Things to do in Shimla: The Hilltop Legacy of Empire, Architecture & Change.
- Jack Thompson
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
High in the Himalayan foothills lies a city that once ruled half a continent; Shimla, the former summer capital of British India.
Today, it remains one of India’s most popular hill stations, but few visitors realise the sheer weight of history, architecture, and diplomacy this mountain city holds, and thats exactly why we are here! Its me Jack 👋🏻, your backpacking architect friend, I am backing Shimla and today I am going to unfold those 'things to do in Shimla' but with that added layer of backpackers blueprint meaning, so you can understand this town for all its meaning.
-- Quick Fire Recommendations --
Time - A weekend is perfect to see all of Shimla (2-3 days)
Must See Sites - Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, Viceregal Building, Hanumans Temple, Mall Street, Lower mall Street - Toy Train (Watch the Toy Train Video here)
Best Time to Visit - April to September
-- Where to Stay in Shimla --
🎒 Budget backpackers - The Hosteller - Unbelievable views for a budget hostel
🏨 Mid range budget - Himvan Stays - A comfortable stay with great views
🧳 Luxury Traveller - The Oberoi Cecil - Heritage hotel with indoor pool, spa, stunning views, a great choice for those who need to escape.
-- Your must see Shimla sites on the Map --
-- Part II. Things to do in Shimla --
-- A Brief History: From Village to Viceroys --
Shimla was once just a forested hamlet called Shyamala, possibly named after the Hindu goddess Kali. It remained largely unknown until the British defeated the Gurkhas in the early 19th century and annexed the region in 1819.
By 1822, British officer Charles Pratt Kennedy built the first pucca (permanent) house in Shimla. That moment sparked a transformation: by 1864, Shimla had become the official summer capital of British India, and every year the government would pack up from Calcutta (and later Delhi ((arriving in Delhi in June I understand why 🥵)) and shift operations here for six months.
Shimla became the nerve centre of the empire during the summer; a unique experiment in portable power and colonial control.
-- Architectural Heritage: A British Hill Town in India --
Walking through Shimla is like flipping through a photo album of Gothic, Tudor, and Victorian design adapted for the Indian landscape.
Key Heritage Sites:
Viceregal Lodge (now Rashtrapati Niwas) Built in 1888, this grand structure housed the British Viceroy during the summer months. It played host to several key events in the final decades of British rule.
Christ Church Completed in 1857, this is one of the oldest churches in North India, with beautiful stained-glass windows. It stands tall on The Ridge, still a central landmark.
Gaiety Theatre Opened in 1887, this Gothic theatre is a slice of Victorian London dropped into the Himalayas. It once hosted performances attended by British officials and writers; including Rudyard Kipling.
Mall Road & Scandal Point Shimla’s central promenade isn’t just for scenic views and cafés, it's where colonial society mingled, flirted, and governed.
The city’s architecture isn't just beautiful, it's symbolic. It reflects power, nostalgia, adaptation, and often, exclusion. Many of these buildings were designed by and for the British elite, yet they’ve now been absorbed into modern India’s identity.
You can discover them all with me on at the Backpackers Blueprint Youtube Page, or check out the ridge video below.
-- Historical Moments that Shaped India --
Shimla was far from just a summer retreat, it was a political stage for critical moments in South Asian history.
Simla Convention (1914): An attempt to settle borders between British India, Tibet, and China. It resulted in the McMahon Line, still disputed today.
Shimla Conference (1945): An effort to form a united interim government before independence. Though unsuccessful, it shaped the talks that led to Partition in 1947.
Shimla Agreement (1972): Signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after the Indo-Pak war of 1971, this treaty was key in reshaping Indo-Pak relations in the post-war world.
From empire to independence, Shimla was never just a sleepy hill town. It was often the backroom where the future of nations was negotiated.
-- Shimla Today: Between Legacy and Challenge --
Modern Shimla still retains its charm, but it's also facing the pressures of the present:
-- Challenges --
Over-tourism strains the city’s resources.
Climate change has brought unpredictable weather and reduced snowfall.
Unregulated development threatens its historic core.
-- The Way Forward --
Efforts are now being made to restore heritage buildings, pedestrianise major areas, and promote eco-tourism. Digital heritage walks, cultural festivals, and community-based tourism are all part of the evolving future.
If done thoughtfully, Shimla has the chance to lead as a model hill town, balancing modern demands with its rich historical and architectural fabric.
-- Why You Should Visit Shimla --
To see how British colonialism shaped the Indian landscape, and how India reclaims it.
To walk the same halls where history was made.
To enjoy a cool breeze at The Ridge while watching the sun set behind Gothic spires.
To witness architecture, nature, and politics collide in one stunning hilltop city.
Shimla is more than a pretty town. It’s a living museum, a political landmark, and a perfect place to understand how modern India was shaped, all while sipping masala chai with views to die for.
-- The Perfect Shimla Itinerary --
Good news I have put together a 'perfect 2 day itinerary for Shimla for all those looking to explore, you can find it here 'The Perfect 2 day Shimla Itinerary'
-- Final Thoughts --
Shimla offers more than a break from the heat; it offers a deep dive into India’s colonial legacy, architecture, and geopolitical past. It's a city that shaped empires, hosted revolutions, and continues to inspire reflection.
Whether you're trekking up Jakhoo Hill, exploring the Viceregal Lodge, or simply sitting on a bench watching the world pass by; Shimla has stories to tell.
📍Planning a trip to Shimla? Want more deep dives like this? Subscribe to Backpackers Blueprint and get history-rich travel stories delivered to your inbox.
For the intelligent explorer
I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support Backpacker's Blueprint and helps me keep bringing you awesome travel content.
Thanks for the support! 🙌
✍️ Want to Write for Backpackers Blueprint? Are you a fellow traveler with a story to share? Passionate about architecture, how to explore it and how to read it or cultural deep dives? We’d love to feature your work! Drop us a message and let’s chat!
☕ Support me on Buy Me a Coffee If you’ve found the content helpful or inspiring, consider buying me a coffee