
Explore the former summer residence of British Viceroys in Shimla, a magnificent example of Jacobethan architecture with lush gardens and profound history.
The Viceregal Lodge is a striking historical building located on Observatory Hill, one of the seven hills of Shimla. Constructed in the late 19th century, it served as the summer residence for the British Viceroys of India. The structure is an impressive example of Jacobethan architecture, built with local grey sandstone and light blue limestone. Its appearance is more like a Scottish baronial castle than a typical colonial building, making it a unique sight in India. Visitors today primarily experience the lodge through guided tours, which are mandatory to see the interiors. The tour takes you through key areas like the main hall, the ballroom, and the wood-panelled drawing rooms. The guide explains the history of the building, pointing out architectural details and historical photographs. A significant part of the tour focuses on the conference room where discussions leading to the Partition of India took place. After the tour, you can freely explore the extensive and well-maintained lawns and gardens that surround the lodge, offering great views of the surrounding hills.
Phone: +91-177-2831376
Website: www.iias.ac.in/
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Observatory Hill, Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171005, Observatory Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Air
The nearest airport is Shimla Airport (SLV) at Jubbarhatti, 22 km away, with limited flights. The closest major airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), about 115 km away, which takes 3-4 hours by road.
Train
The nearest major railway station is Kalka (90 km). From Kalka, you can take the historic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Shimla Railway Station, which is 3 km from the lodge.
Road
Shimla is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi (350 km) and Chandigarh (115 km) via NH5. Numerous government-run and private buses operate daily.
Local Transport
Local taxis and cabs from ride-hailing services are easily available throughout Shimla to reach the lodge. The minimum fare from the city center is around ₹200-300.
Nearby restaurants near Viceregal Lodge
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