Famous Hill Stations That were Established by the British Raj in India

India has got lots of picturesque and breathtaking hill stations. The term hill-station was coined during the British Raj in the 1800s when they opted for colder places to beat the summer heat of India. It led to the development of many hill stations in India where the British people and their families can spend time and enjoy during the summers. Here’s a list of a few hill stations that were developed during the British period in India.

1. Shimla

Shimla was the summer capital of India during the British raj, where the British officials shift to beat the scorching heat of north India. Also known as, “Queen of Hill”, Shimla is one of the most beautiful and picturesque hill stations in India. It was the summer capital during the British period and it boast of some really great architectural marvels. The most famous monument is the Viceroy House that is built with Elizabethan style architecture using grey sandstone and light blue limestone exterior. Some places to visit here are the churches, mall road,State Library, Ellerslie and the Gorton castle.

2. Dehradun

Dehradun at present is famous for its elite boarding schools but it was actually developed by the British to enjoy some fun time with friends and family. The scorching heat in the plains was not something British were able to cope with. They were used to the cold not this sweltering heat of the Indian subcontinent. So they started discovering places in high altitudes where they can go during the Indian summers. They developed Dehradun which is located amidst the Himalayan valleys. The paltan bazaar and Connaught place in Dehradun offers a glimpse of the magnificent colonial era buildings.

3. Mussoorie

Mussoorie is situated just half an hour drive from Dehradun and famous because of its picturesque setting and natural beauty The picturesque town of Mussoorie is famous for its rustic feel along with the beautiful houses and structures made in European style. The Christ Church, Mussoorie that wasbuilt in the year 1836 is a fine example of Gothic architecture that boasts of pointed arches, vaulted vaults, glass windows etc. George Everest’s House that is located on a cliff offering glimpses of the serene Mussoorie valley is a must visit site here. It was created by Sir George Everest in 1832; the ramshackle house only has a wall and is a sign of its glorious past. It may be converted into a museum soon.

4. Ooty

Ooty is a modern urban hill station that was developed during the British Raj and the whole town was built in traditional colonial style architecture. The search for colder places led British into the south India also, where they found and developed Ooty. They made it the summer capital for Madras Presidency and here you can witness various monuments which were built during the British Raj. The most famous attraction here is the St. Stephen’s Church made in the Gothic style, and is the oldest church in the Nilgirisdistrict. Some more places to visit here are Rajbhavan, Stonehouse, Adam’s statue, Lawley Institute, Lawrence School, Breeks School, and the Nilgiri Library.

5. Pachmarhi

While Shimla was the summer capital in the north India and Oooty in the south, Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradeshwas the summer capital of the Central Provenience during British era.  Pachmarhi is a hill station located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and is famous for its colonial style architecture. Bison Lodge Museum is a major tourist attraction here that was built by Captain James Forsyth, a famous British traveller who discovered Pachmarhi. He made it more famous by mentioning its name in his well-known book ‘The Highlands of Central India. One can still feel the colonial charm of the British era in the form of cottages and bungalows that replicate the splendor of British architecture.