Shimla – it brings to mind mist covered forests and hillsides of Oak, Pine, Deodar and Rhododendron. Of a Mall road that once only the English could patronize. It also evokes a certain curiosity among today’s travellers. After all it had been the summer capital of the British Indian Government and also the most popular hill station of its time. It was host to stately balls, serious theatre and offered many a frivolous and flirtatious moment for British officers on holiday. Today much has changed though you can still savour the regal atmosphere present in some of the stately buildings built by the British during their heydays in India. Sprawling over a crescent shaped ridge at a height of 7,267 feet, this enchanting town named after Shamla Devi the presiding deity and another form of the Goddess Kali, Shimla today is a lively town offering a variety of shopping, fine dining places and beautiful walks. Though its residents still lead a laid back existence, there is something infectious about the Mall in the evenings. Vacationers and locals mingle enjoying the cool mountain breezes and brightly lit shops. Within the town are also some colonial reminders in the form of Edwardian buildings and quaint cottages with breezy names like Manorville and Oak’s End. Another great experience awaits you in narrow winding streets of the lower bazaar spilling into the southern hillside with its closely huddled shops selling all kinds of merchandise from spices and vegetables to clothing and luggage. Shimla today though aging still offers the visitor an excellent infrastructure of accommodation – from luxury and budget. And without doubt today even with its crowds Shimla remains a must visit destination in Himachal.