Christ Church (Anglican Church), Kasauli

Address: Near Bus Stand, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh- 173204, India
Built In: 1853
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Open all days; Sunday service is held at 9:30 AM
Best Time to Visit: April to November, as the weather remains pleasant during these months

On a short trip to the mall road of Kasauli, tourists would notice the historical landmark, Christ Church. What makes this church unique is the fact that it is the oldest church of Himachal Pradesh. Its picturesque structure and scenic beauty attract nature lovers from all across India. Dedicated to St. Francis and St. Barnabas, the present structure of the church was designed in the emblematic Gothic style architecture. Divine services of the church were started on 24 July, 1853, by Chaplain Thomas John Edward Steel, M.A., St. John's College, Cambridge. However, the church was revered as a holy place by Authority of the Bishop of Calcutta in 1857.

Since 1970, the church has been regulated by the Church of North India (CNI), diocese of Amritsar. As soon as the sun shines, its rays enter through the painted mirrors of the church, which are vivid enough to rejuvenate the tourist. The stained glasses are imported from England when the church was built. The tombstones date back to the 1850s and earlier.

The gray building of the church is ornamented with fantastic mirror work while the green color shack looks dramatic. The simplicity and charm of the building simply take the tourist back to the era when the British were ruling India. The church is made in a cross shape by British families who stayed in Kasauli, and its foundation, was laid by them in the year 1842.

The distinctive church of the architecture includes a clock tower with a sundial in the front, main hall, cruciform floor, beautiful stained glass windows and an aisle which will lead to the beautiful altar sculpture, in which Jesus Christ is bound by Joseph and Mary. There are stained glasses over the altar image of Jesus Christ which depicts the Crucifixion where the image of Christ is flanked by those of Joseph and Mary.

Most thrilling part of the church is its exteriors which are surrounded by a cemetery with graves dating back to 1850s and earlier. Since it's a contamination area, tourists are not allowed to make any noise or speak loudly here. Tourist can enjoy bird watching here or can relish the beautiful landscapes of Kasauli. Stop here awhile amidst the fragrance of pine and wood-smoke; and treasure the view of lush green landscapes.