Why Shimla Exists: A Snapshot of Colonial Strategy

Shimla wasn’t born as a trade hub or spiritual centre; it was built for power and pleasure. After the Anglo-Gurkha War (1814–16), the British East India Company gained control of this region. Shimla’s cool altitude, pine forests and sweeping views made it an ideal escape from Delhi’s brutal summers. (More on this in the youtube episode on Shimla)

By 1864, Shimla was officially declared the Summer Capital of British India. For half the year, the entire colonial administration; from viceroys to clerks; shifted here. In just a few decades, Shimla transformed from a forested hill into a miniature Victorian town set against Himalayan peaks, cool no!?.

Who Built Shimla?

Shimla was carved out by British engineers, planners and soldiers, but built by Indian craftsmen and labourers, using colonial blueprints. The Public Works Department (PWD) played a major role, and many buildings were designed in styles borrowed from Europel; Tudor, Gothic Revival, Swiss chalet, even mock Elizabethan.

Key British figures:

• Lord Amherst: First British official to visit (1827)

• Lord Lawrence & Lord Lytton: Viceroys who formalised Shimla’s role

• Henry Irwin: Architect behind the grand Viceregal Lodge

Key Buildings & Sites to Explore

Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)
Arguably the crown jewel. Completed in 1888, this Scottish Baronial mansion served as the summer residence of the Viceroy of India. Think turrets, stone facades, fireplaces and oak-panelled halls. Now home to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

Gaiety Theatre
A gorgeous example of Gothic Revival built in 1887. It was the social heart of the Raj still active as a theatre and gallery. Ideal for interiors and character shots.

Christ Church, The Ridge
India’s second oldest church (built 1857), with Neo-Gothic design, stained glass windows, and views over the Shimla valley. A prime location for golden hour photography.

Mall Road
Colonial-era shops, cafés, and half-timbered façades, all set on a pedestrian-only promenade. Great for slow travel vlogging and people-watching.

Shimla Railway Station & the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
Completed in 1903, this UNESCO-listed mountain railway is a marvel of civil engineering with over 100 tunnels and 800 bridges. Capture the journey, it’s pure vintage train romance.

How to Get There

🚂 By Train

• Kalka to Shimla Toy Train: One of the world’s most scenic rail rides. 5–6 hours of mountain switchbacks, bridges and tunnels. Dont worry we have an episode on it!

• From Delhi: Take a train to Kalka, then switch to the narrow-gauge toy train.

🚌 By Road

• From Delhi: Approx. 7–8 hours by bus or private car. The route is winding but scenic and easy enough to take. You will land in ISBT and then need a second local bus to get to 'Old Bus Stand'. From old bus stand you can walk (although its still a tough walk)

• From Chandigarh: A shorter 3–4 hour journey and see above on the ISBT.

✈️ By Air

• Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) is very limited.

• Better option: Fly into Chandigarh, then drive or take the train/bus to Shimla.

See you in Shimla explorer.