Shimla takes its name from its patron goddess, called Shamla
Devi. The town was 'discovered' by British surveyors in 1817. The
gleaming reports of its beauty and favourable climate soon spread,
and by the 1830s Shimla was - for most of the British people living
there - the most fashionable summer resort in India. In 1864, it
came as little surprise when the Government of India declared
Shimla as their official headquarters during the hot season.
Shimla is still a very popular tourist destination today. This
is due in part to some of the fantastic sights that can be seen in
the town, from the wonderful views of the surrounding Himalayas to
some of the man-made marvels. These include the Viceregal Lodge,
the single most impressive colonial monument in the town. It was
built to house the government - which it did until the end of
British rule in the 1940s. The ornate building is the only one to
occupy a hill of its own.
Other popular attractions in the town include Scandal Point,
so-called because it was where people would
meet traditionally to gossip, and the famous Gaiety
Theatre.