The capital of Himachal Pradesh has some the world’s finest examples of British colonial architecture. Inspired by the Renaissance in England is the greystone Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, it was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. It was also the venue for many important decisions that changed the fate of the subcontinent.
Given its history, it is quite befitting that it is the only building in Shimla that occupies a hill by itself Interestingly, the Lodge has electricity by 1888, the only place in Shimla that did in those days. After Independence, the Lodge continued as the summer retreat of the President of India.
Similar to Delhi’s Viceregal Palace, it was here that the Viceroy hosted parties and entertained Princes and nawabs. In the early Sixties, President S. Radhakrishnan, a leading Philosopher and also a writer, and then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to make it a scholar’s hub where the best minds would find an ideal retreat. Today, it is appropriately occupied by the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
Getting There:
The nearest airport is at Jubberhatti (26 km). Shimla is connected by a broad gauge train line up to Kalka. From Kalka, the six-hour journey crosses 103 tunnels. It is considered to be the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty en route. ( I took an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Shimla)
