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India is known for its rich blend of cultural and geographical diversity. Our country is full of natural beauty – from historical monuments to greenery, mountains, sea, rivers and waterfalls, it has everything. This is the reason why foreign tourists are attracted towards this land. Some of the places here compete with the beauty of even the best tourist destinations in the world. From fog-clad hills to vibrant cities, every corner of these places not only has breathtaking beauty but also a hidden history and a unique story to tell. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas is one such attractive hill station, where the culture is very similar to the culture of England – the similarity is so deep that it is called “Little England”.

The combination of colonial architecture, breathtaking views of the mountains, lush greenery all around and modern urban lifestyle makes this place truly special. While it is a great place to spend holidays with families, it is equally popular among couples. So, let us know in more detail about this unique tourist destination – the “Little England” of India.

India’s “Little England”
Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, most people are probably already familiar with it. In fact, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is the place which is known as “Little England”. In particular, Mall Road and its surrounding prime areas – such as “The Ridge Shimla” – offer a distinctly English atmosphere.

Why is it called “Little England”?

During the British colonial period, Shimla used to be the summer capital of India; During this time it became known as “Little England”. British officers used to come here to escape the scorching heat of the plains. As a result, over time, the British people inspired by European architectural styles built houses, offices and public places here. This heritage gives the city a distinctly English feel to its architecture and lifestyle – something that ultimately earned it the nickname “Little England”. Even today, glimpses of that legacy can be seen here.

colonial period architecture

The historic buildings here – from the Viceroy’s Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study) and Gorton Castle to Christ Church – reflect architectural styles reminiscent of those found in England. The local ‘toy train’ service running between Kalka and Shimla is another testament to the prowess of British engineering.

Visit the ‘Queen of Hills’

Although Mall Road is undoubtedly the most popular place here, you should also try to visit the rest of the ‘Queen of Hills’. The city, situated on seven hills, boasts of a luxurious lifestyle; Moreover, its spectacular views and pleasant weather will definitely warm your heart.

What is the best time to visit here?

Talking about the best time to visit Shimla, you can plan your trip between May and June to enjoy the pleasant weather. During this time, you can enjoy various outdoor activities and visit the many temples of the city. Temperatures during this time usually range between 15°C to 30°C, although mornings and evenings are cool. If you want to see snowfall, the best time to visit is between December and February.

How to reach here?

The distance by road between Delhi and Shimla – mainly via Multan Road – is approximately 341 kilometres. This journey usually takes 6 to 7 hours. You have the option of driving yourself to Shimla, or you can also take a bus, as the city is well connected by road transport services. Another option is to take a train to Kalka and then hire a taxi from there to reach Shimla.