Ever since 1857, the Christ Church has been a major landmark in Shimla. The foundation of this church was laid down by Bishop Reverend Thomas Daltry and it took 12 years for the construction to be complete.
This church is one of the oldest churches in India and is known for its 5 windows. These windows are decorated with stained glass paintings that depict the 5 values of Christianity. The church is also an architectural marvel as it is built in a Gothic style and has five tubular bells and a clock. The Christ Church is also known for its service that happens every Sunday. You can attend this service to experience the spiritual sanctity that the church offers. You can also spend more time in this church and discover more about the history of Shimla through this church.
Highlights
• Explore the cafes in Mall road after exploring the premises. Check out the different types of cuisines that these cafes offer and treat your taste buds.
• Visit Scandal point and shop for some unique wooden handicrafts made by local artisans after just walking around in the market.
• Visit Gaiety Theatre and check out the colonial era architecture. Enter the theatre and check out the art gallery, and multiple performing venues.
• Visit Chadwick Falls after a long and adventure-worthy trek into the greenery of the Glen Forests and admire the landscapes.
• Shop woollen outfits like pashmina shawls, hand-made shoes, caps, woollens and handicrafts at Lakkar Bazaar is famous for its woollen outfits.
How To Reach
1.By Car: If you have a vehicle, you can drive to Christ Church by taking the Circular Road. The journey is 5 kilometres long and can take up to 20 minutes to reach the place. You can also take public transport like auto rickshaws and local cabs, but the frequency may not be that regular, so plan your travel accordingly.
2.By Foot: The church is located 3.6 kilometres away from the heart of the city. You can walk by taking the Pedestal road and it will take around five minutes to reach the church.
Best Time To Visit
1.Best Season: The best season to visit is during May to June as it is during this time the climate is more pleasant.
2.Best Day: The best day of the week will be any weekday because the church is not crowded at that time. You can also visit the church during the Sunday services to see how the services look, but you might not have much time to explore the church.
3.Best Time: The best time to visit the church will be in the afternoon after 12 PM as this is the time when the crowds are less and you can explore the church patiently.
Other Essential Information
Visitor tips:
1.This is a place of worship, so you are expected to dress accordingly. Prefer wearing clothes that cover the knees and shoulders. Also, try covering the head when you are in the church, even when the service is going on.
2.If you are planning to visit the church during the service, do maintain silence when the service is going on and avoid disturbing fellow devotees in the church.
3.Do not take too many pictures, even if you are allowed to do so.
4.Maintain cleanliness in the premises of the church by not throwing litter.
Explore the church
The church has an old history that dates back to more than 100 years. Exploring the premises of the church when the service is not going on can give you a better understanding about the history of the church. The church also has some of the most stunning interiors, especially the stained glass paintings that depict the 5 values of Christianity. For a better experience, visit the church during sunset as this is the time when the church appears to be dazzling.
Attend the service
Every Sunday, the church has a service that you can attend to experience the devotional sanctity of the premises. It usually happens in the morning and the service is in English. If you are visiting the church during any occasion, like Christmas or Easter, do plan your visit well in advance as it can get crowded. When attending the service, do remember not to make any noise or disturb the fellow devotees in the church.
