The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), located at Rashtrapati Niwas in Shimla, has launched several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience while preserving and promoting its historic legacy.
As part of the heritage conservation efforts, the British-era squash court is being transformed into a modern picture gallery. The gallery will showcase curated photographs and exhibits highlighting the institution’s history, architectural heritage, academic activities, and key achievements. The initiative is expected to offer visitors deeper insight into the intellectual and historical significance of IIAS.
Additionally, the Kitchen Wing area within the campus will soon be opened for public viewing, allowing tourists to explore another important segment of the heritage complex.
The institute has also reopened its Back Lawn area, which had been closed for the past two years due to a landslide. After necessary repairs and structural reinforcement, the space is once again accessible, enabling visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and historic ambiance of the campus.
Free Entry for Students and Armed Forces
IIAS has introduced a more transparent and streamlined ticketing policy. Under the revised guidelines:
- Government school students up to Class 12 will receive free entry upon document verification.
- Serving personnel of the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Central Armed Police Forces, along with their dependents, will also be granted free entry after verification.
- Children up to five years of age will not be charged any entry fee.
These steps aim to connect students, armed forces members, and the broader public with the institution’s historical and intellectual heritage.
Sunset View Café and Improved Accessibility
Under the leadership of Director Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, IIAS has introduced the “Sunset View Café” within the campus. The café provides visitors a serene setting to relax while enjoying panoramic views of Shimla’s natural beauty, blending heritage with leisure.
To improve accessibility, battery-operated golf carts are being arranged to facilitate transport between Gorkha Gate and the ticket counter. This service will particularly benefit senior citizens, differently-abled visitors, and families with young children, while also supporting environmental sustainability.
New Conference Facility
Expanding its infrastructure, IIAS has developed a state-of-the-art conference hall at Siddharth Vihar Guest House. Equipped with modern audio-visual systems and technical resources, the hall will be available on a fee basis to academic institutions, public sector undertakings, and corporate organizations, in accordance with institute guidelines.
Considering the expanded facilities, partial revisions in ticket and parking charges have also been implemented.
With these comprehensive upgrades, IIAS Shimla aims not only to enhance the tourist experience but also to make its historic, cultural, and academic legacy more accessible to society at large.
