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The Glade Of Shimla
Annandale,
just 2-km below the Ridge in
Shimla , offers a
picturesque piece of ground, charmingly adapted for recreation in the days
of the Raj. Today it affords a pleasant change from the perpetual slopes
above.
ABOUT ANNADALE
It was a focal point of
Shimla's society
in the early 20th century and a great venue for gymkhana races, cricket,
polo and picnics. Every recreation season in Shimla at that time started
with a gymkhana or two at Annandale. In the old days Annandale was to the
Gymkhana Club what the Gaiety Theatre was to A.D.C.
Approached by a sharp descent, Annandale is the largest stretch of level
ground in Shimla even today. Once frequented only by Shimla's elite, it
has now become popular after helicopters and small planes started landing
here. It is the only helped in town, with lading facilities available only
for defence personnel and VVIP choppers. For commercial aircraft there is
a separate airport in Jubbarhatti a few kms out of town.
This beautiful glade surrounded by thick deodars was used for activities
like fairs, gymkhanas and other sports before the Indian army took it over
from the state government in the 1950s.
Lord Curzon and Francis Younghusband hatched the scheme of the Tibet
expedition and A.O. Hume mooted the idea of the Indian National Congress
while watching the gymkhanas here.
The name Annandale may have come from the valley with the same name in
Dumfrieshire, Scotland or as Lieutenant White reported in 1838, "during
the sojourn of Lady Barnes and Brynt, a fancy fair was held in a romantic
glen, named Aannabdale, from the lady who first graced its solitude".
Lord William Beresford, Military Secretary to Lord Dufferein, had a keen
interest in racing and was most instrumental in forming the Annandale
Club. He improved the racecourse. The clubhouse had a library and sitting,
dining and dressing rooms. There was a tennis court, a nine-hole golf
course, a shooting range and a cricket pitch.
Lady Dufferein made some interesting discriptions of the events at
Annandale in the 1880's
Shimla weekly, a
magazine of the time also gave detailed Gymkhana reports. Some old
residents of the town still remember the horse races at Annabdale.
AROUND ANNADALE
Glen and Chadwick Falls are some of the popular picnic spots on the way
to Annandale. These spots are beautifully described in Thacker's Guide of
1902 which still holds true, "A long picturesquely wooded ravine,
with delightful grassy slopes. A rivulet flows through and is fringed down
to the very edge with magnificent trees, which afford shelter from the
rays of the sun".
Annandale was once a very thick fir grove, where no sunlight could
penetrate. It still continues to be surrounded by thick forests. Presently
maintained by the Indian Army, it still reminds one of its historical
significance. A short walk down the hill is very refreshing and the lush
green gigantic grounds give an immense sense of space. The present
Annandale ground is now surrounded by a township.
Road: There is a regular bus service to the spot every hour from ISBT, Shimla .