Tara Devi Temple, Shimla

Tara Devi Temple is a hilltop shrine south-west of Shimla, reached by road from Shoghi or by a forest trek. The 360-degree views make it a good half-day trip.

Tara Devi Temple sits at the top of Tara Devi hill, south-west of Shimla, off the Shimla–Kalka highway. The District Administration puts it about 11 km from the city centre. The temple is dedicated to Tara, a form of Durga whose name means 'star' in Sanskrit. It is linked to the Sen rulers of Keonthal, and Wikipedia dates its founding to around 1766.

Tradition says a king installed a wooden image of the goddess after a vision, and a later ruler moved the shrine to the hilltop with an idol made of ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy. The present temple is newly built of wood and stone with a slate roof, in the traditional hill style. Himachal Tourism notes the 360-degree panoramic views from the top, and that devotees host a free community lunch (langar) on auspicious days.

The temple can be reached by a winding road up from Shoghi on the highway, or by a trek from Tara Devi station on the Kalka–Shimla railway. Deodar and pine forest surrounds the hill. Sources disagree on the altitude, so no figure is given here.