The Rashtrapati Niwas, located on the observatory hills of Shimla, is one of the prime attractions of the beautiful city. Also known as the Viceregal Lodge, it was the summer residence of Indian viceroys, from Lord Dufferin to Lord Mountbatten. After India’s independence, the Presidents of the country too stayed here in the summer. However, since the Rashtrapati Niwas was of little use to the President, who only visited for a couple of days in a year, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan donated it to the Ministry of Education for putting it to academic use and the Viceregal Lodge was thus made the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
A historically significant structure, it was the venue of the Shimla Conference, which eventually led to the Partition. The Viceregal Lodge, built by Henry Irwin, was seen as an architectural marvel during the time it was built, as modern technology and skills had been employed for its construction. It was the first building in Shimla to have electric lighting. It is surrounded by immaculate lawns and beautiful gardens, dotted with pine and deodar trees and flower bushes.
The interior of the building has teak panelling and grand teak staircases. Other attractions include the colonial era chandeliers as well as the visitors’ lounge which has a ceiling made of wood of the walnut tree. The Viceregal Lodge has a respectable water supply system, with an ingenious firefighting system. The front lawn also has tanks beneath for water collection and storage.
Situated approximately 2 kilometres away from the main city, it remains a popular tourist attraction.
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