Shimla is a little Himalayan Town and Ridge is the only open place in Shimla. Here used to be a big market of Shyamala Village that had about 20 shops on either side of the road. In 1875 a fire broke out and the whole market was gutted in that fire. After that the British who ruled India for nearly 200 years never allowed any construction as they were looking for some open place in the town to be used for public functions.

Below the ground there is a huge water reservoir in which water is collected to be distributed to the whole town. British never allowed more than 150 people at the ridge as the weight could damage the tank.

Even today the place is used for the public functions such as parade for Independence day every year on 15th August, Republic Day on 26th January, welcome to any state guest, summer fastival in the month of June for which the artists from all over the country are invited to perform.