Local Buzz

Shimla, aka the Queen of Hills, is a joyride for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Landmark Stroll

Located in the heart of the city, 1 The Ridge is a large open space that is the hub of all cultural activities in Shimla.

It is the city’s most prominent landmark and home to important colonial-era buildings and iconic statues. A stroll along it affords beautiful views of the green slopes of Shimla covered with fir, pine, oak and rhododendron trees, and dotted with red-roofed chalets, timbered cottages, and Gothic government buildings. The Ridge also holds large water tanks underneath it that supply water to the city.

Colonial Connection

Every lane here leads to enchanting colonial-era buildings and homes, many of which are included in heritage walks conducted by various initiatives, such as ShimlaWalks (shimlawalks.com) and Mynatour (mynatour. org). Important pitstops include the 2 Indian Institute of Advanced Study and other historical buildings styled in Tudorbethan and Neo-Gothic architectures, such as Gaiety Theatre, General Post Office, Imperial Bank, Railway Board, and Cecil Hotel. A number of charming castles and cottages such as Gorton Castle, Bantony Castle, Rothney Castle, and Kennedy Cottage are other attractions to watch out.

Joy Ride

Built by the British in 1903 to ease access to their summer capital, the 3 KalkaShimla Toy Train is now a part of UNESCO World Heritage. It goes through 20 picturesque stations, 103 tunnels, and 969 bridges. Equipped with vistadomes, it provides uninterrupted views of the mountains, hills, forests, and villages, while slowly climbing a height of over 4,500 feet.