As summer warms up the plains in India, the best way to escape the unbearable heat waves is to head to the Himalayas, popular for their cool mountain breeze, lush green valleys and charming colonial towns. International travelers will fall in love with its scenic landscape, green valleys, beautiful hills, and dense forests covered with pine, deodar and cedar and colonial era buildings.
These colonial towns in the Himalayas were built by British during the colonial era and are dotted with old churches, British-style architecture, Mall Road and cozy cottages. Each colonial town in the Himalayas has their own story to share, making it the ideal destination for those international travelers who loves history, nature, peace and adventure.
If you want to take a journey to the colonial towns in summer, get in touch with the best Travel Agents India, who will help you help your itinerary.
Why not find out the most fascinating colonial towns in the Himalayas to visit this summer season in India?
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The Queen of Hills
The most popular colonial town in the Himalayas is Shimla, which is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. And in the past it was the summer capital of British India. This breathtakingly beautiful hill-station is situated at a height of around 7,238 feet above sea level, and even in summer it offers a cool and pleasant weather.
Till date Shimla retains its colonial charm and it can be seen in its iconic landmarks like the Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, and the Gaiety Theatre. And the famous heartbeat of Shimla, the Mall Road, once used to be the promenade of British officers.
Do include Shimla in your tour operators in India, as during the summer season, you will be able to enjoy pleasant weather, escape from the heat waves of the plains in India, and most interestingly, you will love to see the blooming rhododendrons.
Things to do:
- Take a stroll around the Mall Road, the Ridge and Scandal Point
- Enjoy the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges. It is a must-do journey; you will feel like you have traveled back to the British era.
- Explore the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (formerly known as the Viceregal Lodge)
2. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: The Fairyland of the Hills
Mussoorie was founded in 1823 by a British military officer and was one of the favorite holiday spot of the British. It trends continues and attracts many tourists because of its scenic landscape, colonial buildings, picturesque views of the views of the Doon Valley and colonial era buildings.
During the summer months, Mussoorie turns into a vibrant land with colorful flowers and clear skies, adding to the beauty of this charming hill-station in India. Head to Landour located near Mussoorie for calm and serene experience, it has British-era cottages, churches, and old cemeteries.
Things to do:
- Visit the colonial era Landour Bakehouse, charming as ever
- Ride the cable car to Gun Hill
- Admire the Company Garden with its enchanting flowers blooming
- Explore the Camel’s Back Road
3. Darjeeling, West Bengal: The Tea Capital of India
Set against the background of the highest mountain peak of India, Mount Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling was favorite hill station of the British. They loved Darjeeling so much that they developed railway lines, colonial-style homes, schools, and tea plantations. Here you can find the Colonial-era hotels and schools like St. Paul’s and Loreto Convent; you will feel like you have traveled back to the British era.
Darjeeling is famous around the world for its Darjeeling Tea, and the Himalayan Railway, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering Toy Train Ride through scenic routes.
In summer, Darjeeling offers clear mountain views, scent of fresh tea leaves and misty mornings. Do include Darjeeling in your trip to India, take guidance of the best travel agents India for a hassle-free trip to this charming town.
Things to do:
- Do take the Darjeeling toy train ride
- Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate, know about tea cultivation, explore the tea gardens and engage in tea tasting session.
- Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding.
4. Nainital, Uttarakhand: The Lake District of India
Nainital was established by the British in 1841, and was once a popular summer retreat for British officials because of its cool and pleasant climate and beautiful landscape surrounding it. The main hub of Nainital is situated near the Naini Lake and is lined with colonial-era houses, a very beautiful setting to admire.
Most of the colonial era buildings have been converted to heritage hotels, and the famous ones that still stands are the Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan), and the old St. John in the Wilderness Church. Visitors for a cool retreat can enjoy a boat ride in Naini Lake or take a walk along the Thandi Sadak, for having a taste of the colonial era.
Things to do:
- Enjoy a Boat ride in Naini Lake
- Visit the colonial era Raj Bhavan and Gurney House
- Admire the scenery at the Snow View Point and Tiffin Top
5. Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh: A Quaint Colonial Getaway
Kasauli is a lesser known quaint hill-station, this colonial town was established as a cantonment town by the British in 1842, and was once an important town for British army.
It is located only few hours from Chandigarh, because of its cool and pleasant climate, beautiful landscape surrounding it, old military buildings and colonial-era charm with quiet cobbled streets, it offers a unique charm.
Tourists will be amazed by its breathtaking beauty, forests covered with pine forests and the old Christ Church making Kasauli one of the best colonial towns to escape in the summer. Its crisp and cool weather is perfect for leisure exploration and peaceful walks
Things to do:
- Visit the Christ Church
- Take a walk along the Gilbert Trail
- Head to the Sunset Point and Monkey Point for stunning views
With the tips and advice of the Tour operators in India, plan a trip to the hill stations that offers an immersive experience.
6. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand: Serenity in the Pines
One of the lesser traveler and quiet hill station in the Himalayas is Lansdowne with a rich colonial past. Lansdowne was established in 1887 by the British as a military garrison. It still remains an important cantonment and home to the Garhwal Rifles Regiment.
Till date Lansdowne retains its colonial charm and the influence of the British is visible in its churches, bungalows, and messes. The enchanting forest covered with pine trees, the colonial architectural buildings and the scenic trails for nature walks and trekking, makes it a hidden gem for summer escape.
Things to do:
- Visit the colonial era St. Mary’s Church and War Memorial
- Take a walk to Tip-n-Top viewpoint offering stunning views
- Explore the Garhwali Museum, know about this cantonment area
7. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh: Colonial Elegance amidst Pines
This charming colonial town is spread across five hills and was founded by the British in 1854 and was named after Lord Dalhousie. Dalhousie is nestled amidst pine and deodar forests, and still has its old-world charm, colonial buildings with Victorian-era architecture, and Scottish-style churches. Spending summer in Dalhousie is filled with pleasant weather, flowers blooming and magical cool nights
Things to do:
- Visit the colonial era St. Francis Church
- Explore Subhash Baoli
- Walk around the Colonial-era Mall Road
- Take a day trip to Khajjiar, referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India”
8. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand: The Queen’s Meadow
If you didn’t know, Ranikhet is also a colonial town, established as a cantonment town by the British. Situated at a height of 6,100 feet and is surrounded by dense forests, green valleys, apple orchards, colonial-era houses and offers cool mountain breeze in summer. Visit the old churches, Kumaon Regiment Centre Museum and colonial era buildings.
Things to do:
- Don’t miss the Chaubatia Orchards
- Offer your prayers at the Jhula Devi Temple
- Take a serene and peaceful walk through pine forests to the Bhalu Dam
9. Chail, Himachal Pradesh: The Summer Palace Retreat
Chail was established by the Maharaja of Patiala and served as an important summer retreat for the British officials. Chail is famous for its palace, world’s highest cricket ground, and colonial era cottages. It is surrounded by dense forests, beautiful hills, and scenic landscape.
Things to do:
- Visit the Chail Palace, once the palace of the King of Patiala, now turned into a heritage hote.
- Explore one of the highest cricket ground
- Hike through the scenic trails of the pine forests
This summer, enjoy a vacation like never before, step into the past and hold in your arms the calmness of the Himalayan hills. Let the beautiful colonial era vibes, and cool mountain air captivate your soul.
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