Exploring Shimla’s Colonial Heritage
As you are probably aware, Shimla was the British Raj’s summer capital for India. Thus, there are many Gothic-style colonial buildings. Here’s a guide to five monuments that offer a glimpse into Colonial Shimla.
Christ Church
Located on the Ridge in Shimla, the Christ Church is the second oldest Church in India. And, it happens to be the oldest one in the North. The five stained glass windows represent Christian virtues.
Constructed in 1856-57, the neo-Gothic style church attracts hundreds of history-enthusiasts each week. Its meticulous craftsmanship on wood helped it secure a place in Shimla’s cultural heritage.
Viceregal Lodge
The building is known as the Viceregal Lodge, the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, and the Rashtrapati Niwas. Constructed in 1888, the monument was used by the British to run their administration in India.
Special consignments of wood were transported from Burma for the construction of this building. There are other attractions besides the interiors. The sundial in the backyard, the chain of gardens surrounding the building, and the British Era rainwater harvesting system attract tourists.
Town Hall
The Town Hall was designed by British Architect Henry Irwin. It was set up as a Shimla Municipal Corporation building. And it remains the same today. The building is mostly made with barong stones, timbers, and glass panels, while the slanting roof consists of grey slates. Back in the British Raj, the monument also had a card-room, ballroom, armory, drawing room and a library. The library still remains operational and open to the public.
Gaiety Theatre
Known to be constructed in the 1800s, timely restoration has helped in retaining its historic character. The building designed by Irwin is a combination of Gothic and Victorian architecture style. Interior consists of comfortable seating arrangements, ornate balconies, and a grand stage. There are old world intricate carvings and details on walls. Even today, the theater hosts cultural festivals, plays, music and dance performances.
General Post Office
Civil engineers often describe the building’s style as part-Tudor, part-Gothic, and part-Alpine. In 1882, the timber-framed structure building was the office for Director- General of the Post Office for the entire British India region.
The initial colors of the building were green and white livery. Later, the heritage site was painted red and white. The monument was renovated in 1972 after a fire incident. Today, it is one of the six heritage post office buildings in India.
You can opt for a historical travel package that covers all these monuments representing the Colonial Shimla. You can always check the available package options on HostMyTrips.