Everyone knows that the official residence of the President of India is ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’ located in Delhi. But very few people know that there is another presidential residence in the country, which is located in the beautiful valleys of the mountains, away from the scorching heat of Delhi. Every year during the summer season, the entire staff of the country’s first citizen shifts to this beautiful hill station for a few days. The history of this historical building situated amidst the mountains is very interesting and this tradition is linked to the British period.

Summer Retreat in Mashobra, Shimla

The President of India comes every summer to stay at the Rashtrapati Niwas located in Mashobra, about 13 kilometers from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is officially known as ‘The Retreat’. This is the official summer residence of the President, where she comes to escape the deadly heat of the plains and spend time amidst nature. During his stay here, the President not only rests but also conducts the administrative and cultural work of the country from here.

Old tradition related to British era

This tradition of the President staying in Shimla during summer is not new, but it started during the British rule. In the year 1863, John Lawrence officially declared Shimla as the summer capital of India. After this, from the year 1864, the entire government staff and administration of the British started shifting to Shimla to escape the heat of Delhi and Kolkata. The cold climate and calm mountainous environment here seemed ideal for the British to rule.

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Major changes took place after independence

When the country became independent in 1947, many historical buildings built by the British came under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. In the initial years of independence, it was not regular for the Presidents of the country to visit Shimla. In the year 1951, the country’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first Indian President to visit this estate. After this, gradually this place started becoming special for the people holding the highest positions in the country and the trend of coming here every year started.

Got the status of official summer retreat

This historical tradition got real and strong recognition in the year 1965. The then President Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan declared this luxurious and beautiful building located in Mashobra as the official summer retreat of the President. Since then, it has become a fixed and mandatory tradition for the President of the country to visit Shimla for a few days every year. Since 1965, almost all the Presidents of the country have followed this special tradition very well.

Historical heritage amidst pine forests

This Rashtrapati Niwas of Mashobra is a grand heritage building about 175 years old. It is completely situated amidst dense pine forests and high mountains. The biggest feature of this building is its architecture, which has been designed in the traditional ‘Dhajji’ style (a mixture of wood and mud). Being made of wood and clay, this entire building is completely earthquake resistant and is still standing strong today.

Palace open to general public

Although in some years the President’s visit was postponed due to security reasons, health problems or extremely busy schedule, this tradition never stopped. Another big thing related to this historical building is that now this President’s residence has been completely opened for the general public and also for the tourists coming from India and abroad. Now any tourist can see this very beautiful and safe complex closely by booking tickets online or offline.

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