Shimla is not just famous for snowcapped Himalayan peaks. There are many religious places to visit, including Hindu temples and churches constructed during the British Raj. However, the temples in Shimla and the tales associated with them keep you engaged throughout your Shimla tour.
Only a few know that Shimla gets its name from one such religious place. Once a tiny village discovered by the British in the late 1800s, this charming and one of the most popular hill stations in North India Shimla derives its name from Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of goddess Kali that the locals revere. Kali Bari Temple – where Shyamala Devi presides as a local deity – is one of the most significant and famous temples in Shimla.
But along with Shyamala Devi temple, there are some very popular and lost visited religious sites in Shimla, including Christ Church, the oldest church constructed in North India; Tara Devi Temple, Bhimakali Temple, one of the 51 Shakti peeths, Jakhu Temple, famous for having the highest statue of Lord hanuman installed in its premises.
On your Shimla vacation, you can explore these temples to add a spiritual touch to your holiday. You got the place if you are willing to get the best deals on Shimla tour packages. We provide fully customizable Shimla tour packages that will enhance your traveling experience. So contact us and modify your Shimla tour to the best of this hill station.
Most Religious Places in Shimla
Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo
Located amidst the Shivalik hill ranges, Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo, or simply Jakhoo Temple, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is one of the most sacred places in Shimla and has a mystic vibe that attracts tourists and devotees. Also, it houses the largest statue of Lord Hanuman in the world, 108 feet tall. After seeking blessings, you can sit and enjoy the majestic views. Sunrise and sunsets from this temple look mesmerizing. The temple has many paintings representing the story of Hanuman during Ramayana.
Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
Kali Bari Temple is located atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the mountains. It is one of the popular religious places in Shimla for people of the Hindu community in India. The temple has historical and festive importance and leaves you with positivity. It is believed that Maa Kali looks after its people who worship here with faith and dedication. So seek blessings from Ma Tara, Ma Parvati, Ma Bhavani, Ma Kumar Sati, Ma Chamunda, Ma Rudrarani, Ma Meenakshi, and Ma Himavati. Visit during the time of Durga Puja as thousands of tourists flock to partake in the festivity and be blessed by Goddess Kali.
Kamna Devi Temple
Also called Creeda Devi Temple, Kamna Devi Temple is located on Prospect Hill at 2200 m. It will take you about 10 minutes from Boileauganj on the Shimla-Bilaspur national highway to reach the temple. Goddess Kali is the temple’s presiding deity, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Rana of Junga built this temple. People believe that Goddess Kali fulfills the wishes of her devotees who trek uphill and offer prayers. Not just this, Kamna Devi Temple is surrounded by lush, tall deodar and pine trees and offers great views of surrounding hills. It is a base for trekkers and bird watchers as well.
