Shimla Hosts the Historical Summer Retreat of the Indian President

The Rashtrapati Niwas, stands atop the Observatory Hills in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Henry Irwin crafted the Jacobethan architectural style, which became prevalent during the construction period of 1880–1888. The building served as the summer retreat of the Indian President until 1964 and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study has been using it since then. The Rashtrapati Niwas is a significant historical and architectural landmark that draws tourists because of its outstanding surroundings.

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Rashtrapati Niwas is Open to Everyone

In April of 2023, they dedicated The Rashtrapati Niwas at Mashobra to the general public. The Maharaja of Koti built it as a single-story building in 1850, using Himachal’s distinctive form of Dhajji wall construction (braced timber frames in various patterns). The key aspect of this style is the structure’s ability to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There is also a large, manicured lawn in front of the building, filled with some of the most precious and rare species of beautiful plants and trees.

Besides the newly established apple orchard, there is a European oak named Copper Beech, which Lord Kitchener introduced almost a hundred years ago. He is renowned for designing the Wildflower Hall. Some of the trees here display two or three different shades of foliage that change with the seasons. A classical sundial from the British era is the garden’s focal point. The Niwas offers an incredible view of the Shimla hills, especially the picturesque Shaily Peak.

History of Rashtrapati Niwas

In 1860, William Hay, a British diplomat, leased the building from the Maharaja. In 1881, British civil servant Sir Edward Charles Buck expanded the design of the building to include two stories. The ninth Viceroy of Elgin bought the building from the king in 1895 and renamed it The Retreat, Mashobra. It then became a lodge for British officials to visit and stay during their vacations. The Viceroy Regal Lodge, previously known as the Institute of Advanced Study, housed their office in the city.

Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, stayed here in 1947. After independence, the Government of India took over the property and assigned it to the President of the country, naming it Rashtrapati Niwas. In 1951, Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, visited the mansion. Every President has visited the mansion at least once, staying for three to four days each summer. During this time, the office of the President also moves here.

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How Things Should Go?

Understandably, the security of the premises is excellent. To purchase tickets at the desk, visitors have to present a valid government ID, after which they undergo thorough vetting and examination. After this, a knowledgeable local guide greets them at the entrance and leads them to the residence, explaining its various features. Two brass elephants, a gift from the Sirmaur Estate in 1928, welcome visitors at the entrance of the building. The President and their family have six separate rooms on the top level, each with its own balcony. The bottom floor accommodates facilities for the large VIP delegation that travels with the President, including an ADC room (the Secretary’s office), a drawing room, and a hillside study. Besides British-era furniture and an ancient wooden fireplace, a large dining room can seat approximately 22 people. The building still retains its old switches even today.

The bottom floor also displays an 18th-century archival map of the Viceregal Estate and some archival black-and-white photos of the building. Besides a large photo of the current President, Shrimati Draupadi Murmu, a gallery showcases photos of 14 past presidents of India, all of whom visited the palace during their terms. The building also houses other artefacts, including a striking black-and-white sketch of the Niwas by a local artist, and paintings of Himachal’s traditional clothes.

Getting There

If you want to go there, just Book cheap flight from Toronto to New Delhi. From Delhi you can book a flight to the closest airport, Jubbarhatti Airport, which is around 23 kilometres away from Rashtrapati Niwas. If you would rather travel by train, the closest major station is Kalka Railway Station. From there, you may take a toy train to Shimla, then take a taxi or local bus to Mashobra.

Timings

Public tours are available for online and offline booking, often from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On all days of the week except Mondays and public holidays, the final submission can be made until 03:00 PM.

Also Read: Things you wish to know about the Kalka Shimla toy train