Colonial Architecture of Shimla :

Colonial architecture of Shimla forms the major attraction for tourists. During British rule, Shimla used to be the summer capital of the Viceroy, where they, along with other administrative member used to spend summers in Shimla.

Shimla is a gorgeous and stunning hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is also popularly know as "Queen of Hills". Shimla, originally spelt as Simla, was chief town during the British rule in India. Thus, the art and architecture of Shimla is mainly influenced by the British rule. The main attractions of Shimla are the grand buildings constructed during the British rule and wooden handicrafts. 

 Right from May to July, Shimla used to be a hub with administrative actions, and families of the office members used to accompany them to spend a lovely summer. This is mainly the reason why Shimla has homes, building, lodges and churches that has the taste of typical British Architecture. The architecture of Shimla is known as colonial architecture, where the families used to spend lot of time in hill station. The entire infrastructure of Shimla is based on the lifestyle and needs to British. The architecture of Shimla can be analyzed with the help of a few iconic structures of the town. 

Among all the hill stations that are developed by British government, Shimla happened to be most beautiful and majestic and quite like the "jewel in the crown" of the Raj. It became the summer capital of the Imperial Government in the year 1963, and construction of railways happened in the year 1903. The entire lay out of the city was carefully determined by topographical conditions and was mainly developed on the top of ridge running in the east-west direction. The main area which was extensively used was the pedestrian mall atop the highest contour which was the main spot of rendezvous for Englishmen. And it was where the main offices, shops, churches, theatres and clubs were built. Parts of Southern Shimla were used as residential area and called "Chhota Shimla". The "native-quarters", grain markets and bazaars were built just below the exclusive mall road.

Christ church :

 The ridge is mainly dominated by the Christ Church, a Gothic structure with stained and buttress windows. It is made of stone and is plastered from outside; its tall spires become visible over the skyline of the city.

Muncipal Library :

A colonial structure adjoining the church is the Municipal Library. This is a quaint structure with timber framed (dhajji-wall) construction with pitched roof. The framing is well decorated which is reminiscent more of English cottage, than of public building which it actually is.

Town Hall :

Another fantastic structure situated on the Mall is Town Hall, built in "Barog Stone". The roof of the structure is made of grey slates and the doors, windows and cornices are aesthetically drawn.

The Mall :

 The Mall, which is located at the heart of Shimla, is a place where people visit to spend some quite time, free from the fear of being run over by vehicles, and has a typical personality of its own. The Mall bears the symbol of quintessential spirit of the colonial city. The heights of the shops along the mall are uniformly double storey, with gabled roofs in wooden frame construction. This style of architecture imparts a rhythmic and harmonic character, which is punctuated by melange of palpable crowds.

Gorton Castle :

Gorton Castle was built in 1904 and was designed by Sir Winton Jacob who was considered as one of the best British architects during the time. The scenic beauty of the location makes it look incredibly majestic.Gorton Castle is a heritage monument located in Shimla which is over a century old and was built during the Colonial era. Today, the castle is used as the office of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. It is a perfect illustration of the rich history and heritage of India during the colonial era. The monument is built according to the Neo-Gothic type of architecture and exudes the vibe of a fairy tale with its characteristic features.

Ravenswood :

Ravenswood is the name of the historic building in Shimla which houses the high court of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on a spur of rock on the south east part of Simla, "Ravenswood" has a Tudor-style structure, which once nestled amidst gigantic pines and lush willows. "Ravenswood" was originally owned by M O'Meara, a well-known dentist who came to Simla in 1850. Over the years, "Ravenswood" changed many hands. In 1971, Himachal Pradesh attainedstatehood and "Ravenswood" became the majestic seat of the Himachal Pradesh high court.

The Viceregal Lodge, Shimla :

Viceregal Lodge is the most historically significant and architectural impressive building of the region that makes for a pleasant half-day excursion. The Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the British Raj leader who governed the whole of the Indian subcontinent between 1888 until 1946. Within the Viceroy Lodge many significant decisions from this era about India were devised, discussed and agreed upon.

For visitors the Viceregal Lodge is an elaborate Mock-Tudor stately home that is surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens. The Viceregal Lodge was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style during Lord Dufferin’s tenure as Viceroy. Its construction started in 1880 and was completed in 1888. Lord Dufferin occupied the lodge on 23 July 1888. Presently known as Rashtarpati Niwas, the official resident of governor.

Post independent phase has been rather melancholy. With unplanned physical growth, increase of physical activity and exodus of population from village regions added to it the tourist pressure have actually ruptured the soft relationship of habitat and art in these small, finite township.