THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR EXPLORING THE ‘QUEEN OF HILLS’ SHIMLA
Nestled in the mighty Himalayas with undulating terrains and slopes decked with ample verdure, Shimla is liberally blessed with natural beauty. From archaic British monuments to fragrant apple orchards; rich indigenous goods to Tibetan markets, hiking trails to deep forests, Shimla is a popular crowd puller all year round, and the ‘Queen of Hills’ indeed.
Best Time to Visit
Owing to its scenic beauty, Shimla can be visited all year round. However, the most ideal time to experience this gem of the Himalayas is from March to June and September to December. The weather during this period is pleasant enabling you to explore the valley extensively. The town usually receives snowfall in December fulfilling your dream of a white Christmas!
Weather
Average annual temperature: 15°C
June is the warmest month in Shimla with an average temperature of 20°C. The coldest month is January with average temperature of 5°C. The town receives heavy snowfall during this period.
What to Pack
If you are visiting in summer, pack light clothing and essentials. However, the temperature drops down in the evenings, so light woolens and windcheaters are recommended. If you are visiting in the winters, make sure to pack heavy woolens and warmers to save yourself from the chilly air and frost. Besides clothing, pack comfortable walking shoes, trekking boots, sunscreen, raingears and a camera to capture all the special moments during your holiday.
Places to Visit
The Christ Church on Mall Road against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks is probably a global identifier of Shimla, but there is a lot more to the hill station.
Historic Landmarks
(i) Built in 1904, the Gorton Castle in Shimla is a popular site of attraction among visitors. The building was constructed by the British using the Neo-Gothic style of architecture during the colonial era. The castle balconies are adorned with intricate zari work and are the main highlight of the building.
The castle was engulfed by flames during a fire in 2014; however, the restoration work has been in full swing.
(ii) The Rothney Castle in Shimla is significantly known as the abode of A.O. Hume, the founder of the Indian National Congress. A little way up from the Ridge, this late 19th-century mansion is flanked by scented pine trees and oak. The interiors are lavish and elaborate with spacious reception or ball rooms and a magnificent conservatory. The walls of the grand halls are decked with Humes’s collection of Indian horns. During his lifetime, he and a European gardener manned the lawns and garden of the property and turned the conservatory into a perpetual horticultural exhibition which was frequented by locals. Today, the castle is a faint reminder of the 1800s, covered in lush green florals and trees.
iii) A stunning example of baroque architecture, the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla is the closest you will get to ‘Hogwarts’ in India. Built in 1888, the lodge served as the official summer residence of the British Viceroys. The building, made out of local gray sandstone and light blue limestone is perched atop the Observatory Hill offering a panoramic view of the Shimla Valley. Well maintained lush lawns add further charm to the castle’s beauty. An exhaustive tour of the castle takes almost half your day but is worth moment.
(iv) The Gaiety Theatre is another notable architectural landmark in the Mall Road. Built in the Victorian era, the theatre has been well restored over the years and has been the center of Shimla’s social life. Notable artists like Rudyard Kipling and Shashi Kapoor frequented this theatre in the newly independent India. Today, it hosts several events, exhibitions and plays in town.
Museums
The Himachal State Museum depicts the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Himachal Pradesh, Built in the mid- 19th century, the museum boasts of an impressive collection of Himachali, Rajasthani and Punjabi miniatures, traditional costumes and jewellery, delicate stone and wood carvings, and rare photographs of Himachal temples.
The Shimla Heritage Museum is another famous site of attraction to study the culture of Shimla and Himachal Pradesh
Experience the Unblemished Culture of Shimla
Unlike most Indian cities, Shimla has managed to retain its unique old world charm. The hill station has managed to strike a perfect balance between its traditional values and modernization. The population is a mix of many tribes that live in a complete harmony with each other while maintaining their values and heritage. The folk dance and music of Shimla reflect its traditional roots and are slightly influenced by the medieval Europe owing to the colonialism. The festivals, notably the Summer Festival are celebrated with great flair and enthusiasm. Christmas and New Year’s celebration in Shimla are an experience like no other.