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India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
5 Overlooked Landmarks In Shimla That Tell Untold Stories
Shimla, often dubbed as the Queen of Hill stations, presents a colonial marvel against the backdrop of the Himalayas. While its typical attractions such as Christ Church, the Mall Road, and Jakhoo Temple are famous, Shimla is a gold mine of landmarks treasured from the past, but overlooked. These lost wonders are a capture of the rich bygone era as well as the transformation Shimla went through over the decades. Let us set forth on an adventure to uncover the buried treasures of this astonishing hill station. 1. The Combermere Bridge The Combermere Bridge will never cease to baffle us due to its intricate design along with architectural colonial techniques. Being famous for its British engineering marvel, the Combermere Bridge was used for transportation and crossing over the river. Lord Combermere was pivotal in popularizing Shimla as a summer retreat which aided in building the bridge. The bridge was widely used by both locals and tourists. While the bridge is still existent, it has become less frequented by people over the years. In recent years, the importance of the bridge has diminished due to modernization and development. Now, all we can observe are fragments of the bridge submerged under the flashy new age structures. The remains of the bridge, however, tell us stories from a time when horse carriages flaunted passengers who were well-dressed spectacles in Shimla. Highlights: After Lord Combermere, it was constructed. Once significant for transportation purposes in Shimla. Time passes, but the construction never fails to hold the remnants of the past. Rivoli Cinema Rivoli Cinema was the place for entertainment in Shimla. Aged people remember the classic theatre that used to be in Mall Road, which Bollywood and even Hollywood blockbuster movies were featured in. It was the most important place culturally for tourists as well as the locals. People of Shimla used to boast over the spacious interiors and art-deco style of the cinema. As time passed, Rivoli lost its charm along with its customers due to the rise of modern cinema halls. With its shut down, nostalgia was filled with magic-filled memories of Rivoli. Commercial shops occupied the space after it was shut down. Even with this change, older citizens reminisce about the glorious days of Rivoli cinema. Highlights: During his peak, it served as a significant part of the culture in Shimla. No its remnants are buried under commercial buildings. It had a distinct art-deco design style. Bantony Castle Bantony Castle was one of the highlights of Shimla's colonial period from the late 1800s. It served as the summer palace of the Sirmour Maharaja. The castle's fusion of Gothic and Medieval Tudor styles served to impress visitors. Years of neglect turned this historical structure into a crumbling wreck. Although the castle has tried to be restored in recent years, its beauty is still a long way from where it used to be. It stands in its makeshift form as a painful reminder of royalty in Shimla, having lost almost all its glory over the years. Highlights: Served as a summer getaway for the Maharaja of Sirmour. Displays Gothic and Medieval Tudor architecture. Still under restoration. Courts of the Viceregal Lodge The Viceregal Lodge also goes by the name of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study and continues to be famous today because as one of the best preserved memorials. Their magnificence, however, cannot be appreciated as the buried ruins of the main structure overshadow the dismay of many, the highly esteemed tennis courts of the Lodge are lost beneath the building. During the British period, they were at the center of many important matches, heavily watched by the social elite. The tennis courts highlighted the colonial powers' admiration for sports and their leisurely way of living. Even though the main lodge continues to attract many tourists, the tennis courts that sadly tell a huge part of Shimla's sports history are completely ignored. Highlights: A part of the Viceregal Lodge complex. Acclaimed tennis matches were played during British rule. Now overgrown by the main building. Mashobra Palace Along with the other summer palaces, Mashobra Palace has always been hidden in the deep cedar forests. This dazzling palace was built as a summer retreat for the British officials and is known for its extravagant parties and governmental functions. The serene woods and splendid beauty of the majestic palace turned out to be the ideal rest resort. The estate later on started becoming encased in weeds and bushes after the Indian independence, and now it is taken over by the flora and fauna. The ruins of Mashobra Palace are a treat for the explorers and the history lovers because they tell the lavish history of Shimla. Highlights: A retreat for the British officials. Rested in the beautiful Mashobra region. Now in ruins overtaken by flora. Final Thoughts These remnants remind us of the engineering marvels Shimla was once famous for and how it has transformed over the years. Shimla's forgotten monuments are no longer merely edifices that needed reconstruction, but the custodians of an evergreen legacy most of us have sadly disregarded. Respects for the city's rich heritage heightens when appreciating these relics, and their preservation truly is needed for the upcoming generations.
India.com
26-04-2025
- India.com
6 Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Delhi For A Quick Escape
The Indian capital of Delhi defines itself through its lively culture combined with its historic sites while presenting residents with a rapid pace of life. The city provides numerous sites to visit yet its congestion along with its hot climate occasionally grows overwhelming to visitors. People can find relief by visiting hill station destinations which lie in proximity to Delhi. The destinations have tranquil natural surroundings plus fresh temperatures that make them suitable for brief weekend vacations. The following list features the most attractive destinations reachable from Delhi which offer visitors relaxation through their beautiful hill station experiences. 1. Shimla Shimla stands as India's premier hill station which exists at 350 kilometers away from Delhi. Shimla bears its title as the 'Queen of Hills' through its famous blend of historic charm against natural picturesque surroundings. The essential tours at this place include the visit to the Mall Road and Christ Church and Jakhu Temple. Vacationers should experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed toy train journey between Kalka and Shimla. Shimla receives different weather patterns through all seasons since it has snow-dusted summits in winter and favorable summer temperatures. 2. Manali As a destination located 570 kilometers from Delhi Manali offers natural beauty and enthusiastic adventure activities to match its attraction for nature fans. The hill station rests in an enchanting valley because its location features mountains reaching high into the sky and the pine forest and Beas River rushing together. Visitors flock to Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley and Hadimba Temple as among the main draw for visitors. The town adjusts into a winter wonderland that brings numerous skiers and snowboarders every season. Old Manali offers peaceful rest to visitors who desire serenity while visiting because the area presents charming cafes along with its natural beauty. 3. Nainital Located at a distance of 300 kilometers from Delhi Nainital achieves its Lake District of India designation because of its beautiful lakes. People visit Naini Lake to enjoy boating as its central attraction for the town. Visit Snow View Point as well as Tiffin Top and the Naina Devi Temple when exploring the area. Couples and families find Nainital particularly attractive because of its cool climate and panoramic views. Throughout the monsoon season the hills become vibrant through their verdant growth which further enhances the enchanting appeal of this perfect destination. 4. Mussoorie Mussoorie resides at a distance of 290 kilometers from Delhi to become the hill station's popular title of 'Queen of the Hills.' The scenic hill resort shows off views of the Himalayas and its many waterfalls as well as its neat gardens. The important attractions in this area include Landour together with Camel's Back Road and Kempty Falls. Gun Hill stands second only to the highest peak in Mussoorie as it reveals complete mountain views across its setting. The town enjoys worldwide recognition as a site where authors Ruskin Bond and Stephen Alter choose to reside. 5. Auli Ski enthusiasts should visit Auli because the location provides snow-covered scenery together with excellent skiing opportunities. Auli exists 500 kilometers from Delhi within the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand. Cable car rides and ski slopes at this destination provide visitors with breathtaking sights of the Nanda Devi Kamet Dunagiri peaks. Visitors find solace by relaxing at Auli because the artificial lake creates a peaceful environment there. The most suitable period for exploring the untouched hill station occurs during December through February. 6. Rishikesh The hamlet of Rishikesh maintains its status outside traditional hill station terminology despite being located at the Himalayas' base where spirituality joins forces with exciting recreational activities. The location near Delhi at 250 kilometers gives it the reputation of being the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' Visitors can discover historic temples while participating in meditation sessions at this destination besides enjoying exciting adventures such as Ganges river rafting. The Beatles Ashram together with Triveni Ghat draw numerous visitors who want to meditate and take photographs at these locations. Nature walks together with hiking are best enjoyed because of the hills surrounding the area. Conclusion The neighboring hill stations around Delhi provide visitors an essential break from their busy urban existence. Every travel enthusiast can find their ideal destination between these sites to experience perfect vacation times. The time is now to bring your luggage and start your drive while experiencing the Himalayas' beauty along with all its surrounding features.
