Prior to independence Shimla was the most important, and notorious hill resort during the Raj. Its location 7267 ft up on a crescent shaped ridge offers spectacular views of the valleys below and the great Himalayan range beyond. The cool air is a welcome relief to the stifling heat of the plains. Visit from September to November for crystal clear views of the mountains. The winter is naturally cold and peak season for locals is April to June.
Nowadays the past glories of the Raj are looking a little faded. Mock Tudor bungalows and the English theatre and church look a little incongruous but it is a relaxed place to stop for a night or two and then take the Toy Train back to Kalka.
Places of Interest:
THE RIDGE
This large open space is in the heart of town with excellent views on each side. The neo- Gothic Christ Church sits at the top end. This quintessentially English church is the second oldest one in northern India. It even holds a Sunday service in front of a tiny congregation. From here you can take the steep climb up to the Jakhu Temple, take water it is hard going! It is dedicated to Hanuman and hundreds of rhesus macaques hassle devotees for prasad (food.) Hide any food!
The Ridge joins the Mall at Scandal Point so named after a lady from the Viceregal lodge eloped with a dashing prince from Patiala after a rendezvous at that spot. How romantic!
THE MALL
This is the main shopping centre where the Gaiety Theatre can be found. It was built in 1887 and resembles an English theatre with a splendid auditorium.
VICEREGAL LODGE
Built in 1888 it is the finest of Shimla’s surviving Raj buildings. It has a teak panelled library and reeks of colonialism. But it is worth visiting for a glimpse of the past.
