SHIMLA
North India's second-oldest church (consecrated 1857), Neo-Gothic and pale yellow, with the subcontinent's largest pipe organ inside. It closes for lunch — plan around the midday gap.
Christ Church is the second-oldest church in North India after St John's Church in Meerut, designed by Colonel J.T. Boileau in neo-Gothic style, with its cornerstone laid in 1844 and construction completed and consecrated in 1857 -- the same year as the Indian Rebellion. Built to serve Shimla's Anglican British community during the town's era as summer capital of British India, its five stained-glass windows depict Christian virtues and were designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of Rudyard Kipling. Its prominent position on The Ridge made it visible for miles and a defining landmark of colonial Simla.
