Annandale, Shimla
The largest level ground in Shimla, a deodar-ringed glade once used for polo and races, now with a helipad, golf course and Army Heritage Museum.
Overview
Annandale is Shimla's largest flat ground and an unusual stop for history buffs. The first Durand Football Tournament was held here in 1888, and it now hosts the Army Heritage Museum.
Annandale (also spelled Annadale) is a flat, deodar-ringed valley floor below the town. Himachal Tourism calls it the largest stretch of level ground in Shimla. In the British period it was the town's playground, used for fairs, horse races, polo, golf, cricket and football. The Durand Football Tournament was first held here in 1888. The name is said to come either from the Annandale valley in Scotland or from Charles Pratt Kennedy's sweetheart Anna.
The area has been known since at least 1834. Today it is largely an army area. It is used mainly as a helipad, and it also has a golf course and the Army Heritage Museum. The museum displays the history of the Indian Army, with weapons, uniforms and regimental memorabilia. Annandale is reached by a sharp descent from the town. Access to parts of the grounds is controlled by the Army, and visitors may have to show ID at the gate.
The Army Heritage Museum's timings and fees are not published officially, and travel sites disagree on whether entry is free, so check before you go. The District Administration still lists it, together with the neighbouring Glen forest, as a picnic spot.
Entry fees
Fee information currently needs verification.
Army Heritage Museum fees are unverified and sources conflict: Trawell says free, while other travel sites quote Rs 100 for Indians, Rs 150 for foreigners and Rs 50 for children/students. No fee row is included until confirmed.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
Opening hours have not been confirmed by a reliable source yet.
Army Heritage Museum reportedly open Tuesday–Sunday about 10 AM–5 PM with a midday break; closed Mondays and public holidays (unverified).
Army-controlled area; access to grounds can be restricted during helicopter operations or military events. Secondary sites differ on seasonal hours.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- March to June and September to November
- Best time of day
- Late morning
- How long to spend
- 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Families
- Suitable for families
Good to know
- Carry photo ID for army-area entry
- Photography may be restricted in military areas
Location
Photos
Annandale from above. Photo: Shimle Wala / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Army Heritage Museum, Annandale. Photo: Rishabh sharma007 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Annandale ground. Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 Golf course at Annandale. Photo: 502hsuya / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
Why is Annandale famous?
It was the colonial town's sports and fair ground and hosted the first Durand Football Tournament in 1888.
Is the Army Heritage Museum free?
Sources conflict. Some travel sites say free, others list a ticket, so please confirm at the gate.
Is the Army Heritage Museum open on Monday?
Travel sites say it is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 28 September 2026
Not yet confirmed
- museum hours
- museum fee (free vs paid)
- civilian access rules
Not available yet
- official museum timings and fees
- Wikipedia – Annadale, Shimla · Encyclopedia
Destinations near Shimla
Himachal Pradesh
Manali
A resort town at the head of the Kullu Valley on the Beas River, surrounded by deodar forest and snow peaks. It is the base for Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul.
Delhi
Delhi
India's capital, where Shah Jahan's walled city of Old Delhi sits a few kilometres from Lutyens' New Delhi. It has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Red Fort, Qutb Minar and Humayun's Tomb.
Uttar Pradesh
Agra
A Mughal capital on the Yamuna in western Uttar Pradesh, home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and nearby Fatehpur Sikri, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.