Shimla is one of the hill stations in India located in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. It is the capital, the largest city of the state and also a district bounded by the state of Uttarakhand, districts of Kullu and Mandi, Kinnaur and Sirmaur. This beautiful city was declared as the Summer Capital of British India and after Independence the city became Punjab’s capital and later the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, this city is a commercial, educational and cultural centre of the state.
This city has a number of buildings that are styled in Neo – Gothic and Tudorbethan architectures which dates to colonial era along with multiple churches and temples. The Kalka – Shimla Rail Route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a famous tourist spot. This city also hosts the mountain bike racing “MTB Himalaya” as it has steep terrain. Amongst whole of South Asia, You can experience largest Ice Skating Rink here
The story of this city dates back to 19th Century before which this was just a forest with a temple on Jakhoo Hill. The Gorakhs of Nepal attacked the areas of Uttaranchal, Himachal and Uttar Pradesh in the early 1800’s which ended with the signing of the Sugauli Treaty in 1816.
The land was returned to the local chieftains who had fought from the British side after the war was over. Land in the area was also awarded to the Maharaja of Patiala.
Shimla then started gaining popularity and became the centre of theatre, technology, art and social gossip as every year. Shimla also became a place of balls, festivities, scandals and parties because, due to limited lodging it became a matter of pride to spend the summer in Shimla and with a lot of available single army officers holidaying in Shimla who were followed by the ladies looking for marriage.
The Shimla – Kalka Railway Line was constructed in 1906 which improved the access.
Today, The Mall, The Ridge, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Jakhu Ropeway, Badi Ki Dhar, Jutogh, Shimla State Museum, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Summer Hill, etc are the must visit places.