Wildflower Hall Shimla

Anyone who was anyone in the Raj had a country house in Mashobra, India, elevation 8,250 feet. As well-placed officials of the period have drolly described it, the mountain outpost offered an escape from the “slightly trying gaiety” and “despotism of despatch boxes” in Shimla, the summer seat of the government eight miles away.

Picture clicked by my niece Ruchi Pathak on her visit

History

Going back in time, this fascinating resort is wrapped in the history of Shimla for more than a hundred years. It was for many years the property of Mr. G H M Batten, C S who officiated as the one time Private Secretary of the Earl of Lytton.

It was also the favourite retreat of Lord Ripon. Later, it also served as a charming country villa of Lord and Lady Dufferin.

At one time, the Shimla Royal House at nearby Koti housed the residences of three of the most powerful men of the British Raj — the viceroy, the governor general and the commander-in-chief.

An ego clash between India’s Viceroy Lord Curzon and Commander-in-Chief Lord Kitchener in 1903, prompted Kitchener to build a residence at Shimla rivalling that of the viceroy. And so Wildflower Hall was built 1,500 feet higher than the Viceregal Lodge.

Viceregal Lodge now Indian Institute of Advanced Studies

Ghost

The story goes that on frosty winter nights weary and solitary travellers may see the ghost of Lord Kitchner in and around the woods of Wildflower Hall.

Immediately after he left India, the Goldstein family sold Wildflower Hall to Mrs. Hotz who converted it into a hotel.

Fire

Some years ago Kitchner’s residence was reduced to ashes, allegedly due to the negligence of the HPTDC staff who ran a hotel here. Some say the devastating fire may have given peace to the soul of Kitchner, while others feel it could have caused even greater anguish to it.

The place had became a popular residence for visitors and weekend resort for the Shimla public. Before the formation of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in 1972, the Wildflower Hall was being run as a hotel by the Department of Tourism. In 1972, the property, along with several others, was transferred to the HPTDC. Unfortunately, the building was gutted in a devastating fire in the year 1993.

The Oberoi Group

The Oberoi group took over and began construction the year 1995 and a majestic new building was erected among the sylvan surroundings and sweet smelling pines.

The hotel is a perfect base from which to explore the fascinating Himalayas. Out door activities include trekking, mountain biking, picnics, nature walks and riding. The building occupies only five percent of the twenty-two acres of property, allowing guests ample space for privacy and tranquility.