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Shimla: Colonial Architecture at Its Best
Take a walk down the Ridge and the Mall Road to experience Shimla’s architectural heritage.
About an hour away from Kufri lies Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, an embodiment of colonial architecture. The uniqueness of Shimla is in its buildings which are part of the landscape. Most of these well-maintained buildings go all the way back to the 19th century and reflect the architecture of that period. There is a restriction on new structures coming up in core areas, so that the old charm can be retained.
This colonial heritage is most prominent in the buildings of the Ridge and the Mall Road. The beautiful Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, Vidhan Sabha, and the Viceregal Lodge are fine examples of architecture during the British Raj. There are private residences with colourful roofs and distinctive designs. Many have now become banks, post offices and military establishments.
It’s a good idea to read up a bit about these structures and their history before the walk, so that one can fully enjoy the experience.
Good to Know :
Location: 19 km from Sterling Kufri
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