When the Viceroy arrived in Shimla, for the Raj’s summer retreat, he, his aristocratic guests and the senior officers of the government, part of his retinue would head for the forested hills for a shoot or shikar. In fact, hunting was a big-time leisure activity for the Raj on holiday. The forests around Shimla were and still are full of leopards, bears, deer, jackals, hyenas, pheasants (khaleej), partridge, quail, jungle cock and more.
Often these shikars would be arranged by the Indian rajas in the locality, as it was the perfect excuse for them to bond with the Viceroy and the Raj officers; at the same time, it was great entertainment for their guests. In 1924 the Shikar Rules for the Simla Hill States and Simla District’ was issued by Lt Col JC Coldstream, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Hill States. With this came a complete ban on the shooting of musk deer and from March and September, the shooting of serow, ghoral, kakar and sambhar was also prohibited.
It was not unusual that some of the forests around Shimla were protected as the exclusive hunting preserve of the Viceroy.
In this walking trail, you will be passing through a lost trail that actually was used by the Viceroy for hunting and camping. An old camping ground on the top of a Ridge from where suddenly you come across the astounding view of Himalayan ranges that the Viceroy and his entourage enjoyed. The virgin forest with its rich wildlife is an absolute joy to explore.
This is a great tour for those interested in walking through the low hills while still having the pleasure of enjoying the views of the high Himalayan ranges.