The Raj Bhavan of Shimla is located in the city of Chota Shimla. The Raj Bhavan happens to be the dwelling place of the Governor of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Raj Bhavan of Shimla was originally called the Barnes Court in the name of Sir Edward Barnes who was the then commander-in-chief.
This heritage building of Shimla has got a big spacious interior with a ball dancing room. Lord Napier of Magdala, Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hugh Rose once used to be the residents of the Raj Bhavan of Shimla. The Shimla Raj Bhavan bears the typical English country like architectural style.
The Shimla Peace Accord of 1972 that took place between Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was executed in this building by which both the countries agreed to rule out disputes through bilateral understanding.
This prestigious building of Raj Bhavan can only be visited with prior permission from the Secretariat of the Governor of Shimla. Shimla is a hill resort that is an ideal tourist destination. As such, the places in and around Shimla are Shimla's wealth.
The Raj Bhavan being a heritage site have also a major attraction to the tourists. The building has been very well maintained by the government of Himachal Pradesh. The Raj Bhavan of Shimla still holds the glory and charm of the bygone days. The walls of the Raj Bhavan of Shimla still reverberates with the tinkling of fine cutlery of the British Raj.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Area : 18 sq. km.
- Altitude : 2,213 metres.
- Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.27, Min.14.5; Winter- Max.16.5, Min.5.2.
- Clothings : Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woollens.
- Best Season : April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November.
- Languages Spoken : Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air : Vayudoot services connect Jubbor-Hatti (23 kms from Shimla) with Kullu, Chandigarh and Delhi. Delhi is in turn connected with Culcutta by Indian Airlines flights. Jagson Airlines has also flights from Delhi to Shimla.
Rail: Shimla is connected by a narrow guage railway line with Kalka (90 kms) which in turn is connected with the major cities in India.
Road: Regular bus services connect Shimla with Chandigarh 117 kms, Kullu 220 kms, Manali 260 kms, Delhi 343 kms, Mandi 150 kms, Pathankot 380 kms, Ambala 151 kms, Chail 43 kms, Dehradun 240 kms etc.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Jakhoo Hill- 2 kms, Glen- 4 kms, Summer Hill- 5 kms, Chadwick Falls- 7 kms, Zoo- 4 kms, Navbahar- 4 kms, Sanket Mochen- 5 kms, Tara Devi Temple- 8 kms, Institute of Advance Studies- 4 kms, Aviary at Old Raj Bhavan- 1 km, Tibetan Monastery- 8 kms, Dhengu Mata Temple- 5 kms.
EXCURSIONS
Naldera : 23 kms.Tattapani : 43 kms. Wildflower Hall : 13 kmsMashobra : 13 kms.Kufri : 16 kms.Chail : 43 kms.Kasauli : 77 kms.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Golfing : Nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera, 23 km from Shimla.
Fishing : Trout fishing is available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru. Mahaseer fishing is available at Tattapani 43 km from Shimla.
Skiing : The skiing season generally commences in the first fortnight of January and continues till Mid-March depending upon snow conditions
