The Peterhof housed at least seven Viceroys and Governor Generals during the Raj. The first Viceroy to move into Peterhoff was the Earl of Elgin who arrived in Shimla on 4th April 1863.  After independence the building served as Punjab High Court and it was here that the trial of Nathu Ram Godsey, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, took place in 1948-49. When Himachal became full fledged state the building became the Raj Bhawan,  Unfortunately it burnt down in 1981 but it was restructured in 1991 and designed to match the hill architecture palatial pattern and now is a heritage luxury hotel.

ACCESS: The airport at Jubar-Hatti is 23 km away. The main Bus Stand is at a distance of 3 km and Railway Station is 2 km.

Features

• Conference Hall capacity 800 persons
• All rooms have wall to wall carpeting and are centrally heated. Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water
• Satellite Television
• Bar and Restaurant
• Room service and Laundry facility available
• Drive in, Parking within premises

PLACES OF INTEREST

THE RIDGE: This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges.  Shimla's landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building  - are worth seeing.

LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

JAKHOO HILL (2.5 km):  At 2455m, this is the town's highest peak and a famous point for Shimla's famous views.  The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.  The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL: This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design.  It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses a representative collection of Himachal's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY (4 km): At 1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are  added attractions. Entry by ticket ( nominal charge ). A portion  of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

THE GLEN (4 km ):  At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows.  It is a popular picnic spot.

ANNANDALE (4.5 km):  Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI ( 6 km):  At 2125m and crowned  by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its  environs.

SANKAT MOCHAN  (7 km):  This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

TARA DEVI (11 km):  2044m, A thickly wooded hill with a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.

MASHOBRA (12 km):  At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples a fair is held every April.

KUFRI (16 km):  At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.  At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs Cafe Lalit.

FAGU (22 km):  At 2510m, Fagu has some enchanting views.  Himachal Tourism run Hotel Peach Blossom offers spectacular views.

CHAIL (45 km):  This was a former Summer Capital of the Patiala State. The Palace has been converted to a Luxury Hotel by Himachal Tourism.

TATTAPANI (51 km): At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs believed to have medicinal value.

Distances 

Shimla is covered as a weekend Getaway Ex-Chandigarh / Jallandhar / Ludhiana and as a part of larger itinerary covering other Areas of Himachal Pradesh.