LOCATION

The charming hills of Shiwalik have held a special attraction for the Europeans in India since the days of Charles Kennedy, the East India Company’s first political agent to the Hill States who spotted the village of ‘Shemlah’. The village ‘Shemlah’ went on to be the township of Shimla. When Shimla became the summer capital of British India in 1864, a search was mounted for a suitable location to house the Viceregal establishment. The plan to build the residence of the Viceroy at the Observatory Hill was conceived by Lord Lytton and brought to fruition during the viceroyalty of Lord Dufferin in 1888. The building was designed by architect Henry Irwin.

Carved of grey Himalayan sandstone, the Viceregal Lodge is a judicious blend of Elizabethan and Scottish architectural forms, perched atop the leveled hill. The paneled walls and the magnificent stairways of the Lodge have witnessed some memorable historic extravaganzas, historic round tables as well as the pivotal ‘Shimla Conference’ of 1945. Even though the lodge provided an ideal venue for calm deliberations, the conference failed. India’s march towards freedom was, however, unstoppable. In 1947, the Lodge and its vast hinterland passed into the hands of the President of India, and was renamed Rashtrapati Nivas. In 1965, the then President of India conceived the idea of the Institute of Advanced Study to be housed in the building and directed the government to take necessary action in this regard.

Located along the western arm of Shimla, the Institute holds a commanding position atop Observatory Hill and is clearly visible for miles around. With magnificent views in all directions, the campus of the Institute covers about a hundred acres of buildings, gardens and woodland. The lawns and gardens are regarded to be amongst the finest in the world at similar altitudes, which is just over 2,000 metres above msl. Idyllic surroundings, the regal grandeur of its buildings and a bracing climate combine to provide the Institute with a superb setting to scholars who wish to pursue academic activities in tranquillity and to interact with fellow scholars in other disciplines.

Situated in the north west Himalayas at a height of 2205 mts is Shimla and at a distance of about five kilometers from the railway station and the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT), away from the din of commercial Shimla is the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. It becons to all those who have experienced its magnificent charm and aura.

By Air
An airstrip has been constructed 17 km from the Institute.

Departure : (Delhi): 07:20
Airlines : Air Deccan
Days: Daily
Arrival (Shimla): 08:40
Flight Num: DN549

By Rail
Broad guage rail Himalayan Queen and Hawrah Express leave Delhi for Kalka every day from Kalka. One has a rare traveling delight in a toy like train on narrow guage Leisurely spiraling through the green hills it touches Shimla after crossing 103 tunnels and many bridges. At so many places it runs parallel to the road. In addition to this there is an exclusive luxury coach fitted with 5 star facility for a group of six to eight persons journey in this coach and the railcar is an experience - 'Out of the world'.

Delhi to Kalka to Shimla

By Road
Deluxe buses and many more buses ply to Shimla from all over the Northern area of India directly at all hours of the day and night. Drive on the National Highway 22 from Kalka to Shimla is soothingly refreshing.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation Volvo AC Bus Schedule