Shimla is the most popular hill station in India. Once the official summer capital of the Raj, it remains a peaceful holiday town. Running along a 12km ridge, Shimla is poised over deep wooded valleys and sheer slopes. Snow-covered peaks mark the horizon from April to June and in October-November; while snow lines the ground in December and January.
It is the warm, bright days and crisp, cool nights that attracted the British Major Kennedy to build a summer home in Shimla in 1822. Word of its spectacular views and idyllic setting soon spread and by 1864 Shimla had developed into the official summer capital of the Raj.
Its colonial atmosphere and architecture are part of the major appeals of the town; there is a stately Town Hall, the grand Viceregal Lodge, a mock-Tudor post office and mock-Gothic Office of the Accountant General. The east-west running pedestrian-only outdoor mall is a main attraction and provides a host of shops and eateries, with everything from high-end pashminas to Tibetan jewellery, all with a sweeping view in the background.
The leisure and grandeur of Shimla has maintained its status for over 200 years as India’s premier hilltop resort.
Highlights
Viewing the town from the highest peak, Jakhu Hill (2kms away) | Avoiding mischievous monkeys at The Temole of Hanuman | Picnicking or skiing at Kufri | Fancy dress on ice at the January Ice-skating Carnival
Interesting facts
− Shimla is believed to have been the dwelling of goddess Shyamla
− The landmark Christ Church is the second oldest church in north India
