Sleeping Beauty Trail

Highlights:

• Walk the Sleeping Beauty Trail on Elysium Hill, Shimla’s highest point, with panoramic city views
• Explore historic buildings including Chapslee Estate, Auckland House School, and the home of Alexander Malcolm Jacob
• Pass through Lakkar Bazaar and hear stories of colonial landmarks like Sterling Castle

Rising above the city, Elysium Hill is the highest of the seven hills that encircle Shimla and offers superb panoramic views across the town. Known as the Sleeping Beauty Trail, this guided walk provides an engaging introduction to Shimla’s history and gradual transformation over the years.

The walk takes you past the lively Lakkar Bazaar, famous for its stalls selling traditional Himachali wooden handicrafts, before continuing to a series of notable colonial-era buildings. Along the way, you will see the former residence of H. S. Harington, Chief Engineer of the Kalka Shimla Railway, Auckland House School, and the house of Alexander Malcolm Jacob, the man associated with the legendary 185-carat Jacob Diamond. The route also includes Chapslee Estate, built in 1838 as the lodge for the secretary to the British Governor General.

As you stroll through this historic neighbourhood, admire seasonal blossoms and pause briefly to learn the story of Sterling Castle, built in 1833 and among the earliest houses constructed in Shimla. This thoughtful walk combines scenic viewpoints, heritage architecture and local stories for a deeper understanding of the hill station’s past.

What's included

• Return transfers
• Light refreshments