Bantony Castle, Shimla - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 km from Shimla Railway Station, the Bantony Castle is a heritage building situated on the Kalibari Road in Shimla. Perched atop Bantony Hill, it is one of the must-include places in Shimla heritage packages.

Situated just a few meters from Shimla's renowned Scandal Point, Bantony Castle was constructed in the 19th century by Raja Surender Bikram Prakash of Sirmaur. It was served as the summer residence for the Maharaja of Sirmaur. Prior to its establishment in 1880, the location was home to a cottage owned by Captain A. Gordon, which provided lodging for military officers.

This notable edifice, recognized for its exquisite architecture, began to deteriorate many years ago and was at risk of succumbing to Shimla's winter fires. Numerous restoration efforts by successive governments in the post-Independence period were unsuccessful. Ultimately, in 2016, the Himachal government acquired the property and undertook restoration at an expenditure of approximately Rs. 29 crore.

The main structure is a two-story building designed in the mock Tudor style, featuring an appealing chalet design and characterized by its sloping roof embellished with mini-towers. This unique architectural creation is credited by TEG Cooper, with close supervision by Raja Surender Bikram Prakash of Sirmaur. The primary section of the castle has now been transformed into a digital museum that emphasizes innovation, a community-focused approach, and immersive experiences.

A captivating 30-minute light and sound show, available in both Hindi and English, has been developed to showcase various aspects of Shimla's historical landscape. The production utilizes cutting-edge digital art technology to vividly illustrate Shimla's history from the distinctive viewpoint of Bantony Castle. This immersive experience presents a compelling narrative from the city's origins to contemporary times. The show will be narrated by Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and will be available in both English and Hindi. The viewing area is designed to accommodate up to 70 guests for each presentation, providing a unique viewing experience.

Museum Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM

Light & Sound Show Timings: 5.30 PM - 6 PM & 6 PM - 6.30 PM in Winter & 8 PM - 8.30 PM & 8.30 PM - 9 PM

Entry: Rs. 50 for Museum, Rs. 100 for Light & Sound Show