To the right is the view looking uphill from the front of our hotel.
And to the left is the view looking downhill from the back of our hotel.
Yes, the city is built on the mountainside.
This is the street going up from our hotel to Mall Road. It is a two-way street. Drivers in Shimla are very skilled, and courteous to one another, too. They easily stop and start on the steep slopes, and find ways to get out of each other's way when meeting on the very narrow streets. Most of the cars are quite small.
We were able to walk up from our hotel in about 20 minutes. Quite a climb, but good exercise and a good excuse for a snack when we reached the top.
New construction was happening along this route.
Mall Road at the top is for pedestrians only. There are several beautiful new hotels located there as well, so how is a guest's luggage transported? On the backs and heads of some very strong men.
It isn't just luggage that has to be carried. Mall Road has all types of shops and here is someone's new refrigerator being delivered.
Many people in Shimla, and in Chandigarh as well, really know how to use their heads.
Here is just a tiny portion of Mall Road which is actually two very long streets of shops. I know several people at home who would enjoy a day of shopping here.
At the end of Mall Road is a reminder that the British were here. Beautiful Christ Church, started in 1844 and consecrated in 1857, served the British Anglicans. Services are now conducted in English and in Hindi.
This is the City Hall. It sits atop this beautiful city.
Not far from here is Scandal Point. At this spot, the Maharaja of Patiala was said to have kidnapped the daughter of the Viceroy of India because he loved her!
Continuing up, we reach The Ridge, a wide open space that sits atop the city's water reservoir. Concerts and other gatherings are held here, but it is also enjoyed by families and tourists who are just wandering along enjoying the views of the city, some food from the kiosks, shopping and the statues of Indira and Mahatma Gandhi.
