With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the Summer Capital of the British in India, Shimla was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh.
The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth century when the Gurkha Wars came to an end in 1815-16 and the victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military outposts and sanitaria. In 1822 the most rigorous of dandies and the greatest of sticklers for form Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, Political Agent to the Hill States directed that a house be built for him at the village whose name is variously reported as Sheyamalaya Shumlah, Shimlu and Shemlah.
Kennedy House led the vanguard of the hundred-odd houses that were to scatter themselves by 1841 over every level or gently inclining space. Lured by the climate and terrain scores of European invalids began moving to the station and the only stipulation of the local chief who owned the land was that no tree be cut or cattle slaughtered.
PLACES
TO VISIT
The Mall
This is the hub of Shimlas social life. Lined by shops and restaurants
this pedestrian thoroughfare loosely resembles an English Home Countys
marketplace. The Gaiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old
British theatre is a center of cultural activities. A passenger lift
operated by HPTDC can be taken from the Cart Road to The Mall. Lakkar
Bazaar adjacent to the Ridge is popular for its wood crafts and
souvenirs.
The Ridge
The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the
mountain ranges.
Jakhoo Temple
Two Km from city centre, this is Shimlas highest point and offers a
panoramic view of the towns hills and distant mountain ranges. There
are spectacular views at sunrise and sunset especially during the
monsoons. The peak has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Legend has it
that he stopped here while searching for the sanjivini plant the herb
required to cure Laxman who lay mortally wounded on a battlefield in
Lanka in an episode from the epic Ramayana. A variation of the legend
says that his sandal fell here. The temple has been exhaustively
renovated and this vantage point is being connected by a ropeway. At the
top of the hill in the temple complex is a 108 feet tall idol of Lord
Hanuman is a big attraction for the tourists.
The Mall
The Ridge
Jakhoo Temple
Kamna Devi Temple
Situated above Boileauganj, the temple offers splendid
views of the town, the airfield and the ranges.
Christ Church
Standing tall through the tough rapids of time, the
Christ Church is one of the most important buildings of Shimla. It tells
the story of a part of the towns rich history and its pews mark the
seats of the Viceroy, the Commander-in-Chief and the Lieutenant-Governor
of the Punjab, while the fascinating memorial tablets in brass and
marble sound a roll call for some who shaped what was the British
Empire.
The Glen
4 Km away, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows.
This is a popular picnic spot and is especially attractive after
crossing the initial two hundred metres or so.
Kamna Devi Temple
Christ Church
The Glen
BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate in Shimla is predominantly cool during winters and
moderately warm during summer. Temperatures typically range from −6°C to
31 °C over the course of a year.
The average temperature during summer is between 19°C and 28 °C and
between −1 ° C and 10 °C in winter.
City Facts Height:
Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi
and Pahari. Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and
Christian Medical Facilities: Good Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net,
telephone and fax, code: 0177
Snowfall in the city, which historically has taken place in the month of
December, has lately (over the last twenty years) been happening in
January or early February every year. What to wear Winter : Winter : Heavy woolens are required. Summer : Light woolens/cotton
