Chadwick Falls | Waterfall in Shimla | Summer Escape

Chadwick Falls in Shimla

View of a nature landscape

The hills of Shimla hide many wonders like Mall Road, Jakhu Hill, Botanical Gardens and more. This gorgeous hill station also doubles as a hub for adventure sports, with many clamouring to go river rafting across the rivers Tattapani and Sutlej. However, it can also be a calming retreat, especially if you visit places like Chadwick Falls. Shimla makes for a relaxing summer escape for city-dwellers as the low temperatures ensure a cosy environment.

Chadwick is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Shimla. Locals used to call it "Chidku Jhaar", Chidku meaning "sparrow" and Jhaar derived from "jharna" which translates to “stream” or “waterfall”. They named it so because they believed only sparrows could get to the top of the falls. Unable to pronounce the Hindi words, it is believed that the British rechristened the falls ‘Chadwick’. They make an excellent addition to your summer escape itinerary.

This picturesque waterfall cascades from a height of about 86 m into a gorge. It is situated deep in a dense forest full of pine and deodar trees. You can access the falls by trekking along a trail in the woods. This walk through the silent woods surrounded by greenery is soothing to one and all! Many visitors prefer to spend more time strolling in the woods than at the falls. Remember to pack some snacks because Chadwick Shimla is a delightful spot for a picnic with your loved ones.

The view of Chadwick fall surrounded by trees at Shimla
Waterfall amidst the woods surrounded by trees at Shimla

The falls are free to visit and are open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. They are just 7 km away from the city centre. Reach the entrance to the forest by road, then follow the trail on foot. The best time to visit is just before noon, so you can spend a few hours at the spot. Take photos with the stunning views that form a great background, enjoy a delectable meal with your companions, and stroll in the dense thicket. A word to the wise would be to leave before sunset as leopards come out to hunt after the sky darkens. Pack your own meal as there are no food vendors at the spot. Check the weather forecast before leaving, and relax to your heart’s content in nature’s lap.

Come back and nestle in the rooms at The Orchid Hotel Shimla, which are a perfect blend of modern elegance and natural tastes. Our ecotel has a terrace lounge where you can unwind in the late evenings with a hot mug of cocoa as you take in the twilight views of the valley.