Shimla famous for its love affair with the Raj takes you back in time with its marvellous Victorian architecture. Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is truly the summer capital of India.

Enjoy the golden beauty of Shimla with a leisurely walk at the Mall. Take a stroll by the Ridge and you will experience the majesty of a city immortalised by many famous personalities during the colonial times and now by Indians in modern times. Retreat in the splendour and rainbow-hued pristine charm of the classy Mall.

Visit the Ridge, the large open space located in the heart of the city, the venue for the summer festival, government functions & all local celebrations during the New Year’s Eva. See the amazing Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India, constructed in 1846 & reputed to be the second oldest church in North India. Marvel at the 19th century organ and the fresco surrounding the chapel designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling’s father. It’s replete with historical charm.

The Ridge, north of the Mall, gives a panoramic view of the seven majestic hills of Shimla. The Ridge is the fulcrum of Shimla’s social life- it reminds one of an English evening from the era of Restoration Comedy (17th century), where all the who’s who of the small place would be gathered for an evening walk and the latest buzz would be circulating in the hush and gaze of the place.

The higher levels of the town display an array of Victorian buildings; while the lower slopes are to do with Indian bazaars and restaurants.

Walk along the Cart Road, running south of the Mall, via the Lifts. Further down, it will take you to Lakkar Bazaar, boasting of lovely handicrafts and souvenirs.

Locals insist that the name Shimla originates from Shayamala Devi, a re-incarnation of Goddess Kali. Shimla is enveloped in a mist of haunted ruminations and a shroud of legends. Nothing is more memorable than hearing a local quipping on a ghost tale from the Raj era.

Visit Jakhu Temple amongst throng of meddlesome monkeys! According to legend, the monkey-God Hanuman had rested here on his way to the Himalayas. Sticks are available to ward off monkeys. There’s actually a board stationed down, where you begin your climb to Jakhu, to tease your stamina-which says, if you complete the climb, you have reasons to be proud of your fitness! Be ready to challenge yourself, its sheer fun.

Enrich your vacation by visiting the Dorje Drag monastery- in the Nyingam tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Lower Bazaar sans the opulence of its upper counterparts boasts of an indigenous feel of the place. Don’t miss out on the Shimla delicacies like Urhad Daal or Shepherd’s pie- simple yet a treat to the taste buds.

Visit the all-imposing British-Raj mansion- Vice regal Lodge. It impresses with its aura of the old world. Built under the guidance of Lord Dufferin in 1888, lose yourself in the plush manicured lawns on three sides, or simply, get a royal feel while watching the sun dip under the Himalayan foothills from the fourth side.

The State Museum of Shimla is impressive with its architecture and wealth of Pahadi miniature. While there, be sure to visit the Image Art Gallery.

Visit Scandal point, the highest point on the Mall.
The zoo in Kufri is home to native species like Himalayan Snow Leopard and The Musk Deer.

Go trekking in the local market and ice-skating through Kufri and Chail.

The Wildflower hall, the former retreat of Lord Kitchener is stately. The quaint village of Mashobra is a picture of daintiness. Pamper yourself by teeing off at Nalderha Golf course, a 9-hole golf course, amidst the alpine, deodar and ciders.

Shimla is famous for being the fruit-bowl of India. Enjoy the delightful freshly squeezed apple, litchi, plum squashes, juices, concentrates and you will experience the luscious variety of a pristine hill-life.

Shimla is a cosmopolitan city where coffee lounges such as Barista and Café Coffee Day are the standard hangout for most tourists.

When in Shimla try out the local delicacies, for a memorable holiday. Enjoy the fruity delights, royal touch, romantic legends and golden beauty of the place.