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Location: Observatory Hill is a famous peak in Shimla and houses one of the prestigious institutes of India, the Institute of Advanced Studies.
Description: The beauty of Observatory Hill attracted British people and they decided to utilize it as viceregal residence. An Observatory House was built in 1840 by Captain J.T. Boileau on the hillock, now famous as Observatory Hill and the Viceregal Lodge is the Institute of Advanced Studies. A royal British Engineer, Captain H.H Cole prepared the design of this lodge and an architect, Henry Irwin was appointed to breathe life into his vision. After Independence, the Viceregal Estate became a thing of pride for India and on October 6, 1964 it was registered under the Registration of Societies Act of 1860. Later on, in April 1991, the Institute of Advanced Studies began functioning as the Inter-University for Humanities and Social Sciences. One should visit this significant place to experience the real sense of bygone era. The dazzling structure is splendidly set amidst manicured gardens on a hill top. You will be charmed to see the collection of exotic plants and lush grasslands surrounding this place.
Activities: Tourists are allowed to explore some of the parts of the institute by paying a nominal fee which is used to maintain its glory.
