Chapslee, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh, India

Heritage & Mountains

Shimla’s own museum of stories.

A short walk from Mall Road leads to Chapslee, among Shimla’s earliest heritage homes to receive guests. Since opening to visitors in 1974 — one of India’s earliest heritage hotel conversions — the house has remained committed to preserving its architecture and lived character.

The estate traces its origins to the early 19th century, linked to Shimla’s formative years under British administration. Associated with Auckland House and later acquired by Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala, who named it Chapslee, the residence reflects layered ownership and continuity. The ‘Simla Manifesto,’ connected to the first Anglo-Afghan War, is believed to have been signed here.

Chapslee continues to operate as a private residence that receives guests, maintaining ritual, service, and domestic scale rather than commercial reinvention.

Operational Period

March-December

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Bar

For Kids

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Doctor

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Parking

Restaurant

Wi-Fi

What you would love

Chapslee suits travellers drawn to heritage. Its preserved interiors, antique objects, and lived-in atmosphere appeal to those who value history and legacy. Guests may, on occasion, engage with the resident family and gain insight into the last years of the British presence in Shimla.

The Gallery

Your Stay at Chapslee, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

A stay at Chapslee feels like stepping into another time. Each room reflects the character of historic European homes, preserved with care and authenticity, with original polished floors, vintage Belgian tapestries, and views once enjoyed by the royal family and early residents of Shimla. The five suites, Standard, Deluxe, and Luxury are individually styled, maintaining original colours, fabrics, and furnishings, many still sourced from England.

Each artefact contributes to the layered narrative of the house. The Luxury Suite stands out for its scale, centred around an antique four-poster bed, lace curtains, and a fireplace in the adjoining sitting area.

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ROOMS & GUESTS

Standard Suites

Breakfast includedToiletries

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The Deluxe Suite

Breakfast includedToiletries

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The Luxury Suite

Breakfast includedToiletries

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Perfectly RARE

Plan for Christmas at Chapslee. The house carries the romance of heritage, and if you're lucky, you can experience a white Christmas. Don’t miss the classic feast in the candlelit dining room, where food cooked from menus perfected over a century are served in traditional silver.

Destination

Shimla, with its blend of colonial heritage and Himalayan landscape, remains one of the most enduring legacies of the British era. Despite pressures of overtourism, the town continues to retain elements of its character that once earned it the title ‘Queen of the Hills'. Winding lanes, Victorian-era architecture, promenades and institutional landmarks still echo stories from another time. The grand residences built in 18th and 19th centuries remain the last relics of that period, each carrying histories of their residents and Shimla’s role during British administration.

Design

Chapslee Estate dates back to Shimla's early urban development in the 19th century. Built in the traditional Dhajji Dewari style, it is a timber-frame construction filled with stone and mud designed for seismic resilience. The house has witnessed significant moments in history. Interiors retain original elements, like Burma teak panelling, polished wooden floors, a Murano glass chandelier in the entrance hall, Belgian tapestries, period portraits, and heirloom furnishings sourced largely from England.

The sweeping wooden staircase remains central to the house’s layout. Rooms preserve original colour palettes, fabrics, and furniture. Fireplaces, lace curtains, and antique objects are not only decorative but are also a part of the heritage and design of the house. Architectural alterations have been minimal, preserving the building’s materials and historical integrity.

Know Your Host

Chapslee was originally built in 1830 by Dr Blake, a surgeon with the East India Company. In 1983, Raja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala acquired the house as his summer residence. His grandson, Kunwar Ratanjit Singh, opened Chapslee to guests in 1974. Today, the house continues under the stewardship of Chandrajit Singh, following the passing of Kunwar Ratanjit Singh. With profound respect for its history, the family has preserved Chapslee’s old-world character through its interiors, rituals, and the careful curation of the guest experience. The house is a living archive of stories linked to Shimla's and its days of the Raj.

Dining

Dining at Chapslee remains one of its defining experiences. Guests are received by traditionally attired staff, continuing a service style that has been preserved over the decades. Kanwar Ratanjit Singh, a keen gourmand, shaped the house menu.

The cuisine reflects the Anglo-Indian culinary tradition that evolved during the British period, blending English interpretations with Indian flavours – once common in dak bungalows, clubs, and railway canteens. This distinctive food heritage has drawn attention over the years, with features by international food writers such as Anthony Bourdain.

Experience

Evenings at Chapslee shift gently from daylight to candlelit dinners, with tea service in between. Photographs, interiors, and décor seem to deepen in tone as the day draws to a close. The Chapslee experience is shaped by ritual and attention to detail - bells for service, bed tea in fine china, dinners attended to by white-gloved staff, and crackling log fires to dispel the mountain chill.

Evenings often unfold with silver tray tea services, drinks poured from cut-glass decanters, and electric blankets prepared for the night. These small, time-honoured gestures reflect the house's enduring hospitality.

HERITAGE WALK

FESTIVALS

MUSEUM

FOREST NURSERY

NATURE WALK

Explore Around

Seog Forest Walk

Just a quick drive from Chapslee lies the Seog Forest, a serene stretch of dense deodar woodland once central to Shimla’s water system. Walk shaded paths, listen to birdsong and enjoy a simple packed lunch at the charming forest rest house.

Golf and Picnic at Naldera

Naldera, about an hour away, offers a scenic 9-hole golf course and open meadow landscapes ideal for a relaxed picnic. A stop at Mashobra for tea and a quick bite rounds up a great afternoon.

Cultural Exploration in Dhami

An hour’s drive from Chapslee, the erstwhile Dhami Estate offers a glimpse into local culture and a fabulous home-cooked lunch. Walk the land with the owner of the estate, a knowledgeable naturalist and discover Dhami's traditions and stories.