Ellerslie Building Himachal Pradesh Secretariat
A historic 100-year-old building, the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, showcasing traditional stone and lime mortar architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience the quiet grandeur
Ellerslie Building Himachal Pradesh Secretariat
Best Time
Experience the quiet grandeur
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 100-year-old building, the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, showcasing traditional stone and lime mortar architecture.
"A heritage building where the Ministry of Defense of Punjab Govt. was running here in the early nineteen."
Respectful Visit
As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. 🙏
Architectural Appreciation
Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 6 reviews
Type
Government Office
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit Hall
Inside the Secretariat
The historic venue where the Shimla Agreement was initially discussed. A room steeped in significant political history.
Heritage Stone Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the robust construction using local stone and lime mortar, a testament to early 20th-century building techniques.
Historical Significance
The entire building
Explore a building that has served as a vital administrative center for over 100 years, witnessing significant historical events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Architectural Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respectful Visit
As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. 🙏
Architectural Appreciation
Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction:
Historical Context
Learn about its past as the Punjab Secretariat before Himachal Pradesh's formation. 📚
Tips
from all over the internet
Respectful Visit
As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. 🙏
Architectural Appreciation
Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction:
Historical Context
Learn about its past as the Punjab Secretariat before Himachal Pradesh's formation. 📚
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ellerslie Building is recognized for its significant historical importance and impressive architectural construction, utilizing local stone and lime mortar. While it serves as an active government secretariat, its heritage value is appreciated by those interested in the region's past administrative and building practices. Visitors often note its enduring structure and its role in key historical events.
"Himachal Pradesh Secretariat (Ellerslie building) was designed by Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott 100 years back. This beautiful building was constructed after dismantling an old building of the same name that housed the Military Department of the Punjab Government till 1886.
her Abbot sought permission for construction from the then Secretary of the Municipal Committee Major W.P. Larson and wrote " you are aware of the intensions of the Punjab Government to pull down the house 'Ellerslie' and build on the site a new set of offices to accommodate the whole of Punjab Secretariat." The permission was granted on 28th June, 1899. The inside of Ellerslie is made of stone quarried from Sanjauli and Barnes Court (Present Raj Bhawan) and stuck together using lime mortar. The brickwork too has lime mortar cementing. The Himachal Pradesh Secretariat occupied it in the summers of 1967. In July 1972 the "Summit Hall" where the cabinet meetings are held was spruced up and was given this name as initial summit meeting for Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan. This building with sub-basement, basement and three floors, now has 143 rooms and 31 toilets. It covers and area of about 8663 meters."
Sanjay Sharmma
"An Heritage Building where Ministry of defense of Punjab Govt. was running here in early nineteen"
Sushil Chadak
"Tha location is Perfect"
Puneet Chauhan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ellerslie Building, housing the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, is located in Shimla. It's accessible by road, and local taxis or auto-rickshaws are readily available from the Shimla bus stand or railway station. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Shimla Airport (SLV), from where you can hire a taxi.
Parking availability can be limited due to its central location and function as a government building. It's advisable to check with local authorities or consider using public transport or taxis to reach the vicinity.
From Shimla town center, you can take a taxi or a local bus heading towards the Secretariat. The journey is relatively short, and the building is a prominent landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Ellerslie Building is the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, an active government office. Public access might be restricted or require special permissions. It's best to inquire about visiting protocols beforehand.
As a working government secretariat, visiting hours are typically aligned with standard office hours on weekdays. However, public access is generally not permitted for tourism purposes.
Tours are generally not offered to the public as it's a functional government building. However, its historical and architectural significance can be appreciated from the exterior.
Since it's a government administrative building, there is typically no entry fee for general visitors. However, access might be controlled.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Ellerslie Building was designed by Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott over 100 years ago and was built on the site of a former military department office. It later became the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat.
The building showcases a blend of colonial-era architecture, constructed with local stone quarried from Sanjauli and Barnes Court, cemented with lime mortar.
The 'Summit Hall' within the building is notable as it was spruced up for the initial summit meeting for the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan.
The building has a sub-basement, basement, and three floors, containing approximately 143 rooms and 31 toilets, covering an area of about 8663 square meters.
Photography of government buildings might be restricted. It's advisable to check for any signage or ask for permission before taking pictures, especially of the interior.
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