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The 'summer capital' of
British India sprawls along a
crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over
2100m (6890ft) in southern Himachal Pradesh.
This was the most important hill station in
India before Independence, and the social
life here in the summer months when the
Brits came to escape the torrid heat of the
plains was legendary - balls, bridge parties
and parades went hand in hand with gossip,
intrigue and romance. Today, the officers,
administrators and lah-di-dah ladies of the
Raj have been replaced by throngs of
holidaymakers, but echoes of Shimla's
British past remain strong. The famous main
street, The Mall, still runs along the crest
of the ridge and is lined with stately
English-looking houses.
When you've done the obligatory stroll along
The Mall dreaming of Kipling, Burton and
Merchant-Ivory, it's worth exploring the
narrow streets which fall steeply away from
the ridge to colourful local bazaars.
There's also an interesting walk to Jakhu
Temple, dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman.
It's located near the highest point of the
ridge and offers fine views of the town,
surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks.
Other scenic spots nearby include the 70m
(230ft) high Chadwick Falls, the picnic spot
of Prospect Hill, and Wildflower Hall - the
site of the former mansion of Lord
'Your-Country-Needs-You' Kitchener. The ski
resort of Kufri is just 15km (10m) east,
although snowfalls have been so paltry
recently that there are plans to suspend
tourist operations. If there is snow, the
slopes are suitable for beginners and anyone
with a decent plastic bag and a thick pair
of trousers. Snow is most likely between
January and February.
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