The important landmarks of Shimla are :-
Viceregal Lodge
Shimla houses some historic buildings and sights and they make for interesting and leisurely viewing. Housed in the gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. This is a must see in Shimla. You can enter this splendid building and a guide takes you around to some of the important rooms on the ground floor. (Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm; Entry Fee: Rs 20/-)
Shimla State Museum
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. Housed in a colonial building and set in spacious lawns, the museum has a collection of Pahari miniatures, bronzes, stone sculpture, carvings and also costumes, textiles, local handicrafts, embroidery and jewellery of the region.
Pre- Historic Gallery
At the entrance of museum, the visitors can have a view of some fiberglass models of extinct wild animals which were used to roam in the Shivalik hills, million of years ago. In the gallery, some stone tools and fossils are on display, which show the development of technique of tools.
Wood-Carving Gallery
Here one can find the display of wood carving and panels retrieved from the old- age temple and houses of state. There is a fine display of masks, which are still used in various religious and cultural festivities. The gallery serves as a living example of traditional wooden art of Himachal. Apart from this Some stone sculpture of Himachal are also on display.
Archaeology Gallery
The sculpture from different parts of India are displayed here. The themes, styles and material of these sculptures provide us with a good perspective of the cultural life of the various regions and provide a comparative study of art for research. Apart from this, some terracotta's of Maurya, Shunga and Gupta period and pottery shreds of proto- historic period are also on display.
Himachal Archaeological Gallery
Gallery has a unique collection of stone sculptures from different parts of the State which reflects the artistic skill of the regional artists. The sculptures of Simhavahini Durga from Hatkoti, Surya from Kullu, Vishnu and Lakshmi from Nirmand, Kartikeya from Karsog and Nidhi from Kangra are among the displayed sculpture.
Photographs Gallery
In up-stair one can find the display of photographs of important monuments of Himachal Pradesh. The photographs depict the hill architecture.
Himachal Pradesh University
The Himachal Pradesh University, a premier institution of teaching and research in the country, was established on 22 July 1970 by an Act of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The University is situated nearly 5 km away from the town, at Summer Hill, a quiet suburb of Shimla in the vicinity of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Its beautiful surroundings present a panaromic view of snow peaked mountains and are ideally suited to pursue higher learning amidst rhododendron, silver oak, pine and deodar forests. The campus is spread over an area of about 200 acres. The various teaching departments, library, offices, residential complexes and hostels of girls and boys are housed in aesthetically designed buildings matching with the hilly terrain and climate.
Annandale
Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game of polo.
Prospect Hill
A popular picnic spot, the Prospect Hill offers excellent views of the surrounding country. The Hill is a 15-minute climb from Boileauganj and is located at about 5 km west of Shimla. The hill at an altitude of 2,155m offers a spectacular view of the area. There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill.
