Raj Bhawan

This stands in the quieter part of the city called Chhota Shimla, or Shimla Minor, and is the residence of the Governor of HP.
A perfect English country house, the building was formerly known as Barnes Court after Sir Edward Barnes, commander-in-chief in 1832-33.
This large rambling building with half-timbered gables has a Moorish ballroom and decorations by Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling. Lord Napier of Magdala, Sir Colin Campbell and Sir Hugh Rose all lived there.

Barnes Court was also the site of the historic Shimla Peace Accord (1972) between Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (of Pakistan) and the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. By this agreement both countries agreed to solve all disputes bilaterally (3rd July). Raj Bhawan merits a visit, though one needs special permission from the Governor’s Secretariat.