The British loved the town for its heavenly climate, scented pines and rhododendron forests, green pastures and snowcapped peaks. They dotted it with grand buildings and beautiful mansions. Come summer and the entire government officers, menial staff, files and cabinets would troop here. And Shimla became the Summer Capital of British India. The tradition continues even today, though unofficially. As the mercury begins its upward climb, the plains people too head northwards to Shimla for a reprieve from the sun. This mother of all hill towns finds something to offer everyone honeymooners, adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those with a colonial hangover.