Shimla

The Ridge is Shimla's iconic open space — a wide pedestrian promenade at the heart of the town offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. At its center stands Christ Church, a yellow neo-Gothic landmark built in 1857, and the Tudor-style library building. The Ridge connects to Mall Road, the main artery of Shimla life, lined with colonial-era buildings housing shops, restaurants, and cafes. Cars are banned here, making it India's most pleasant urban walk. On clear days, you can see snow-capped peaks stretching from Kedarnath to the Dhauladhar range.

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway that has been chugging through the Himalayan foothills since 1903. The 96 km journey from Kalka (656m) to Shimla (2,076m) traverses 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, and 919 curves as it climbs through terraced fields, pine forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. The engineering marvel was built by the British to connect their summer capital to the plains, and riding it today feels like traveling through a living museum. The toy train's gentle pace allows you to absorb every twist and tunnel of the Himalayan landscape.