The Mall, Shimla
A
Memorable Destination
Mall Road in Shimla, is a place which cannot be left untouched by any
visitor. The lifeline of Shimla, Mall road, is the main tourist
attraction in the town. Mall is the centre of Shimla's bustling social
life. It is a fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along the
ridge. Mall road is the main street in Shimla. Most of the major hotels,
restaurants, recreation centres are situated on The Mall. The Mall was
constructed by the British, and precautions were taken to make sure that
the road does not gets adversely affected. One such step was to ban
entry of vehicles on the road. All the colonial structures are situated
on The Mall.
A Shoppers Paradise
Mall Road has numerous showrooms, stores, departmental stores, shops,
restaurants and cafes, stuck closely to each together. The market on
Mall offers all kind of handicraft products of Himachal Pradesh, locally
made woollen cloths, branded cloths, pottery items, jewellary, books,
and local eatable items, especially pickles. Mall road is more famous
for its wooden furniture shops. The furniture shops specializes in
making furnitures, which looks likeantique peic4s.During a purchase
process, one must go for heavy bargain on locally made items. There are
no vehicles allowed on the Mall, so it is always bustling with tourists,
mostly buyers. The jovial crowd, youthful environ and scenic beauty
around the road can make anyone stay here for whole day long.
Attractions on The Mall
Scandal Point
The highest point on The Mall, Scandal point is the end of Mall Road.
One can have the views of valley and mountain peaks from this point.
Scandal point is always full of tourists, due to its scenic location.
The name Scandal arises from the deeds of Maharaj of Patiala, who dared
the Britishers by kidnapping the daughter of the then Viceroy-of-India
from this point. A statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, an eminent freedom fighter
of India, is installed here.
Christ Church
The Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. The huge
colonial monument is a classic example of British art of church
construction. The Church's exquisite beauty comes alive with the stained
glasses that are fitted on its windows.
General Post Office
The Shimla Post Office on the Mall is a well carved building out of
wood. The post office has the system of Tonga mail delivery in Shimla,
one of its kind in India.
Kali Bari Temple
The Kali Bari Temple is supposed to be the temple Goddess Shyamala, who
lends her name to Shimla. Kali Bari temple was constructed in 1845. The
shrine of Shyamala was earlier in Jakhu hill. Britishers brought it to
the new site of temple.
