Parks & Gardens of Shimla

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Garden

Also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas" this six-storey building surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lawns is located on the Observatory Hills. It was the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin. This lodge was completed in 1888 and it is said that mules carried every brick for the building. It has now been converted into Institute of Advanced Study.

Built in the Elizabethan style it has a crenulated tower and grey limestone and sandstone. The entrance lobby opens onto a grand staircase with upper stories and a gallery. It also boasts of well-manicured lawns and garden.