Hey there!
I hope you are well, I’ve been so busy last two weeks that it occurred to me that I missed a week when the this Saturday has arrived.
Anyway, better part of this week was spent in Shimla for some official work. And so so much travelling that I lost count of the date and days.
Anyway, I also got a chance to visit the Mall Road at Shimla a couple of times.
I was searching online as why to every hill station has such road named as Mall Road and interestingly the word is a 17th century terminology meaning a road where people like to take walks.
This is especially true for the Mall Road at Shimla that stands true to its name and one can see many people especially the locals walking at this road and also soaking the sun.
Shimla Mall Road is also one of the best I know in Himachal from shopping to window shopping point of view.
I would like to recommend some must-visit places if you happen to visit the Mall Road at shimla and the reason why I visited these places multiple times this week-
Embassy ice- creams - its a small ice cream stall and definitely a stop by for chocolate coated vanilla icecream!
Bindra Studio established in 1904 - Its a Vintage photograph shop and this shop particularly caught my fancy because of the beautiful black and white portrait pictures on display. They had vintage cameras for developing such pictures. I was thinking that It could be a wonderful birthday gift for a loved one. But each vintage picture would cost around rupees 10000 so one better go best dressed there which I wasn’t and so I left it for some other day.
Lakkar baazaar, aunty’s shop opposite wood street cafe- this particular shop was selling some beautiful wooden crafts. I picked up a lot of wooden toys for my baby from here and also some wooden showpieces. Very reasonably priced than what we get online.
Wood street cafe for sumptuous food- this quaint little cafe at lakar bazar was recommended to me by a friend and I had a lovely brunch. Must try garlic bread and Humus and pita bread.
Gaitey cultural complex - every time I’ve been there, mostly I’ve been able to witness some or the other exhibitions, this time it was a painting exhibition and I had a lovely time admiring the art and the artists.
A stoppage at the municipal office shimla to admire the beautiful vintage building- this colonial era building is awe inspiring and you could just spend time looking at it or taking a paintbrush and Colors for an outdoor painting scene.
Hopscotch boot house to see some beautiful handmade boots collection. This shop gives a very vintage vibe, so must visit even if you don’t want to shop. They have a very good collection of comfortable boot wear. You’ll have to spend some time to select the shoe of your choice.
Minerva book shop- we spent hours at this shop picking up our favourite titles and some exquisite stationery items. I also picked up a few postcards from here.
I don’t want to crowd the list but these are some of the must visit places.
If one is ever visiting shimla, keep Atleast a day’s time to hang around the Mall Road and laze around.
PS: The the photograph near the church is a must.
I also met my little sister there and here’s a picture from the day!