Viceregal Lodge, Shimla is one of the most prominent tourist attractions. The beautiful building of this picturesque Lodge is situated on the Observatory Hill, and there are lawns and gardens which are very nicely maintained. The surroundings are also filled with beautiful rose plants and pine trees. The European-style building was used mainly during the period of British rule, during the visit of the Indian President and it was therefore called as' Rashtrapati Niwas’. During Professor S. Radhakrishnan’s tenure, it was transformed into the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study was the first research organization of the country. It was established in the year 1964. It is a six-story building surrounded by green plantations and lawns. The interior and outer design of the building are very fascinating and it represents the renaissance architecture style. The monument has become a witness to the famous historical events such as the Shimla Convention of 1945 and the Shimla Agreement of 1947.
This glorious Viceregal Lodge, Shimla was constructed as the house of Lord Dufferin who was the British Viceroy. The magnificent building is constructed in the Jacobethan style with grey sandstone. Inside the building there is a post-doctoral humanity research center. It has a 1, 80,000 books in the library, occupying the old ballroom. The Viceroy Lodge is at a distance of 3.5 kms west of the scandal point. There were many important discussions taken place in that period and were devised, discussed, and agreed upon about India. The tourists are allowed to visit a few of the staterooms as a part of a brief tour of the building. Presidents of modern India used the Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, but it was conceived when the British rule was at its peak and they had total control over the entire India. The construction of the building began in in the year 1880 for Lord Dufferin. He wanted such a building that could be used to hold the guests at the state banquets and also reminds him of his homeland.
The Viceregal lodge was constructed lavishly and lot of money was spent which consists of some notable features such as an indoor tennis court, a room for the empty suitcases and a vast wine cellar! The interior of the Viceregal Lodge has withstood the test of time with an elaborate woodwork. The main component for the interiors was the teak wood. And Cedar wood and Walnut were then supplemented.
Viceregal Lodge Shimla Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on days starting from Tuesday to Sunday, but it will be closed or will have a holiday on Monday.
Viceregal Lodge Shimla Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 50 for foreign nationals
