected, and home to modern communities like Chester Hills Solan — blending city convenience with mountain charm.
- Kasauli: A colonial-era retreat perfect for quiet escapes, boutique weddings, or even second homes.
- Kumarhatti: A hidden gem near Solan with stunning valley views and upcoming lifestyle projects, ideal for people seeking a long-term mountain lifestyle.
- Baddi: An emerging hub combining industry, growth, and residential living.
These areas aren’t just travel spots — they’re part of a growing trend of people moving towards the mountains for retirement, wellness, or hybrid living. Chester Hills Group has been shaping this shift with thoughtfully designed projects that let you live the Himachal dream without giving up modern comforts.
Final Thoughts
Shimla will always be known for its Mall Road and Kufri snow, but the real magic lies in its hidden gems — the quiet forests, secret waterfalls, and untouched nearby towns where peace still reigns.
If you’re a traveler, these places will make your trip unforgettable. And if you’ve ever dreamed of living in the mountains, towns like Solan, Kasauli, and Kumarhatti — with communities like Chester Hills — make that dream a reality.
Because Shimla isn’t just a tourist destination. It’s a lifestyle, a state of mind, and for some — a forever home.
DREAM OF LIVING IN MOUNTAINS?
Imagine waking up to snow-capped peaks, breathing in fresh pine-scented air, and enjoying the peace of the Himalayas right from your balcony. For many, this is just a holiday escape — but with Chester Hills Group, it can be your everyday lifestyle.
With thoughtfully designed townships in Shimla, Solan, Kasauli, Baddi, and other prime Himachal locations, Chester Hills offers more than just homes — they create communities where modern comfort meets mountain serenity. Whether you’re planning a retirement haven, a second home for holidays, or a lifestyle upgrade away from city chaos, Chester Hills ensures you don’t compromise on luxury, convenience, or breathtaking views.
Why only dream of mountain living, when you can actually live it?
