Shimla previously known as Simla, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state (Himachal Pradesh). In 1864, Shimla was the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city became the capital of Punjab and was later made the capital of Himachal Pradesh and got separated from Punjab. It is the principal commercial, cultural, educational centre of the state (Himachal Pradesh).
A few hamlets were recorded prior to 1815 when British forces took control of the area. The climatic conditions drew the attention of British to establish the city in the dense forests of the Himalayas and they made Shimla their summer capital. As the summer capital, they arranged many important political meetings including the Simla Accord of 1914 and the Simla Conference of 1945. After independence, the state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence in 1948 as a result of the integration of 28 princely states. Even after independence, the city of Shimla remained a chief political centre, hosting the Simla Agreement of 1972. When the reorganisation of the state of Himachal Pradesh happened, the existing Mahasu district was named Shimla.
Shimla is home to a number of buildings that are designed in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, moreover multiple temples and churches. The colonial architecture, churches, the temples, and the natural environment of the city draws the attention of tourists from the country as well as from foreign. Famous places include the Viceregal Lodge, the Christ Church, the Jakhoo Temple, the Mall Road, Annadale and the Ridge. The city center’s northern most point is Jakhoo, the southernmost location is Annadale, western point is Chotta Shimla and the easternmost point is Sanjauli. The Kalka–Shimla Railway line was built by the British, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major tourist spot. Owing to its steep terrain, Shimla is also the place that hosts the mountain biking race MTB Himalaya, which started in 2005 and is regarded as the biggest event in South Asia. Shimla also has the biggest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. Apart from being a tourism centre, Shimla is also an educational hub with a number of famous schools, colleges and research institutions.
You can travel in Shimla by bus (local buses) or private vehicles. Buses ply regularly on the circular road surrounding the city Shimla. Like other growing cities, Shimla is also expanding with new habitats in the vicinity rapidly. Transport services in these areas are also increasing rapidly. Tourist taxis are also an option for out of town trips and tourists from other cities and other states. Locals generally travel the city on foot. One thing should be kept in mind that private vehicles are not allowed on the Mall, Ridge, and nearby markets., that’s why the auto rickshaws which are common in other Indian cities are largely absent due to narrow roads and steep slopes.
Shimla Airport is located at Jubbarhatti, 23 kilometres (14 mi) from the main city Shimla. Regular flights operate from the airport to Delhi. The nearest major airport is in Chandigarh about 116 km away from Shimla Airport.