Shimla, the former summer capital of India, is a quaint town with colonial British architecture. If it were not for the hundreds of affluent Indian tourists, from as far away as southern India, you would not think you were in the same country.
I sat in a cafe in Scandal Point, the center of town, and watched tourists pose for photos, sit with their sweetie, stroll by holding hands, and enjoy their holidays in the northern mountains. I know it is a cultural difference, but I have never seen so many men walking holding hands or with their arms around each other. The streets are pristine clean, possibly due to the laws posted forbidding throwing trash on the ground or spitting. That would be a 500 rupee fine!
 |
| Hills of Shimla |
Shimla's famous Jakhu Temple sits almost to the top of the hill with a pink statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, towering above the town. There are numerous examples of British architecture, including the Town Hall, the mock-Tudor post office, the Gothic Offices of the Accountant General, and a bit above Shimla, the Rothney Castle.
I only saw 3 Western travelers here, 2 Brits, and 1 from Australia. It is season here and the rooms are hard to come by and double the normal price. I only stayed 2 days, then took the bus to Kullu, which is further north on the road to Manali.
