Ellerslie Building (HP Secretariat) - Image 1
1 / 2

Ellerslie Building Himachal Pradesh Secretariat

4.3
·6 reviews·Shimla, India

A historic 100-year-old building, the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, showcasing traditional stone and lime mortar architecture.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Experience the quiet grandeur

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ellerslie Building (HP Secretariat) - Image 1

Ellerslie Building Himachal Pradesh Secretariat

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Experience the quiet grandeur

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 100-year-old building, the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, showcasing traditional stone and lime mortar architecture.

4.3
(6 reviews)

"A heritage building where the Ministry of Defense of Punjab Govt. was running here in the early nineteen."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respectful Visit

As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. :pray:

Architectural Appreciation

Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit Hall

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

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

Historical Significance

The entire building

Explore a building that has served as a vital administrative center for over 100 years, witnessing significant historical events.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse into History

The Ellerslie Building, Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, boasts a rich history dating back over a century. Originally designed by Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott, it was built on the site of a previous structure that housed the Military Department of the Punjab Government. Understanding its past adds depth to your visit.

Architectural Significance

Marvel at the enduring architecture of the Ellerslie Building. Constructed with local stone from Sanjauli and Barnes Court, its lime mortar construction speaks to a bygone era of craftsmanship. The building's design reflects its historical importance as a hub for government operations.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Experience the quiet grandeur
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Witness the building's presence
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

please please tell me this made it to edmonton tiktok #foryou #fyp #ellerslie #yeg #edmonton #canada #alberta #missingcat #missingpet #findmycat #help
@pleasehelpmefindmykitty
3K likes • 9.2K views

Respectful Visit

As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. :pray: Reddit

Architectural Appreciation

Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction: Reddit

I think I finally had the best matcha in Trinidad 🍵😋 OUNCE.MATCHA @ounce.matcha knows what they’re doing! Every Saturday they pop up at Aioli Marketplace in Ellerslie Plaza preparing the most delicious and refreshing matcha beverages! Stop by for your fix 😍😋 #matcha #trini_tiktoks #dinilleg #trinifoodie #ouncematcha
@dinille.g
2.7K likes • 50.3K views
🌟 We're thrilled to announce that the Southside Secret Garden is open and ready to host your next unforgettable event! 🌿 Nestled above Brew+Bloom in Ellerslie, this enchanting space is perfect for intimate weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, corporate events, Christmas parties, and more. With beautiful garden decor and personalized service, we'll bring your vision to life! 🎉. If you...
@brewandbloom
2.7K likes • 73K views

Historical Context

Learn about its past as the Punjab Secretariat before Himachal Pradesh's formation. :books: Reddit

The post took the hit, the scoreboard took the points. #BuiltDifferent #EllerslieEagles #FYP
@eln_elz
2.7K likes • 38.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respectful Visit

As an active government building, maintain decorum and respect. :pray: Reddit

Architectural Appreciation

Take time to admire the unique stone and lime mortar construction. :building_construction: Reddit

Historical Context

Learn about its past as the Punjab Secretariat before Himachal Pradesh's formation. :books: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(6 reviews)

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

Historical significance
Stone and lime mortar construction
Architectural heritage

What People Dislike

Limited public access

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Since it's a government administrative building, there is typically no entry fee for general visitors. However, access might be controlled. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit

The building showcases a blend of colonial-era architecture, constructed with local stone quarried from Sanjauli and Barnes Court, cemented with lime mortar. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the past, the Ellerslie Building offers a direct connection to India's administrative history. Its origins trace back over a century, serving as a crucial government office for both the Punjab and later Himachal Pradesh governments. Exploring its history, from its design by Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott to its role in significant events like the Shimla Agreement, provides a rich narrative. Appreciating the traditional stone and lime mortar construction adds another layer to understanding its historical context. Reddit

Consider researching the building's timeline and the individuals involved in its construction and administration. While public interior access might be limited, understanding its past functions and architectural significance from the exterior can be a deeply rewarding experience for any history buff. Reddit

Architecture Aficionados

The Ellerslie Building is a must-see for anyone interested in historical architecture, particularly colonial-era designs. Its construction using local stone and lime mortar is a prime example of durable and aesthetically pleasing building techniques from over a century ago. The building's substantial size, spread across multiple floors and numerous rooms, showcases the functional yet grand design principles of the time. Reddit

Take the time to observe the exterior details, the stonework, and the overall structural integrity. It represents a significant piece of Shimla's architectural heritage, offering insights into the construction methods and design philosophies that shaped the region's built environment. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Century of Administration: The History of Ellerslie

The Ellerslie Building in Shimla is more than just an administrative center; it's a living piece of history. Its story began over a century ago when Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott envisioned and designed the structure. The permission for its construction was granted on June 28, 1899, by Major W.P. Larson, then Secretary of the Municipal Committee, marking the beginning of a new era for government offices in the region. The building was erected on the site of an older structure that had housed the Military Department of the Punjab Government until 1886. This transition signifies the evolving administrative needs and the architectural development of Shimla. Reddit

The construction itself was a feat of local engineering, utilizing stone quarried from Sanjauli and Barnes Court (now Raj Bhawan). The use of lime mortar for cementing the stones and bricks highlights the traditional building techniques prevalent at the time, contributing to the structure's durability and aesthetic appeal. The Himachal Pradesh Secretariat officially occupied the building during the summers of 1967, solidifying its role as a key administrative hub. The building's historical weight was further amplified in July 1972 when the 'Summit Hall' was prepared for the initial summit meeting for the Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan, a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. Reddit

Today, the Ellerslie Building stands as a testament to its past, housing a sub-basement, basement, and three floors with approximately 143 rooms and 31 toilets, covering a substantial area of about 8663 square meters. It continues to be a significant landmark, embodying the architectural heritage and administrative legacy of Himachal Pradesh. While it remains an active government office, its historical narrative and architectural integrity make it a point of interest for those keen on understanding the region's past. Reddit

Architectural Marvels: The Construction of Ellerslie

The Ellerslie Building is a remarkable example of early 20th-century architectural resilience, primarily characterized by its robust construction using local stone and lime mortar. The stones were sourced from nearby Sanjauli and Barnes Court, ensuring a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. The meticulous application of lime mortar not only binds the stonework but also speaks to the sustainable and durable building practices of the era. This traditional method of construction has allowed the building to withstand the test of time and the elements, preserving its structural integrity for over a century. Reddit

The building's design, attributed to Lt. Col. H.E.S. Abbott, likely incorporates elements of colonial architecture prevalent during the British Raj. Its layout, featuring a sub-basement, basement, and three floors, was designed to accommodate the extensive administrative functions of the Punjab Secretariat and later the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat. The sheer scale, covering approximately 8663 square meters, indicates its importance as a central administrative complex. The inclusion of 143 rooms and 31 toilets further underscores the functional design intended for a large government workforce. Reddit

While the primary focus is on its historical and administrative role, the architectural details of the Ellerslie Building are worth appreciating. The sturdy stone facade, the proportions of the windows, and the overall massing of the structure contribute to its dignified and imposing presence. It stands as a tangible link to Shimla's past as a summer capital and a center of governance, offering a glimpse into the architectural styles that shaped the hill station's landscape. Reddit

You may also like