Shimla (was declared summer capital of British India in 1864) also known as Simla,queen of hills is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is also a district which is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in the north, Kinnaur in the east, the state of Uttarakhand in the south-east, and Solan and Sirmaur. In 1864, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India, succeeding Murree, northeast of Rawalpindi. After independence, the city became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
Here are some interesting facts about Shimla:
This beautiful hill station is built on seven different hills namely Inverarm hill, Bantony hill , Elysium hill, Observatory hills, prospect hill, summer hill and Jakhu hill.The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhu hill.
The Kalka Shimla Railway line is recognized as world Heritage site by UNESCO. The rail line was built to connect Shimla during British Raj with the Indian Railway system. “The Guinness book of Railway facts and feats “ records Kalka Shimla Railway as the greatest narrow gauge Engineering in India.
The Kalka Shimla Railway line is recognized as world Heritage site by UNESCO. The rail line was built to connect Shimla during British Raj with the Indian Railway system. “The Guinness book of Railway facts and feats “ records Kalka Shimla Railway as the greatest narrow gauge Engineering in India.
Shimla is Earth quake prone Hill station. It falls in Seismic Zone IV .It cannot withstand high intensity Earth quake. A survey conducted by United Nations Development programme revealed the most buildings in the city, constructed in recent years were structurally unsafe and posed threat to local population.
The Peterhoff was a building in which has housed at least Seven Viceroys and governor general during the British Raj.. It has been built in typical Tudor style – all wooden frames. After India ‘s Independence from British Empire, the building served as Punjab High Court. It was at Peterhoff where the trial of Nathuram Godse who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi took place in 1948-49. In 1971, when Himachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state, Peterhoff served as the Raj Bhavan (the Governor’s residence). The building was destroyed in a fire on the night of 12 January 1981. The Peterhoff was rebuilt to a new design as a luxury hotel in 1991. It has 34 suites and is among the most interesting fact about Shimla.
Maria Brothers is a Antique bookstore on Mall road which has unique collection of treasure of old books. Some of the books in the collection include “Arya Ashta Sahasrikas Prajna Paramita”of 16-17th century compilation in Tibetan script.It is actually written in gold and silver ink. John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Paradise regained,10 volumes of KathaSaritsagara and many more precious books.
This city is one of the youngest city (population wise) in the country. 55% of the population is in the 16- 55 age group. And 28% of the rest is below the age of 15 .
Shimla is birth place of many famous actor and actress like Anupam kher ,Yami Gupta ,Prem chopra, Kangna Ranaut, Preity Zinta .It is also birth place of Ruskin Bond famous writer.