Also popular as �The Summer Refuge�, Shimla was formerly the capital of the British India and has a picturesque location conferred with the nature�s bounty that makes it quite distinctive from the rest of the hill stations of north India. Shimla has retained its colonial legacy, with imposing old buildings such as the Viceregal Lodge and charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names. Some of the most prominent things to watch in Shimla are the Himachal State Museum & Library, Viceregal Lodge, Botanical Gardens, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, The Ridge, The Mall, Summer Hill, Glenn and Taradevi Temple. Everything in this quaint town has a unique appeal and never fails to impress even the most demanding tourists. Before embarking on a tour, information about Shimla is certainly going to be of immense help that would make for a rewarding travel experience.

Touristplacesinindia.com is the travel site providing helpful inputs about Shimla that would be of great help to those who are planning for a vacation in Shimla.

Fast Facts

Altitude	2159 meters above sea level
Languages	Pahari, Hindi and English
Best time to visit	October to November & April to June
STD Code	0177

History of Shimla

The history of Shimla dates back to the 19th century when it was founded by the British in the year 1819 after the Gurkha war. During that period, it was most popular for the temple of Hindu Goddess Shyamala Devi. In 1822, the first British summer home was constructed by Scottish civil servant Charles Pratt Kennedy. Shimla became the summer capital of the British Raj during the latter half of the 19th century and the soldiers of the British army, merchants and civil servants dropped in here to get relief from the scorching heat of the plains. A remarkable event took place in the history of Shimla when the Kalka-Shimla railway line was constructed in the year 1906 that significantly added to its quick accessibility and it gained immense popularity. Apart from this, Shimla was declared as capital of the undivided state of Punjab in the year 1871 and remained so until Chandigarh (the present-day capital of Punjab) was given the status of the region�s capital. Himachal Pradesh got separated from undivided Punjab in the year 1971 with Shimla becoming its capital.

You will come across several British structures in Shimla such as the Viceregal lodge, Auckland House, Gorton Castle, Peterhoff house, and Gaiety Theatre that are the reminders of the colonial times.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing

The summer season in Shimla starts from April and lasts till June, with maximum temperature of 28� C and a minimum temperature of 15� C. For the summer season, light woolens/cottons are recommended.

Winter season lasts from November to February and the temperature rises to a maximum of 8� C and a low of 0� C or even lower. For the winters, heavy woolens are essential.

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