Introduction
Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly known as The Retreat, is the official summer residence of the Honourable President of India, situated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This distinguished retreat is traditionally host to the President during the annual Summer sojourn customarily occurring in April.
History
Nestled in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra stands as a timeless symbol of tranquillity and natural beauty. The history of Rashtrapati Niwas dates back to the 19th century when it was leased from the Raja of Koti by the British administration. Known as “The Retreat” at that time, the estate offered a quiet and relaxing personal refuge for the Viceroy of India. Located about 13 kilometres from Shimla, declared as the summer capital of British India in 1864, The Retreat was a secluded escape from the formalities of governance.
Unlike the grand Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, which was the official seat of British power during the summer months, The Retreat offered the Viceroy a more personal, intimate space. The estate’s sprawling forests of oak, cedar, pine, and the rare copper birch trees provided a serene backdrop for leisurely walks and quiet contemplation. It was in these peaceful surroundings that some of the most important decisions of the British administration were made.
Official Retreat of the President
After India gained independence in 1947, The Retreat underwent a transformation from a colonial-era retreat to a key part of Presidential Estates. This property was deemed the official retreat to the President of India in 1965 by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who shifted the previous summer retreat from the historic Viceregal Lodge. Rashtrapati Niwas now stands as one of the three official retreats of the President, alongside Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad and Rashtrapati Ashiana in Dehradun. The estate remains a cherished space for the President, who visits Mashobra to find respite from the demands of office, hold informal meetings, and connect with the natural surroundings.
Architectural Simplicity and Natural Harmony
The architecture of Rashtrapati Niwas reflects its purpose as a retreat. Built using the traditional dhajji construction method—timber-framed walls filled with stone and brick—the structure blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. It's simple yet elegant design offers warmth and comfort, perfectly suited to the estate’s role as a place for rest and reflection. Unlike the grand residences of the colonial period, Rashtrapati Niwas is a place where nature takes centre stage.
A Sanctuary for Nature
The surrounding forests of Rashtrapati Niwas are not only picturesque but are also vital to the estate’s ecological importance. The estate’s grounds are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including nearly 50 species of butterflies, some of which are rare to the region. The Himalayan Sergeant butterfly and the death’s head hawk moth are just two examples of the unique wildlife that thrives in this protected environment. The rare copper birch trees, which stand proudly in front of the main building, add to the estate’s distinctive charm.
Rashtrapati Niwas, with its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and serene atmosphere, remains an enduring testament to the timeless connection between leadership and nature. Its history, from colonial-era retreat to presidential residence, reflects India’s journey through time while honouring the legacy of peace and introspection that it has always provided.
Attractions
1. Rashtrapati Niwas Main Building
The interiors of the Niwas’ main building, a completely wooden structure with dhajji (earthquake-resistant) wall construction, will be opened to the general public. Visitors will be able to get a glimpse into the life of the president by exploring the presidential wing, official dining hall, and artefacts.
2. Rashtrapati Niwas Lawn
The lawns at the Rashtrapati Niwas offer a range of attractions like curated tulip and rose flower beds along with 40+ varieties of flowers, a ceremonial lawn, a flag pedestal, and a telescope for visitors to enjoy breathtaking mountain views. The lawns at the Rashtrapati Niwas are the perfect way for visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the region.
3. Kalyani Helipad
The helipad is placed at the highest point in the entire region. From the helipad, one can experience breathtaking sunsets and a 360-degree view of Shimla, Kufri, Chail, and Jakhu Hill amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. Some of the peaks that one can see from the helipad are Deo Tibba (6001m), Shrikhand Mahadev Peak - (5227m), Badrinath (7070 m), and Parvati Parvat (6633 m).
4. Helipad Nature Trail
The ~2.2 km trail from the Helipad to Gate 2 offers a thrilling adventure amidst Shimla's rich flora. Trek through dense oak, deodar, pine, and rhododendron forests while enjoying breathtaking views.
5. Slope Garden
In the slope garden on the way to the apple orchard, one can experience 40+ varieties of flora such as horse-chestnut, walnut, green maple etc.
6. Apple Orchards - Nature Trails
The orchards at the Rashtrapati Niwas are full of fruit trees, including 375 apple trees along with cedar and cherry trees, and offer nature trails for visitors who seek outdoor adventures. Numerous attractions such as a sunrise-sunset viewpoint are open to the public.
