Bantony Castle

Bantony Castle in Shimla is a stunning 19th-century Scottish-style heritage mansion built in 1881 by British civil servant Sir Robert Rothney. Perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, it's a perfect spot for history buffs and photographers. The on-site museum is currently closed for renovation, but don't let that stop you!The real highlight is the evening light and sound show, absolutely unmissable! It runs daily after sunset (check timings: usually 6-7:30 PM), narrating the castle's lore, Shimla's colonial history, and tales of the Raj through vivid projections, lasers, and dramatic audio. Lasts about 30 minutes, feels magical and costs just ₹100 per ticket. A serene, underrated spot blending history and entertainment, Highly recommend!!

Bantony Castle is one of Shimla’s most underrated heritage gems, quietly standing along the bustling Mall Road yet often overlooked by tourists. Recently restored, the castle now serves as a heritage complex, offering a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and peaceful surroundings. The moment you step inside, you are welcomed by its elegant British-era design—sloping roofs, wooden frames, and stone walls that reflect the charm of a bygone era. The museum inside showcases rare photographs, documents, and artefacts that highlight Shimla’s colonial past. It is well-maintained, informative, and perfect for those who enjoy history. One of the best parts of visiting Bantony Castle is the serene atmosphere. Unlike other crowded attractions in Shimla, this place feels calm and spacious, making it ideal for slow walks, photography, and simply absorbing the heritage. The restoration work has been done thoughtfully, preserving the original look while adding clean pathways, seating areas, and informative signboards. From the castle grounds, you also get lovely views of Shimla’s landscape. Overall, Bantony Castle is a must-visit spot for people who appreciate history, architecture, and peaceful heritage spaces. It’s a refreshing break from the usual tourist rush and a reminder of Shimla’s rich cultural legacy.

The castle itself is a beautifully restored heritage building (built in the 1880s in mock-Tudor style) on Kalibari Road in Shimla. The light-and-sound show gives a nice evening activity: it projects visuals and narration over the façade of the castle, bringing the history of Shimla and the region to life. It’s quite affordable and accessible, a good addition to a Shimla itinerary beyond the usual “walk Mall Road” stuff.

Bantony Castle is One of Shimla’s Most Underrated Heritage gems, quietly standing along the bustling Mall Road yet often overlooked by tourists.

I recently visited Bantony Castle, and it was one of the most memorable parts of my Shimla trip. This heritage site is located near Mall Road, just a short walk from Scandal Point, yet it feels peaceful and away from the busy crowds. 🏰 History & Architecture Bantony Castle was built in the 1880s in classic Tudor (chalet-style) architecture — with wooden frames, sloped roofs, and old-world charm. It was originally the summer palace of the Maharaja of Sirmaur and later used by the British, then by the Himachal Police Department. Over time, it fell into disrepair, but thankfully the Himachal Pradesh government bought and restored it, opening it to the public in 2023 as a heritage and cultural center. The restoration has kept the building’s colonial-era character intact while adding modern touches like a digital museum and beautiful landscaped lawns. 🖼️ Museum Experience Inside the castle is a modern digital museum that walks you through the history of Shimla — from its early days, through the British Raj, the freedom movement, and into present times. The exhibits are very well done, with touchscreen displays, 3D models, and audio guides. I particularly liked the sections on: • Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Shimla • Dr. Y.S. Parmar and Himachal’s statehood journey • The story of Satyanand Stokes and apple farming • Photos and maps of old Shimla It’s not a huge museum, but it’s compact, clean, and thoughtfully curated. 🎆 Light & Sound Show The light and sound show in the evening is a must-watch! It’s projected right on the castle building and beautifully narrates Shimla’s journey through time, with visuals, music, and narration by Anupam Kher (in both English and Hindi). It’s around 30 minutes long and gives you goosebumps with its storytelling. The sound and visuals are crisp, and the open-air setting adds to the charm. 🌿 Surroundings & Facilities • The castle is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and open spaces, perfect for a quiet walk or photos. • There’s seating outside, a small amphitheatre, and a food kiosk being planned soon. • Clean washrooms and drinking water available on-site. • Security and staff were polite and helpful. 💵 Visitor Information • Entry fee: ₹50 for the museum, ₹100 for the light & sound show (totally worth it) • Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM (museum); show starts in the evening (summer: after 8 PM) • Closed on Mondays • Easily accessible by car or a short walk from Mall Road/Kali Bari temple area ⸻ ✅ What I loved: • Historical architecture combined with modern presentation • Calm, open environment with no crowds • Insightful and engaging exhibits • Great for families, students, and history lovers • Very affordable and well-managed ⸻ Final Verdict: Bantony Castle is a shining example of heritage preservation done right. It’s educational, peaceful, and visually stunning. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Shimla — especially if you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and connect with the city’s past in a deeper way.

Built by former rulers of Sirmour in 19th century, Bantony took over and made his castle and named after him as Bantony castle and cottage. Grand Hotel adjacent to this was his residence. Now converted to museum by Indian government.

There are two shows one in Hindi and the other in English by 19:00The light and sound show is a must. You will feel like you have entered the British era for half an hour and it's amazing. The staff are quite welcoming. The lights are so beautifully projected on the building itself and it's the building itself that's the narrator of the video. I loved the part where they show the Indian flag and the British Flag. And the show brings us both British and Indians a bit closer culturally despite our differences.

Bantony Castle is a beautifully preserved slice of Shimla’s colonial past. The architecture is charming and the entire estate has been maintained with great care. When I visited, it wasn’t too busy, which made the experience even more peaceful and enjoyable. It’s a great place for a quiet walk, surrounded by history and a bit of greenery. The digital museum adds a modern touch to the visit, but even just strolling around the grounds feels refreshing. If you’re in Shimla and want a calm, scenic break away from the crowded spots, Bantony Castle is definitely worth a visit.