The building that houses the institute was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin, viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888, and was called the Viceregal Lodge. the building had electricity back then in 1888 generated by a steam generator from London. There in in 1912 a hydro project was constructed to provide electricity near tatta pani. this place houses beautiful architecture dating back from 1884 like apricot wood ceiling, Burmese teak work construction and wax-based fire fighting systems. Now this place is known as IIAS a research center of humanities and sociology. The place is a must-visit one when one comes to Shimla to get an insight into the history of the partition of India and how the ruling was done by the British back in slavery days.

This was my 2nd visit to this place and I love to experience this beautifully constructed palace . You can click pictures in the garden area only as photography is not allowed inside but you can go inside with 100rs ticket in a scheduled slot guided by the instructor where a guide gives a whole tour of inside premises that has all the infrastructures , letters , photographs from the British rule till our freedom . If you’re into history , you should definitely visit this place .

The building which is now known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study was formerly known as Rastrapati Niwas (President's Residency) and, before that, Viceregal Lodge (in the time of British India) when it was the residence of the Viceroy. It was built in the late 1880s and has the hint of a look of a Scottish castle. It stands on Observatiory Hill in Shimla and the, mainly well-kept gardens, are home to Himalaya flora and fauna. Many important conferences were held in the building in the period up to Partition and the building houses a substantial archive of photographs and documents from that time. Some of these photographs are on display and you can see them when you tour the building. These tours, which are held at set times, are guided by knowledgeable volunteers and are well worth joining. Photography inside the building is not allowed. Car parking, toilet and refreshment facilities (Fire Station Cafe).