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Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most visited tourist spots in North India. With the new infrastructure that has appeared in the Queen of Hills, the city is still capturing the history of the British era in time.
Shimla offers travelers a wonderful travel experience, with amazing places just a few kilometers from its reach. Shimla is visited by a wide variety of travelers and tourists every year.
In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about Shimla. Regardless of whether you have visited Shimla or not, you will find these facts fascinating.
Known for its itinerant culture, the city is best explored on foot. Mall Road and Ridge are like the heart of the city, with many tourist spots nearby. Let’s discuss some interesting facts that you would like to read about Shimla.
Tennis courts turned into an ice rink
The history of the ice skating rink in Shimla dates back to the early 20th century. There was a hotel called Blessington where residents usually complained about frozen water in the faucets during the winter months.
Next to the hotel there were tennis courts, which turned into an ice arena in sub-zero temperatures when water was thrown on them. This led to the idea of pouring water into the dishes to naturally have ice on the bare floor.
Eventually, a group of skaters began using the tennis courts as an ice rink in the winter, eventually leading to the formation of what became known as the Shimla Ice Skating Club.
The ice rink got the label of being largest natural ice rink. Today this place serves as a hub for winter activities in Shimla and functions more democratically.
Raj Bhavan
The history of Raj Bhawan (aka Barnes Court) dates back to 1832 when the foundation stone was laid. Barnes Court now serves as the Governor’s House.
History tells us that it has always been inhabited. Set amongst cedar trees, the building was first inhabited by Mr Edward Barneswho was then the British Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
For many years after independence, the building was used by VIPs for residence purposes.
It was then popularly known as Himachal Bhawan. 1981, when the original Raj Bhavan of Himachal burned downthe building received the status of the official residence of the governor of the state.
Scandal of the scandal point
The name Scandal Point itself piques the curiosity of first-time visitors to Shimla. The story goes back to a time when the British ruled India. The fascinating thing is that no one can confirm how true the story is.
It mostly started as a rumour. It is said that the Maharajah of Patiala eloped with the British Viceroy’s daughter on Mall Road, which is why it is known as Scandal Point.
Water supply from Combermere Stream
The city of Shimla often struggles with water shortages. Currently, the water supply is managed by one organization – Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited, but there is a history rooted in the city’s water supply.
Shimla’s water supply system was developed in the late 19th century and lasted until the early 20th century. Water was drawn from springs and streams using sound engineering principles.
Combermere Stream (which is full of dirt today) was once the water supply source for the city of Shimla. Lord Combermere built a large water tank on this stream to solve the water shortage problem. The creek was later named after him.
Gandhi’s disdain for Shimla
Gandhi Ji and Shimla also have their own history. He visited the city 10 times between 1921 and 1946 for meetings and gatherings.
When he first came to Shimla in 1921 with his wife Kasturba, Lala Lajpat Rai, Madan Mohan Malviya and the Ali brothers, he stayed in a house called Shanti Kutis. In May 1921 he addressed a large gathering of women in the Arya Samaj Hall of the Lower Bazaar. He last visited Shimla in 1946.
Although Gandhi JI Shimla frequently visited, he did not like the place that much. He detested the fact that Indians were not allowed to visit certain places in the city. He was also enraged at sightings of rickshaws being pulled by Indians to ferry British officers down the Mall.
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