The Scandal Point in Shimla, as the name suggests, is one of the most talked about attractions of this hill station. The titillating title surely piques one's interest, and the gripping story behind it does justice to the intrigue created.
The Scandal Point is one such attraction in Shimla whose enthralling scenic beauty stands as a testimony to the city's stellar reputation. This point is a mountain lover's haven because it enjoys a picturesque and unobstructed view of gigantic mountains covered in a blanket of dense fir and spruce.
The attraction rests on the intersection of the city's most roads- Ridge Road and Mall Road. On this intersection, there also lies a statue of our revered freedom fighter- Sri Lala Lajpat Raiji.
It is a year-round magnet where people come to relax and rejuvenate amidst the view of the soaring mountains. One can opt for a horse ride at this point, enjoy some hill station Maggi and play some arcade games in the small shops that surround this point.
Why is it called Scandal Point? The story of why this point was named Scandal Point is an intriguing one. This captivating tale involves two significant personalities of the time- Maharaja of Patiala, Maharaj Bhupinder Singh and the British Viceroy's very own daughter. The British Viceroy, Lord Kitchener, had his entire family move to India during their reign. This made the family very uncomfortable, especially his daughter, who was very reluctant to move. However, after throwing a lot of tantrums and putting in efforts to try and convince her father, the viceroy's daughter had to give in and move to Shimla.
Lord Kitchener was on good terms with the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh and the king would often visit the viceroy's abode. There, he met the Kitchener's daughter and immediately fell in love with her. Both, the king and the viceroy's daughter, got well acquainted with each other. They started meeting more often and spending more time together, and eventually, fell in love. When Kitchener found out about this, he was infuriated. The couple wanted to get married, but this was not acceptable by the British Viceroy. He ordered his daughter to stop seeing the king and tried to break them off. Both the lovers could not stand to be apart from each other, and they decided to elope.
The couple met at, what is now the Scandal Point, and ran away together in 1892. This remained the talk of the town for years and went down in history as one of the first alliances between the British and the Indians. Enraged by their misconduct, Lord Kitchener swore that he would ruin the king's life and expelled the Maharaja from Shimla. However, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was confident in his love, and he constructed the summer capital of his kingdom from scratch in Chail, only 50 miles away...
Read moreScandal Point in Shimla is a charming spot that encapsulates the city's colonial history and scenic beauty. Situated at the intersection of the Mall Road and Ridge Road, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The name "Scandal Point" originates from the scandalous love affair between the Maharaja of Patiala and the British Viceroy's daughter, which allegedly sparked at this very spot.
Today, it serves as a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect vantage point for watching the sunset or simply soaking in the atmosphere of this historic hill station.
However, its popularity can lead to crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may detract from the serenity of the experience. Despite this, Scandal Point remains a must-visit destination in Shimla, offering a blend of history, romance, and scenic beauty in one...
Read moreScandal Point in Shimla, where gossip sizzles hotter than chai and mountains pierce the sky like Bollywood heroes, is more than just a crossroad. It's a vibrant fiesta of history, street music, and souvenirs that whisper tales of Maharajas and Viceroys. Get lost in the Mall Road's shopping frenzy, soak in the colonial echoes of grand buildings, then gasp at the Himalayan panorama - all while monkeys watch for dropped samosas. From chai breaks to Bollywood nights, Scandal Point is a must-visit for anyone hungry for Shimla's spicy charm. Just remember, the only scandal might be how much...
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