A Complete Travel Guide On How To Reach Viceregal Lodge From Delhi

Viceregal Lodge (also called Rashtrapati Niwas) is a heritage site located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This magnificent building was the summer retreat of the British Viceroy of India during the colonial period. Now a popular tourist destination, it features beautiful architecture, gardens, and a museum with historical artifacts. This guide will take you through the best travel options, routes, and tips to make your trip from Delhi to Viceregal Lodge smooth and memorable.

Viceregal Lodge: How to Get There from Delhi

Transportation mode: There are various ways to travel from Delhi to Viceregal Lodge such as by road train and air. Here’s a closer look at each option:

By Road (Car or Bus from Delhi to Shimla)

Self-Drive or Taxi

One of the most picturesque and flexible options for road trip-loving travelers is the drive from Delhi to Shimla. Delhi is about 350 km away from Shimla and driving time is about 7–9 Hours.

Route 1: Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Chandigarh – Shimla

• This NH44 and NH5 route is the most popular and most commonly used.

• It’s well paved and has plenty of stops for food.

Route 2: Delhi – Dehradun – Paonta Sahib – Shimla

• This is a different picturesque route via Uttarakhand.

• It's a little longer but gorgeous scenery.

Toll Taxes & Road Conditions:

General toll taxes on the highway can be anywhere between ₹500-₹800.

Note: All roads are in good condition except for the hilly stretch past Solan, which has a few sharp curves.

By Bus

For budget travelers, buses to Shimla from Delhi are an amazing affordable option. Normal bus services are conducted by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private operators.

Types of Buses Available:

• Volvo AC Sleeper/Semi-Sleeper

• Deluxe and Ordinary Buses

• The cost varies by type of bus ₹600-₹1,500.

Boarding Points in Delhi:

• ISBT Kashmere Gate

• RK Ashram Metro Station

• Majnu Ka Tila (for private operators)

Bus Travel Time: Varies: 9-10 hours

Best: Overnight Volvo bus to save the time and reach muck refreshed in Shimla.

By Train from Delhi to Kalka then from Kalka to Shimla by Toy Train

Rail journey to Viceregal Lodge is a two-part affair:

Delhi to Kalka Train

Several trains run from Delhi to Kalka taking approximately 4–5 hours to cover a distance of about 270 km.

Top Trains From Delhi To Kalka:

Kalka Shatabdi Express (12011): Quickest (~4h 10m)

Himalayan Queen Express (14095): Affordable (~5h 25m)

Departure Station: NEW DELHI (NDLS)

Arrival Station: Kalka Railway Station (KLK)

Train Fare: ₹300 (Sleeper Class) to ₹1,200 (Executive Class)

Kalka to Shimla Toy Train

Take the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train UNESCO heritage ride from Kalka.

Top Toy Trains:

Deluxe Shivalik Express: Comfort, speed (~ 5h 20m)

Budget-friendly (~5h 40m): Himalayan Queen

Fare: ₹250 – ₹600 (depending on type of train)

Tip: Buy tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Visit by Air (Flight to Delhi, then Shimla)

If you're looking for a short trip, there are flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti - SLV).

OPERATING AIRLINES: Alliance Air (few flights)

Flight Duration: ~1 hour

Estimated Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹6,500

Distance of Shimla Airport from Viceregal Lodge: 22 km (~1 hr by taxi).

If you are flying to Shimla, please note that flights are limited an alternative is to fly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) and take a cab or bus around 3 - 4 hours by road.

How to reach here from Shimla to Viceregal Lodge

Vacational Lodge can be easily reached after you arrive at Shimla either by road, coach, rail or air. Here are the best ways:

By Taxi

Shimla Railway Station, ISBT and the airport all have taxis available. Fare: ₹200-₹400, depending on the boarding point.

By Local Bus

Buses of HRTC operate from Shimla Old Bus Stand to Summer Hill, where the lodge is. Fare: ₹20-₹50.

By Walking

Adventure enthusiasts can take a 3 km trek from Shimla Mall Road to Viceregal Lodge, which offers an aqua view.

When to Visit Viceregal Lodge

Summer (March–June): Comfortable weather for sightseeing.

Monsoon (July–September): Landslide risk is present, avoid where you can.

Winter (October–February): Enveloped in snow, it's a wonderland.

Additional Travel Tips

Reserve Your Transportation: Train, bus and flight tickets must be booked well in advance especially during tourist seasons.

Road Safety: Exercise caution on hilly roads while driving, especially during winters.

Local Transportation: For nearby places such as Mall Road and Jakhoo Temple, cabs or local buses can be used.

Conclusion

The journey from Delhi to Viceregal Lodge is an adventure in itself with numerous modes of transport available for various budgets and choices. Be it a toy train ride with picturesque views, a road trip, or a flight, this historic monument is easily accessible. So plan your trip well, book tickets in advance, and be ready to explore the rich history and beauty of Viceregal Lodge in Shimla!

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