Introduction: Time Travel to the British Era in the Himalayas

If you’re a traveler who loves colonial-era charm, Gothic architecture, and stories from the British Raj, there’s one hill station in India that transports you back in time—Shimla, fondly called “The Queen of Hills.” Set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, Shimla served as the summer capital of British India and still exudes the same old-world elegance, with cobbled lanes, Tudor-style buildings, iconic churches, and mountain railways that make you feel like you're walking through a page in history.

 Where is Shimla Located?

• State: Himachal Pradesh

• Altitude: 2,200 meters above sea level

• Distance from Delhi: ~350 km

• How to Reach: By road, rail (via Kalka), or air (Jubbarhatti airport)

• Plan Your Delhi to Shimla Tour

Why Shimla Still Feels Like the British Era ?

1. The Viceregal Lodge (Now Rashtrapati Niwas)

This Scottish Baronial-style mansion was once the summer seat of British power, home to the Viceroy of India. With its intricate woodwork, manicured lawns, and stone façade, it feels straight out of Victorian England.

• Built in: 1888

• Now: Indian Institute of Advanced Study

• Must-see: The teak-paneled library and war room where the Shimla Conference of 1945 was held 

 Explore Rashtrapati Niwas Heritage Walks

2. Christ Church on The Ridge

Shimla’s most iconic landmark, Christ Church, built in 1857, features Gothic Revival architecture and stunning stained-glass windows representing Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility.

• Evening tip: Visit at sunset when the lights create a magical golden hue

• Don’t miss: Christmas Eve mass for a truly British winter experience 

 British-Era Churches of Himachal Tour

3. The Mall Road and The Ridge

Mall Road was the social and commercial heart of British Shimla, reserved only for Europeans back then. Today, it’s still the city’s center for heritage buildings, cafés, and local shopping.

• Cultural Sites Nearby:

o Gaiety Theatre (built in 1887) – hosted plays for British officers

o Scandal Point – a historic gossip corner of the elite

o General Post Office – classic colonial stone structure

 Walk the Ridge in the early morning—it still echoes with the sounds of British footsteps and horse hooves from the past.

4. Kalka–Shimla Toy Train: A Colonial Marvel

One of the most iconic remnants of the British era, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was completed in 1903 and includes:

• 102 tunnels, 800 bridges, and 900 curves

• Breathtaking views of pine forests and valleys

• Wooden railway stations with British design aesthetics

Route: Kalka → Barog → Kandaghat → Shimla

 Book Kalka–Shimla Toy Train Experience

5. Stay in British-Era Heritage Hotels

Property Highlights

Oberoi Cecil Former British ballroom, vintage décor

Clarkes Hotel Part of Shimla’s history since 1898

Woodville Palace Royal colonial residence turned hotel

Imagine sipping tea in a wood-paneled lounge once used by British officers!

 Book Heritage Stays in Shimla

Best Time to Visit for British Vibes

Season Experience

Summer (April–June) Colonial escape from Delhi heat; British-era summer feel

Winter (Dec–Feb) Perfect for experiencing Victorian-style snowfall

Monsoon (July–Sept) Misty charm, lush green colonial gardens

For a British-style Christmas, visit in December and stay in an old colonial property with a fireplace and carol service at Christ Church. 

Shimla Colonial Tour Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1 – Mall Road Walk + Gaiety Theatre + Christ Church

Day 2 – Toy Train Ride + Viceregal Lodge + Himachal State Museum

Day 3 – Jakhu Temple + Scandal Point + British Cemetery visit

See Full Itinerary with Map – Shimla Heritage Getaway 

Travel Tips for Colonial-Style Shimla Visit

• Avoid cars on Mall Road – use lifts or walk

• Visit in off-season (Feb/March) for peace and discounts

• Combine with Naldehra, Mashobra, or Kotgarh for vintage cottage stays

• Don’t miss high tea at Oberoi Cecil for an authentic Raj feel

FAQs – British-Era Feel in Shimla

Q1. Which other towns in Himachal have British history?

 Dalhousie, Kasauli, and Kotgarh also have colonial roots but Shimla is the best preserved.

Q2. Can I do a 2-day weekend trip from Delhi to Shimla?

 Yes, overnight Volvo or drive (7–9 hrs). Best for a quick colonial escape.

Q3. Is the Toy Train available year-round?

 Yes, except during landslides or major snowfall.

Shimla – More Than a Hill Station, It’s a Walk Through History Shimla isn’t just scenic—it’s a living museum of British India. Every corner has a colonial tale to tell, and every sunset over the Ridge feels like a flashback to the era of tea parties, typewriters, and handwritten telegrams.

If you're a history lover, a nostalgia seeker, or just someone who wants to walk through a page of India’s colonial past—Shimla is your time machine.

Let Take a Break craft your colonial-style Shimla retreat with:

• Toy Train bookings

• Guided tours of British landmarks

• Stay in century-old bungalows

• Afternoon teas and local story sessions

Book Your British Heritage Trip to Shimla Now

 Need help designing your ideal Shimla itinerary? Contact our experts!