History:
If you want to escape from the summer heat during your travel to India then you should visit the hill stations. There are many hill stations dotting the country but Shimla is one the most beautiful one. A Shimla Overview has to be accompanied with a brief History of Shimla. This city was the summer capital of the British Raj and was called the 'Queen of Hill Stations'.
The name Shimla has many roots; one of them says that it has derived its name from 'Shyamala' an incarnation of Goddess Kali. This place was on the Jakhu hillside. The image of the goddess was shifted to a new place during the British period. This place is now the famous Kali Bari Temple. The Location of Shimla is on a crescent shaped ridge with many hills. It is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh and is well connected by land and air. The city is within the district of Shimla.
The Shimla district was named after the city which was formed on 1st September 1972.the History of Shimla goes back to 1804 when the Gurkhas ravaged the hills and areas surrounding Shimla. By 1808 they conquered many fortified posts and their ruthless rule continued in the hill states. It was when the people here appealed to the British for help. On 15th May 1815 the British defeated the Gurkhas. The land that was lost was restored to the chiefs under British protection.
The Maharaja of Patiala who assisted the British during this war was given land for his service which now comprises Shimla. The Shimla district was named after the city which was formed on 1st September 1972. Though the city was a small insignificant place but from mid 1800's it became popular. In 1819 Lt.Ross who was the Assistant Political Agent of hill states set up the first British residence. This residence was no more than a wooden cottage.
But his successor Lt.Charles Patt Kennedy erected the first permanent house in 1822. This house was named after him as 'Kennedy House'. In 1850-51 the Hindustan Tibet road was constructed from Kalka to Shimla. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India in 1864.A train line was constructed in 1903 between Kalka and Shimla. After Independence of India Shimla was the capital of the state of Punjab. In 1966 with the creation of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla was designated as the capital of the state. Therefore we can see how the History of Shimla has evolved.

Geography:
Shimla is located in the north-western ranges of the Himalayas. At an average altitude of 2397.59 meters (7866.10 ft) above mean sea level, the city is spread on a ridge and its seven spurs. The city stretches nearly 9.2 km from east to west. The highest point in Shimla, at 2454 meters (8051 ft), is the Jakhoo hill. Shimla is a Zone IV (High Damage Risk Zone) per the Earthquake hazard zoning of India. Weak construction techniques and increasing population pose a serious threat to the already earthquake prone region.
There are no bodies of water near the main city and the closest river, Sutlej, is about 21 km (13 miles) away. Other rivers that flow through the Shimla district, although further from the city, are Giri, and Pabbar (both are tributaries of Yamuna). The green belt in Shimla planning area is spread over 414 hectares (1023 acres).
The main forests in and around the city are that of pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron. Environmental degradation due to the increasing number of tourists every year without the infrastructure to support them has resulted in Shimla losing its popular appeal as an ecotourism spot.
Another rising concern in the region are the frequent number of landslides that often take place after heavy rains.

Weather:
Moderately warm and pleasant climate in summers and mostly very cold climate in winters are the main features of Shimla weather. The average temperatures during summers (March to June) are between 14°C and 20°C and with a maximum touching about 25°C. The minimum temperature during winters (November to February) can go as low as -7°C with maximum never crossing 10°C.
Famous 'Summer festival' during May is very attractive with many art and cultural performances. During this period Shimla is illuminated with colorful lights.
Best time to visit Shimla is summers.