Viceregal Lodge Travel Guide and Tourism in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh clearholidaysindia.blogspot.com

The Viceregal Lodge, now called Rashtrapati Niwas, is a stunning example of colonial architecture perched on the Observatory Hills in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Designed by the British architect Henry Irwin and built between 1880 and 1888 during Lord Dufferin’s time as Viceroy of India, this grand building cost about 38 lakh rupees, a significant amount back then. The Viceregal Lodge in Shimla was originally set on a vast 331-acre estate, though it now sits on 110 acres. The lodge’s design is inspired by English Renaissance and Scottish Highland castles, featuring a light blue-grey stone exterior and detailed woodwork inside, including Burma teak used specifically for its construction.