Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

The Viceregal Lodge, designed by Henry Irwin in a heavy Jacobethan style, was completed in 1888 as the summer seat of the Viceroy. It stands on Observatory Hill, about 4 km west of the Ridge, in large landscaped grounds. Some of the most consequential meetings of late colonial India happened in its rooms, including the 1945 Simla Conference and discussions on partition in 1947. Since 1965 it has housed the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and parts of the building and the gardens are open to visitors on ticketed guided tours.

1. From the Mall / Ridge, take a taxi or walk the ~4 km via the Observatory Hill road.
2. Local buses run towards Boileauganj and Summer Hill, from where it is a short climb.
3. Summer Hill is the nearest Kalka–Shimla railway station.

Year-round. Check the institute's visiting hours and weekly closing day before going; the rose garden is best in early summer.

• Only part of the interior is shown, on a guided tour — you cannot wander freely.
• There is a small entry fee, with extra for the guided building tour and for cameras.
• The grounds and the views towards the Dhauladhar are worth time even if a tour slot isn't available.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.