Viceregal Lodge Shimla (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)
With its lovely pine trees, well-kept gardens, and rose bushes, Viceregal Lodge welcomes travelers from all over the world to travel back in time. It is a must-see stop on the Shimla trip and the ideal location for a fun half-day outing.
One of the most well-known and historically important locations in the area is the Viceregal Lodge, also called the Rashtrapati Niwas. It is without a doubt among Shimla’s top tourist destinations. This architectural wonder, which is situated atop Shimla’s gorgeous Observatory hill, draws thousands of tourists each year and has developed into a hub for those who want to learn more about the building.
The edifice is well-known for its stunning architecture, provides a broad perspective of the Shimla mountain ranges, and is perfect for history buffs, adventurers, and connoisseurs. Here, you can take a quick walk in the garden or stop by the café for some light fare to sate your hunger. Additionally, there is a coffee shop where you may relax with your friends and drink on your preferred brew.
History of Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
The Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, which was finished in 1888, was created by Henry Irwin, a well-known British architect who served as the project’s chief superintendent. The structure is six stories tall and was constructed in the Jacobethan style. Lord Dufferin used to live there; he moved into the lodge shortly after construction was finished.
This architectural wonder was well-known for hosting numerous extravagant parties and making significant choices on India’s independence and partition.The lodge was acquired by the Indian President upon independence.
Later, the Indian president made the decision to turn it into a residence for scholars. In 1965, the lodge was turned over to the research center IIAS (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) after the application was submitted to the Ministry of Education.
The following are some fascinating facts regarding Viceregal Lodge:
- It is dispersed over 110 acres of land.
- This structure was built with pine and cedar woods that were brought from Burma.
- Its construction costs close to INR 36 lakhs.
Architecture of Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
With its most striking heritage building, the Viceregal Lodge’s Swedish architecture allows you to relive the historic occasions. The inside is merely colonial and classic, with a single corridor running the length of its historic building.
The ballroom, which 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, is immediately connected to two galleries on the left side of the main hall. A three-story staircase is located on the right.
All of the rooms are rather spacious, and each one has a separate waiting area where different meetings pertaining to the university’s administrative and academic councils can be held. The ground floor houses the dining room, the drawing room, and the lounge.
Enjoy relaxing in the circular garden with multiple fountains in the middle, or take in the Kashmiri decorations in the visitor’s lounge. The room features wall coverings in their original form and is tastefully ornamented with celing crafted from walnut trees. In the main hall, you can also view a painting of Lady Elgin and a chandelier.
Entry Fee and Timings of Viceregal Lodge
Indian citizens must pay INR 20 per person to enter the Viceregal Lodge in India, whereas foreign visitors must pay INR 50 per person. With the exception of Mondays, it is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
