Quick answer: The Glen is a protected forest of about 164 hectares on the western side of Shimla, lying between Annandale, Summer Hill, Chaura Maidan and Boileauganj. Its shady deodar, pine and oak woods, nature trails and stream make it one of Shimla’s oldest picnic and walking spots, and Chadwick Falls lies on its edge. The forest is managed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Shimla. No official entry fee or opening hours are published, so walk in daylight and avoid the trails in heavy rain.
The Glen at a glance
| Detail | What we verified (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Shimla, between Annandale, Summer Hill, Chaura Maidan and Boileauganj; below Chaura Maidan and beside Annandale |
| Area | About 164 hectares of forest |
| Managed by | Divisional Forest Officer, Shimla |
| Entrance | Glen Nature Trail gate, approached from Boileauganj near the Indian Institute of Advanced Study |
| Entry fee and timings | No official fee or hours published; walk in daylight |
| Best time | March to June and October to November; avoid heavy monsoon rain |
| Time needed | Two to three hours |
An earlier version of this article said the Glen was open from 6 am to 6 pm with no entry fee, and gave its height as 1,830 m. We could not find those details on an official source, so they have been removed. Check at the forest gate or with the Shimla forest office before you go.
What the Glen is like
The Glen is a steep, wooded valley rather than a park. Tall deodar (Himalayan cedar), pine and oak trees shade its slopes, a stream runs through the lower part, and rhododendrons add colour in spring. Part of the forest lies below the suburb of Summer Hill and part beside Annandale, so the Glen links several of west Shimla’s sights on foot.
The forest has nature trails, and a waterfall lies below the main trails. That waterfall is generally identified as Chadwick Falls, which flows strongest in the rainy season. The quiet, cool air and the birdsong are the main attractions; this is a place for a walk or a picnic, away from the crowds on the Mall.
The Glen has long been a favourite outing for families and walkers. It remains a good half-day escape from the busy town centre, especially for children who enjoy a forest walk.
Things to do
- Walk the nature trail: enter from Boileauganj near the Indian Institute of Advanced Study and follow the marked trail down through the forest.
- Visit Chadwick Falls: best in the rainy season, about July to September, according to Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
- Picnic and birdwatching: the shady woods are cool even in summer. Take all your litter back with you.
- Combine with nearby sights: the Army Heritage Museum at Annandale and the Viceregal Lodge are both close by.
An earlier version of this article suggested bathing in the waters of the falls. We advise against it: the rocks are slippery, the gorge is steep and the flow can rise suddenly in the monsoon.
Best time to visit
The Glen is open forest and can be visited year-round. Spring and early summer (about March to June) and the clear weeks after the monsoon (about October and November) are the most comfortable times for walking. In the rainy season, roughly July to September, paths become slippery and hillsides can be unstable, so avoid the trails during and just after heavy rain. In winter, the shaded paths can be icy, and the forest gets dark early.
How to reach the Glen
- From Boileauganj: The Glen Nature Trail entrance is approached from Boileauganj, near the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Local buses run to Boileauganj, and taxis can drop you close by.
- From the Mall: Walk towards Chaura Maidan and down towards Annandale, or take a taxi. The walk is long and steep in places; allow plenty of time for the climb back.
- From Summer Hill: Part of the forest lies directly below Summer Hill, which has a station on the Kalka–Shimla railway.
Safety tips
- Walk in a group if you can, and tell someone your plans; parts of the forest are quiet.
- Leave the forest well before dark.
- Wear shoes with a good grip and carry water.
- Stay on the marked trails, and keep away from the edges of the gorge and the stream in the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Glen in Shimla?
On the western side of the town, between Annandale, Summer Hill, Chaura Maidan and Boileauganj.
Is there an entry fee for the Glen?
No official fee is published. It is a forest area managed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Shimla; check at the gate for any current charges.
Is Chadwick Falls in the Glen?
Chadwick Falls lies on the edge of the Glen forest, below Summer Hill, and can be visited on the same walk.
Can families with children visit the Glen?
Yes. It is a popular picnic and walking spot. Keep children away from the stream and the gorge, especially after rain.
Checked in October 2026 against published records of the Glen forest, Himachal Pradesh Tourism’s Shimla page and the Shimla district administration’s tourist pages. Forest paths change with the weather, so ask locally before you go.
