Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British rule in India. Shimla is located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 2,205 metres the city of Shimla, draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. Shimla is connected to the city of Kalka by one of the longest narrow gauge railway routes still operating in India. Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, among them are the stately Viceregal Lodge, charming iron lamp posts and Anglo-Saxon names.