Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla

Visitor Information

  • Famous for: Science Buffs, History Lovers.
  • Entrance Fee: 40 Rupees per Indian citizens, 85 for Foreigners, 20 Rupees for Garden Visit.
  • Visiting Time: 9:30am to 4:50pm; the museum is closed on Monday.
  • Visit Duration: 1 hour.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study is a well-known Indian research center and is a marvelous work of Scottish Architecture. The Inside of this monument is teak-paneled and there is an entrance doorway, a huge staircase and fireplace which best parts to sightsee here. It is also referred to as Viceregal Lodge and has been host for many events and conferences including Shimla Agreement 1947. You will find a beautiful drawing room, a dining hall and a magnificent ballroom in the interiors and the architecture will center blow your mind with its intricateness and exquisiteness.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Photo by Arjit Thakur, CC BY-SA 3.0

Traveller Tips

  • Washrooms are built within the monument and Lockers are also available to store your things before entering.
  • You can take water bottles with you but also make sure that if you are entering with kids they don’t touch anything as it is not allowed totally.
  • Wear your sports shoes and after discovering the center come outside and soak in the aura of striking mountains of Shimla.
  • Photography is prohibited in the center.
  • If you get hungry while exploring it, there are many places inside where food is catered.

Things to Do

  • The garden and lawns around the premises are a must to visit as they are quaint and endearing with lush greenery.
  • Visit Manorville Mansion, Annandale and be an ardent shopaholic at the Mall road of Shimla.
  • Don’t forget to take the museum photographs available at ticket counters as souvenirs from your trip.

Availability of Guides

Guides are readily available in Hindi and English and will completely lead you through the history of this beautiful monument.

Best Time to Visit

Shimla has quite lovely weather round the year and daytime is idyllic to visit as you will get plenty of time to roam around and immerse yourself in the stunning architecture.

Garden
Photo by Gshashidhar125, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to Reach

You can take any bus or rickshaw in Shimla and it will take you to this research Centre.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

  • Located at a great altitude, Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla is one of the prestigious research Centre and a historical monument to explore. There are mesmerizing vistas all around, the interiors are pristinely created and the lawns are too beautiful to soak yourself in.
  • It was constructed in 1884-1888 and initially was the residence of Lord Dufferin. The architecture was the main vision of Henry Irwin who was hired to manage the construction of this grand structure.
  • Post-Independence, it became a residence to India’s President and apparently works as a research Centre and an Institute.

Nearby Attractions

  • Manorville Mansion
  • Kamna Devi Temple
  • Kalka-Shimla Railway
  • Andrew’s Church
  • Annandale
  • Shimla Heritage Walk

Nearby Restaurants

  • The Restaurant
  • Hide Out Café
  • Café Simla Times
  • Wake and Bake Café
  • Athithi Sweets and Bakers

Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla is endearingly a work of skilled architecture and tells about the historical legacy of India that our British colonizers left. This masterpiece is now utilized as a research Centre but the monument is wonderfully preserved and every inquisitive tourist is proudly and warmly welcomed to explore the place and take a glimpse at the heritage of India that Shimla boasts itself of. Roaming around this beautiful monument, you will certainly see yourself in the state of total nostalgia of ancient times and also the blend of this place’s charm with the allure of Shimla make it totally a stand out. So, next time you are in Shimla, don’t forget to visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study and be awestruck by its fine art and architecture!

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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