Lawries Hotel Simla - Shimla Now

Picture of Lawries Hotel, Shimla. Picture taken around 1890.

Lawries Hotel was Built in the 1830s, it was the oldest and largest hotel in Simla. It stood where Rani Jhansi Park is today. It was also a favourite with long-term visitors. The three-storey building was situated just below the Ridge and fronted the Mall, where most of the shops were located. It prided itself on its central location and excellent view. Breakfast was served at 9 am, Tiffin at 2 pm and dinner at 7 pm. Extra charges were levied for kerosene lamps, wax candles, kettles of hot water and quarts of English porter. It had a comfortable and well- stocked lounge where copies of the Himalayan Advertiser and the Simla Advertiser could always be found.
(Courtesy: Hari Sud)

Related: General view of Government Offices, Shimla in 1905

Another Black and White photo of Lawries Hotel

Lawries Hotel burnt down in 1930. In 1937, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur opened it as a Municipal park for women and children. There was a strict policy of 'ladies only' at this park and hence the name Ladies Park.

Related: Combermere Bridge

However, a few years later the park was made open to all under the rule of the independent Indian Government. A host of socio-political and cultural events have been held here. The park is now known as the Rani Jhansi Park owing to the bronze statue of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi at its center.