Shimla, nicknamed ‘The Queen of the Hills’, was the Summer Capital under British Rule in India. Till this day, one can see traces of British architecture in the old wooden buildings while passing through the streets of Shimla. However, these buildings pale in comparison to the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (formerly the Viceregal Lodge). Completed in 1888, the building was designed by British architect Henry Irwin. It served as the residence of the Viceroy of India during Lord Dufferin’s tenure.
Its architecture is inspired by the English Renaissance, but also contains elements of the castles of the Scottish Highlands. Embellished with wrought stone-work, the main block has three storeys, and the kitchen wing has five. The famous ‘Simla Conference’ was held here in 1945, which was attended by prominent national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. With its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens with scented flowers, the building holds numerous stories in its history.
The guided tour is free
