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About
So called the heart of Shimla, The Mall is the
most attractive place in the town. The Mall is the centre of Shimla's
buzzing social life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs
along the ridge.
Tourists, both Indian and foreign, mingle with the locals and uniformed
schoolchildren. An amazing multitude of honeymooners, bright and beautifully
clad young couples, flock to this hill resort from all over India, and stand
coyly to be photographed against the backdrop of
Gaiety Theatre and Municipal Corporation, both
declared Heritage properties now. Building which
houses the Gaiety Theatre is under
complete renovation and is getting its
original height and shape. In the heyday of the British, the Mall often saw
Officers resplendent in their uniforms, Memsahib in beautiful gowns and
proud nannies behind baby prams taking their evening walk. The only
conveyance of yesteryears used to be the
ubiquitous gilded Rickshaws, a two- wheeled majestic
cushioned - seat, pulled and pushed by
four uniformed men. These Rickshaws were
a part and parcel of the City and
remained a common sight till late 1960's
after which these beautiful Vehicles gradually
diminished in number and now have become
only a part of a byegone history.
It was just the place to see and be seen at. And
as everyone wanted to be seen, it remained most crowded during the high
season. The Mall stretches between Barnes Court in the east to the Viceregal Lodge in the west. There's a passenger lift connecting Cart Road to
the (eastern) Mall. The main bazaar is concentrated along the middle and has
many restaurants and most of the interesting buildings of Shimla.
The Mall -
Walkers' Paradise
A fair walk through The Mall is required
to appreciate the beauty of its shops, cafes, stores and restraunts.
However, on feet is the only way to tread its neat&clean road as no vehicles
other than the most emergent ones (i.e. fire brigade& Medicos and some top
Administrative officials) are allowed.
In and Around The Mall
Scandal Point:
The name is derived from Maharaja of Patiala's
dalliances. According to local sayings, a local 'maharaja' of British rule
forcely taken away a beautiful British lady to his abode and kept her
as his 'Rani'. This scandal prevailed as a royal scandal in that time and
the very place from where the lady was hijacked bear the name what is known
as 'scandal point'.
Scandal Point is a meeting place for so many
daily ventures, affairs and looks all day young and full of life. Tourist
can be viewed in the day time here trying to catch the never
ending rush in their cameras.
Lala Lajpat Rai's statue re-installed here,
being brought from Lahore after independence. A Rendezvous Place !
W estward
to Scandal Point »
General Post Office:
Just next to Scandal Point there is
wooden built building of General Post Office, Shimla. Boasts of Imperial
Shimla's Tonga service, only one of its kind in the world. Mail brought from Kalka on tongas driven by Pathans on Kabul horses.
Kali Bari Temple:
Built in 1845. Dedicated to godess
Kali. Believed that an ancient temple of Shamla (blue female) i.e. godess
Kali existed near Rotheny Castle on Jakhoo. Wooden image worshipped locally.
During early British days, it was removed to a wooden structure, present
Kali Bari.
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