Let’s travel back in time to enjoy the glorious past in a sophisticated manner by exploring Viceregal Lodge in Shimla tourism. This building dates to the British Era and is surrounded by gorgeous pine trees, well-kept botanical gardens, and rose plants offering a pure colonial feel. Perched atop an observatory hill with sweeping views, it’s one of Shimla’s most famous tourist destinations. It is also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, one of Shimla’s most critical historical landmarks.
Ancient artifacts and images from the British colonial era in India can be found in this structure. Additionally, you will get a bird’s-eye view, discover more about its fine architecture, and find tranquility. Book a Shimla tour package with us and explore other major town attractions.
Viceregal Lodge Shimla Entry Fee
Entry Fee: For Indians, 20 Per Person; For Foreigners, 50 Per Person
Viceregal Lodge Shimla Timing
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Monday closed)
History of Viceregal Lodge Shimla
The Viceregal Lodge is now known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, an architectural gem nestled in the Himalayan town of Shimla. Built during the British colonial era, construction began in 1880 and was completed in 1888. It was designed by architect Henry Irwin and served as the summer residence of the British Viceroy until India gained independence in 1947. The lodge boasts an Elizabethan architectural style, featuring gray-stone masonry and striking turrets.
It has witnessed crucial historical decisions, including discussions leading to the partition of India. Post-independence, it became the Rashtrapati Niwas, hosting Indian presidents during their summer retreats. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study occupies the premises, encouraging academic research and intellectual pursuits. At the same time, the Viceregal Lodge stands as a living testament to the bygone colonial era and India’s journey towards independence.
Interesting facts about Viceregal Lodge are
- It is spread across an area of 110 acres of land
- The pine and cedar woods were used to construct this architecture
- The woods were imported from Burma
- It costs around INR 36 lakhs to complete it
Architecture of Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
The Viceregal Lodge is an imposing heritage property, offering you the opportunity to revisit those historical events with its Swedish architecture. There is only one corridor that winds through the historic building’s interior, which is purely colonial and classical as per design. The ballroom has been transformed into a library with 150,000 books and more than 40,000 bound volumes in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Tibetan, English, and other languages. It is immediately connected to the two galleries on the left side of the main hall.
How to reach Viceregal Lodge, Shimla?
- By Air – Jubbarhatti Airport is the nearest airport to reach Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, which is only a 23 km drive away from the city centre. From there, you can hire a private taxi or a shared car to get to your destination.
- By Road – Viceregal Lodge has maintained good transport connectivity to Shimla via road. It is only 3.3 km from the Mall Road and 3.5 km from the main square. Besides, there are several regular buses, air-conditioned buses, and public-owned luxury buses that connect Shimla to many states of India.
- By Train – The nearest railway station to Viceregal Lodge is Shimla’s major tourist attraction. The railway station is just a 7-minute drive away. After reaching Shimla, people can book a ride from one of the best car rental companies in Shimla to enjoy a hassle-free transfer.
Wrapping up
Architect Henry Irwin built the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, which stands as a historic masterpiece. With its rich history and captivating architecture, the lodge is now the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and offers a glimpse into the colonial past. Its serene ambiance, flexible timings, and notable entry fee make it a must-visit place in Shimla.