Shimla, often called the Queen of the Hills, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most famous hill stations. The city thrived during British rule, attracting settlers in the 1820s. By 1864, it was declared the summer capital of India, where the British government resided until the cold weather drove them to Kolkata and later Delhi. Shimla retains its old-world charm, with many of its historic buildings meticulously preserved, exuding an aura of elegance and allure.
With a population of about 350,000, Shimla has grown from a small town of 50 homes in 1830. The town sprawls across a ridge, making it easy to explore on foot. The Viceregal Lodge is located at one end of the Ridge, and the central plaza lies at the other, forming the heart of the city's historic district filled with architectural landmarks.
While it’s possible to tour Shimla independently, a guided tour offers valuable insights into its rich history. Here are some key stops on a walking tour:
# Viceregal Lodge The Viceregal Lodge is one of Shimla's most stunning historical structures. Located on Observatory Hill at the western end of the Ridge, it was designed by Irish architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1888. The finest stone, transported by mules from Kalka, was used in its construction. Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy from 1884 to 1888, spent only a few months here, and the Lodge hosted both lavish parties and crucial political discussions that led to the partition and independence of India. After independence, it served as the President’s summer residence before becoming the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Visitors can tour the grounds and view exhibits featuring images and antiques from the British era. The building’s fire safety system includes wax-coated pipelines to extinguish fires.
# Shimla Railway Board Building Built in 1896, the Shimla Railway Board building is India's first of its kind. Constructed with fire-resistant materials like cast iron and steel, it was designed to endure fires. Its durability was proven when a fire broke out on the top floor in 2001. The building now houses various government offices, including the police.
# Shimla’s Central Market The Central Market is the hub of the Shimla Summer Festival, held every June since the 1960s. The Christ Church, an iconic pale cream-colored structure, is the focal point. Built in 1857 in the Elizabethan Neo-Gothic style, it features stained glass windows designed by Rudyard Kipling’s father. This church is one of the oldest in northern India, second only to Saint John’s Church in Meerut, completed in 1821.
# The Ridge The Ridge is a picturesque promenade in central Shimla, offering breathtaking views. Located along Mall Road, it’s a popular spot for tourists, with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs lining the area. The Ridge connects several key sites, including Annadale, Jakhoo Temple, Kali Bari Temple, and Mall Road. It’s also home to the famous “Scandal Point,” named after an alleged elopement between the Maharaja of Patiala and the British Viceroy's daughter. The Ridge’s panoramic views of snow-capped mountains make it one of Shimla’s most sought-after locations.
# Kufri Located about 15 kilometers from Shimla, Kufri is known as the Winter Sports Capital of India due to its frequent snowfall. A favorite for skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports, Kufri offers thrilling activities set against a backdrop of snow-covered slopes, cedar forests, and lush meadows. It has historical significance, once part of the Kingdom of Nepal, and is rich in folklore.
# Tara Devi Temple The Tara Devi Temple, located atop Tara Parvat, offers tranquil views of oak forests, snow-capped peaks, and blue skies. The temple houses a 250-year-old wooden statue of Tara, one of Goddess Durga's incarnations, and is a popular destination for both devotees and architecture enthusiasts. Its peaceful setting allows visitors to connect with their inner selves.
# Jakhoo Hill and Temple Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point, offers panoramic views of the Shivalik Ranges and nearby Sanjauli. Atop the hill is the ancient Hanuman Temple, featuring the world’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, standing 108 feet tall. The temple is surrounded by legends, with locals claiming it’s the place where Lord Hanuman rested before continuing his journey to retrieve the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman.