Immerse yourself in India's culture with a vacation to the state of Himachal Pradesh. Here, start your journey in the capital city of Shimla. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, this city is home to an open area named the Ridge. If you're interested in culture, landmarks and other Indian folklore, explore the Ridge as you look up at the edge of the highest mountains in the world.
Learning About the Storied Past
Before 1876, the Ridge was home to a small community. Referred to as the Upper Bazaar, this town used the flat surface as the only natural space to build structures. Unfortunately, there was a huge fire in 1876, which burned many of the structures down.
Afterward, the British constructed the Ridge as an administrative area for its capital. Most of the native Indians were driven from this area at the time, however. Today, it's a bustling cultural center for the state where visitors can get a taste of Indian culture with the nearby mountaintops casting long shadows.
Understanding the Unique Topography
The Ridge is a narrow, flat space resting between a sweeping valley and the steeper mountains behind it. For this reason, the Ridge is a popular place to see the views, take photographs or bike up into the forested hillside. A fascinating aspect of this area is the land underneath the Ridge. Constructed in the 1800s, underground tanks capture water to supply Shimla with drinking supplies throughout the year.
Appreciating the Calm Surroundings
As you discover the Ridge, you might notice a key difference when compared to other communities. There are no rickshaws or cars allowed at the Ridge. Visitors calmly walk this open space, which creates a relatively calm environment even on popular days.
Enjoying the Landmarks
Many landmarks across the Ridge have Gothic or neo-Gothic architectural styles, such as the Gaiety Theater or Christ Church. Other landmarks can thrill visitors with shopping, spiritual experiences and natural wonders, such as:
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Kali Bari Temple
- Jakhoo Hill
Luckily, all age groups can enjoy the Ridge. Relax at an eatery, walk the entire space from east to west or learn more about Shimla through the historical information found here.
Planning Your Trip
For a pleasant visit, plan your trip between April and August. The Ridge comes alive with several festivals during the summer. Alternatively, December and January give you breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.
The Ridge is open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Certainly, most visitors stay at a nearby hotel and take a bus or taxi to the lower levels below the Ridge. From here, you can walk up to the wide-open walkway for a day of fun.
With an appreciation of the Ridge's history, landmarks and distinct topography, every visitor can leave with new knowledge about India's culture. From walking around the Himachal State Museum to eating at a local food stall, the Ridge buzzes with activity during the warmer months. Book your trip to the Ridge in Shimla for an adventure of a lifetime.
