Les meilleurs hôtels à Shimla

In 1819, during the Gurkha wars, the British discovered Shimla, and the little Himalayan village, perched on a seven mile ridge nearly 7,000 feet high, has never been the same. The first British residence was built in 1822, and before long, the village had been transformed into a little piece of Britian. Today, Shimla's winding, hilly streets are still lined with English cottages, Georgian-style houses, and imposing colonial government buildings. Of all of the British hill stations (created to rise above the heat of the monsoon season), Shimla was the most famous. It was the summer capital of the British Raj and became the place to socialize and be seen. Balls, teas, gymkhanas, parties, matches of polo and cricket filled the summer days and nights. Scandal and gossip always helped to liven up the season, as during one year when an Indian noble disappeared with an English beauty. These days, Shimla, now the state capital of Himachal Paradesh, is a nice leisurely place to visit. There's not much in terms of "sigthseeing" here. Rather people come to Shimla to enjoy the cool air, the surroundings and the oddity of finding a little piece of England in India. For those on a backpacker's budget the town can be expensive. If you can, come during the low season. In Shimla, you can wander about the Mall, poking into English-style shops and ice cream parlors. A trek up Jakhu Hill will take you to the town's highest point, where you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the town and the outlying mountains. Other hikes will take you out to Prospect Hill, Chadwick Falls, and Glen Forest.