Journeys: A Night in Shimla

Simla (pronounced Shimla) is best known as the summer capital of the British Raj. While India was under British rule, the resourceful Brits escaped the heat of the Gangetic plain in Delhi by setting up their offices in this cool hilly town. They often spent many months of the year in this town in the southwestern range of the Himalayas, deciding the fate of much of the world’s population.

We didn’t linger, stopping here for just one night on our way to Chandigarh, and it was just enough time to get a feel for the town. The hub of town is reached primarily by lifts (elevators) which take you from the base of the mountain up to the top in two different segments.

At the top is Mall Road, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants and shops, (including Benetton, which apparently is still around), and the Ridge, a pedestrian strip above Mall Road with lovely old English buildings, many of which are sadly crumbling. The architecture of Mall Road and the Ridge road is reminiscent of an English village town, but the steady stream of Indian tourists, street dogs, and naughty monkeys reminds you that you are unmistakeably in India.

The highlights of Shimla include the Viceregal Lodge, which unfortunately was closed the day we were there, and lovely English style architecture.

Regrettably, we did not stay in the Cecil Oberoi, but managed to stop in for lunch before leaving Shimla. Indian service in five-star hotels is unmatched anywhere in the world, and the Taj and Oberoi brands are exceptional at delivering good service. Every staff member makes you feel like they are there only to serve your needs. They take the time-honored standard of Indian hospitality to a new level. I’ll just let the pictures and the captions tell the rest of our Shimla story.