Shimla, also known as Simla, its official name until 1972) is the capital and largest city of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city became the capital of Eastern Punjab and later the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the main commercial, cultural and educational center of the state.
Small villages were recorded before 1815, when British forces took control of the area. The climatic conditions attracted the British to establish the city in the dense forests of the Himalayas. As a summer capital, Shimla hosted many important political meetings, including the Simla Deputation of 1906, the Simla Agreement of 1914 and the Simla Conference of 1945. After independence, the state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence in 1948 as result of the integration of 28 princely states. Even after independence, the city remained an important political center and was the site of the Simla Agreement of 1972. After the reorganization of the state of Himachal Pradesh, the existing Mahasu district was named Shimla.
Shimla is home to several buildings of Tudorbethan style and neo-Gothic architecture from the colonial era, as well as several temples and churches. The city's colonial architecture, its churches, temples and its natural environment attract tourists. Major attractions in the city center include Shri Hanuman Jakhu (statue), Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, The Ridge and Annadale. The northernmost point of the city center is Jakhoo and the southernmost point is Annadale, the easternmost point is Sanjauli and the westernmost point is Chotta Shimla. The Kalka-Shimla Railway, built by the British and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major tourist attraction. Due to its steep terrain, Shimla hosts the MTB Himalaya mountain bike race, which started in 2005 and is considered the largest event of its kind in South Asia. Shimla also has the largest natural ice skating rink in South Asia. Apart from being a tourist centre, the city is also an educational center with several faculties and research institutions.
