The blissful charms of the Himalayan hill station of Shimla, located at the height of 2,205m, have been documented by many a traveler, not the least of whom was colonial-era writer, Rudyard Kipling, who spent much time here reporting on the pursuits of the high and mighty, and not so mighty, denizens in this British summer capital.

Shimla’s Colonial Rewind

Even a random wander through Shimla town will impress you with its line-up of heritage structures from the heyday of British rule. To get the best of things to do in Shimla from those days, a guided heritage walk is just the ticket. The journey of Shimla, or rather Shayamala, from its beginnings as a nondescript village - to its status as the imperial summer capital of the British in India, is certainly a narrative to follow through these heritage buildings set in the Heritage Zone along the Mall.

In the Footsteps of Kipling in Shimla

In the five years that the author of Kim, Rudyard Kipling, spent in Shimla, the Simla of yesteryears, he was thoroughly fascinated by its beauty and socio-political theatre. He discovered there was never a lack of things to do in Shimla.  Its natural beauty was something he could enjoy firsthand, thanks to the setting of his house North Bank with its grandstand views of the snow peaks. Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, Lower Bazaar, Jakko Hill, Summer Hill are just some of the classic Kipling connects you will find in your explorations around Shimla.

Shimla and the World of Nature

To sink your senses into the very essence of Shimla’s gorgeous Himalayan vistas, you really must try and take a trek to Shali Tibba. It really is one of the best things to do in Shimla if you are a nature or adventure enthusiast. At the summit stands a shrine to Bhima Kali — and you will love the photops from here of the snow peaks, the Sutlej valley, Narkanda, Fagu and Shimla.

Jungle Narratives of Shimla

With its rich verdure and many species of wild animals and birds, Shimla was a hunter’s paradise in the Raj days. In fact, one of the great leisure activities for the Viceroy and his entourage was going on a shikar. The Indian rajas would also arrange these shikars as a special treat for them. From an old camping ground atop of the Ridge, you get stunning Himalaya views.

Down the decades, visitors have found many things to do in Shimla, and many which still need doing —and so they return…again and again.