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Introduction

The Viceregal Lodge is a historical building located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It was built during the British Raj and served as the summer residence for governors general of India from 1864 until 1947.

The Viceregal Lodge has been restored to its former glory and now serves as an accommodation facility for tourists visiting Shimla.

Architecture

The Viceregal Lodge is a neoclassical building that was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The architectural style of this building is very much similar to the style of buildings that were built during British rule in India, which makes it quite unique.

The design elements used in this building include arches, columns and domes that are traditional features found in many Indian temples. There are also intricate carvings on all four sides of the main entrance door as well as other places within the lodge's interior design such as staircases and fireplaces. These elements give visitors an idea about how important Hinduism was during British rule over India since these designs were commonly found in temples back then (and still are today).

Notable features include:

Interior Design

The interior design of the Viceregal Lodge is a blend of Victorian and Edwardian styles, with a few Art Deco touches thrown in for good measure. The main hall features an impressive staircase leading up to the first floor, where you'll find some of the most notable rooms in this historic building:

The Durbar Room--this was originally used as a ballroom but has since been converted into a dining room. It's decorated with paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, who was commissioned by Lord Curzon himself (who served as Viceroy from 1899 until 1905).

The Drawing Room--this is where guests would have gathered during formal occasions like state dinners or balls held at Viceregal Lodge. It also houses several pieces of furniture made by local craftsmen using local materials such as walnut wood and Kashmiri silk fabric.* The Library--this room houses bookshelves filled with books about India's history and culture; there are also some interesting artifacts here such as antique clocks, porcelain vases from China…

Historical Significance

The Viceregal Lodge was built in 1864 by the British government to be used as a residence for its viceroys and governors. It was also used as a venue for state functions, such as Independence Day celebrations and military parades.

The building is now known as "Lal Durbar" which means Red Palace in Hindi. It's located in Shimla's Ridge area and overlooks the city below it with views of snow-capped mountains, including Kala Pattar (5,400 meters).

Gardens and Grounds

The gardens and grounds of the Viceregal Lodge are a must-see for anyone visiting Shimla. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gardens were laid out in 1914 on the site of an earlier garden that had been established by Lord Dufferin in 1884. The main feature of the gardens is a large lawn with a fountain at its center; beyond this there are several terraces leading down to what was once known as "Lutyens' Walk" but which has now been renamed "Lady Willingdon Walk."

The most notable feature of these grounds is their extensive collection of rhododendrons--over 1,500 different varieties grow here! In fact, it's said that if you count all three major parks together (Lakeside Park, Summer Hill Park and Woodville Gardens), then you'll find over 2,000 kinds total!

The Viceregal Lodge Museum is a treasure trove of information on the history of Shimla. It houses a variety of collections including paintings, photographs and other objects related to British rule in India. The museum also offers exhibits that depict life in colonial India as well as educational programs for schoolchildren and adults alike.

Museum

Visiting the Lodge

Hours: The Viceregal Lodge is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm except on Mondays and national holidays.

Admission: The Viceregal Lodge is a museum and is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm. There is no entry fee for Indian nationals, but foreigners are charged Rs 100 per person.

Tour Options: There are three different tours available at the Viceregal Lodge:

Audio Guide Tour (Rs 100) - An audio guide will take you through the history of Shimla and its buildings while walking around the grounds of this historic site. This tour lasts about an hour and 15 minutes in total, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Guided Tour (Rs 200) - If you'd like someone else explain everything that happened here over time, then this option might be right up your alley! You'll get an English-speaking guide who can answer all your questions as well as provide some interesting facts about life in British India during those times too--it's definitely worth checking out if you have time!

Events

The Viceregal Lodge is also home to many cultural events and festivals, which are held throughout the year. These include classical music concerts, folk dances and theatre performances. In addition to these events, there are educational programs that take place at the Viceregal Lodge throughout the year.

Nearby Attractions

(1). Himalayan Nature Park

(2). Jakhoo Temple

3(). Annandale

Conclusion

The Viceregal Lodge is a beautiful example of British colonial architecture, and it's easy to see why it was chosen as the summer residence for the British Viceroy. It's also worth noting that this building has been used as an official guest house for prime ministers and presidents since 1947, so if you're lucky enough to stay there yourself, you'll be in good company!