Episode V with Sumit Raj
Which was the first permanent English house in the hills built by a European? The British introduced the culture of hill stations in India and used these hill stations as their retreat. Shimla was an exceptional case and it earned their confidence to be used, first as their retreat, then a sanatarium, and then a Summer Capital.
A writer, a poet, a travel guide, a passionate walker with an encyclopaedic knowledge of Shimla City, Sumit Raj Vashisht was born in 1967 in Shimla. For those interested, he conducts extraordinary, tailor-made Heritage and Nature Walks; and in no time his walks have become famous with locals and travelers alike, especially for the detailed narrations and insightful anecdotes.
Sumit has authored eight books – Shimla – A British Himalayan Town; Shimla Bazaar; Shimla Days; Simla – Lanes & Trails; Tea Shop at Narkanda; A Journey to Shimla by Toy Train; Shimla Walks and Longwood Days.
