Colonial Charm of Shimla 2025

Shimla, the charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh, holds a special place in India’s heart. It is home to many heritage structures that tell stories of a bygone era. Our recent journey to Shimla allowed us to explore its timeless streets and colonial architecture.

We were amazed to learn that Shimla was once the summer capital of British India. During our visit, we observed that Shimla was rich in colonial heritage. The Viceregal Lodge, now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, stood tall as a grand reminder of British rule. The Christ Church on the Ridge, built in 1857, reflected neo-Gothic architecture and still remained one of the most iconic landmarks of Shimla.

Mall Road, along with landmarks such as the Town Hall and Gaiety Theatre, still showcased classic British architectural styles. The Gaiety Theatre, inaugurated in 1887, hosted performances by well-known British artists. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style. We discovered that it served as a cultural hub during the colonial period and still continued to function as a venue for theatre and arts. The Town Hall, built in the Tudor style with exposed timber framing and sloping roofs, housed the municipal offices and was truly a fine example of functional yet ornate colonial architecture.

These buildings weren’t just sights to admire but they carried stories from a different time. As we wandered through Shimla, it felt like history was built into the walls around us. Each landmark revealed something about how the town took shape during British rule. We realised that by respecting and maintaining them, we remain connected to our heritage and history.

Team Members: Aarav Sharma, Ananya Singh, Maira Rizvi, and Zinia Khan (Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi).

EdTerra Edventures conducts various other programs for the youth. If you go to school and are under 17 years of age, ask your school to contact us to arrange a visit to your school for an introduction to “Shimla” and other journeys under EdTerra’s India Discovery Program.

For queries call +91-11-48885800 or visit EdTerra Browse Journeys page to know more about the programs we offer to school students. Visit our FB page by clickingHERE

Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi

At DPS Mathura Road, Delhi, we are committed to creating an inclusive teaching environment that prepares our students to become the global leaders of tomorrow. To achieve this, we integrate 21st century skills such as civic literacy, global awareness, cross cultural sensitivity, and effective communication, with the aim of advancing ‘Human Excellence’. Our pedagogy, rooted in evidence based learning, further empowers young learners to embark on a journey of self discovery and personal growth.