PHOTO GALLERY: Shimla, India – An Old British Hill Station in the Himalayas

Indian Coffee House is a long-standing institution in Shimla, packing a lot of charm

PHOTO GALLERY:

Shimla, India – An Old British Hill Station in the Himalayas

Shimla is situated on a high ridge-line at 2200 M / 7230 ft in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. Originating as a British hill station, Shimla now serves as state capital. It’s also a popular weekend and holiday destination for Indians living in Delhi, Chandigarh and other nearby cities. Honeymooners flock to Shimla during major wedding seasons in India.

Shimla’s charms include its cool weather, clear mountain air, astounding views of distant, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and, of course, its delightful colonial British architecture. Dozens of British buildings from the 1880s and early 1900s decorate the town with stone castles, large estate homes, government buildings, tudor architecture, houses and shops. While strolling along Shimla’s wide promenades, it’s easy to believe you’re in England instead of India.

pretty Christ Church towers over The Ridge plaza in Shimla

One of Shimla’s main landmarks is beautiful Christ Church, set on top of the town’s highest promenade at The Ridge. It’s the second oldest church in India.

Another of Shimla’s claims to fame is the UNESCO Heritage Listed narrow gauge train, also engineered and built by the British. The railway crosses more than 900 bridges and drives through more than 100 tunnels en route.

Amazingly, the original wooden trains still travel up and down the mountain rails every day between Shimla and Kalka on the flat plains at the base of the Himalayas. Riding the train is a popular way to reach Shimla or to just enjoy the stunning scenery during the slow, winding trip through hills and forests.

Shimla is a relaxing and refreshing place to visit, not only for the scenery and fresh mountain air, but also because of the town’s distinctive regulations. Most of the roads are pedestrian only, which makes the town free from traffic noise and pollution. Shimla has banned smoking and spitting throughout the entire town. Signs remind visitors that offenders will be fined.

All in all, Shimla is a great place to visit for amazing mountain views, a dose of history and escape from more hectic Indian cities.

This photo gallery presents 24 photos of scenic Shimla.

SEE PHOTOS OF SHIMLA INDIA

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