The Bantony Castle, a historical site situated in close proximity to Mall Road in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, has recently been made accessible to the general public. The castle's grand reopening took place on September 20, with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu presiding over the ceremony. During the inauguration, he expressed how the Bantony Castle complex serves as a splendid testament to Shimla's opulent heritage and provides a window into its past as the erstwhile summer capital.
Bantony Castle traces its origins back to 1830, when Captain Bantony originally constructed it as a cottage. Subsequently, in 1880, Maharaja Sirmaur oversaw its reconstruction. During the tumultuous period of the First World War, Maharaja Sirmaur relinquished the Bantony Estate to the Government of India, where it was repurposed as a military office. In 1968, Ram Krishna & Sons became its owner by acquiring the estate for INR 3.50 lakh. Nevertheless, in 2017, the Himachal Pradesh government acquired Bantony Castle for INR 27.84 crore and has since invested approximately INR 25 crore in its extensive renovation.
Before its reconstruction in 1880, the location had been occupied by a cottage belonging to Captain A. Gordon, which served as lodging for army officers. Throughout both World Wars, the Sirmaur rulers permitted the colonial government to utilize the premises for military needs. In the Second World War, the site also accommodated the Prisoner of War section, affiliated with All India Radio and responsible for handling communications primarily from Italian prisoners.
In the period just prior to Indian Independence, Bantony Castle changed ownership as it was transferred to the Maharaja of Darbhanga. Between 1957 and 1958, Maharaja Sir Kameshwar Singh of Darbhanga leased the property to the Punjab government, subsequently serving as a residence for the Himachal Police for an extended period. Additionally, the premises hosted the Police Officers' mess during this time.
After India gained Independence, a prominent national daily based in Punjab relocated its headquarters from Lahore to the Bantony Castle building, eventually shifting to Chandigarh. In 1968, while the police were still in residence, the estate was purchased by a local business family, Ram Krishan and Sons. However, in 2017, the Himachal Pradesh government acquired the 19,000 square meter estate and its structures to develop the complex that now stands as Bantony Castle.
The central two-story edifice, designed in the mock Tudor architectural style, features a charming chalet design and is distinguished by its sloping roof adorned with mini-towers. This distinctive building is attributed to the architectural vision of TEG Cooper, closely overseen by Raja Surender Bikram Prakash. Before the construction in 1880, the site had been occupied by a cottage owned by Captain A. Gordon, serving as accommodations for army officers.
The primary structure of the castle is set to house a forthcoming digital museum that boasts innovation, a people-centric approach, and immersive experiences. An engaging 30-minute light and sound presentation, available in both Hindi and English, has been crafted to highlight diverse facets of Shimla's historical town. This groundbreaking show, the first of its kind, is poised to become a significant draw for residents and tourists soon.
The show's production will leverage state-of-the-art digital art technology to vividly portray Shimla's history from the unique perspective of Bantony Castle. This immersive experience offers a dramatic narrative from the city's inception to the present day. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher will eloquently narrate the show and will be accessible in both English and Hindi. The viewing area can accommodate up to 70 individuals for each presentation, offering a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
Bantony Castle occupies Bantony Hill on Kalibari Road, and access to the castle is conveniently facilitated by road. Visitors can either walk to the castle or avail themselves of auto-rickshaws from various parts of the city. The route via Cart Road and Mall Road is recommended for those travelling in private or self-driven vehicles. The museum is open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM, offering ample exploration and discovery opportunities.
The Ridge: Just a short walk from Bantony Castle, The Ridge is Shimla's most famous promenade. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and is a great place to take a stroll. The Ridge is also known for hosting various cultural events and fairs.
Mall Road: Mall Road is Shimla's bustling commercial street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a perfect place for shopping, trying local snacks, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. You can access Mall Road from The Ridge, making it a convenient stop during your visit to Bantony Castle.
Jakhu Temple: Located atop Jakhu Hill, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is a must-visit. The temple is famous for its massive Hanuman statue, which stands tall at 108 feet, making it one of the tallest in the world. You can reach the temple by trekking up a scenic trail or hiring a taxi.
Christ Church: Situated on The Ridge, Christ Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Shimla. This neo-Gothic structure is known for its stunning stained glass windows and serene ambience. Visitors can explore its beautiful interiors and attend church services if they wish.
Kufri: If you're up for a short drive from Shimla, Kufri is a picturesque hill station approximately 16 kilometres away. It's renowned for its lush green landscapes and offers activities like horse riding and yak rides. Kufri also boasts a Himalayan Wildlife Zoo, where you can spot various Himalayan species.