The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, has introduced a range of visitor-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experience for tourists visiting the historic campus.
Under the leadership of newly appointed Director Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, the Institute is working proactively to improve facilities and accessibility for its growing number of visitors. As part of these efforts, a new “Sunset View Café” has been inaugurated on campus. Designed as a scenic rest point, the café offers guests an inviting space to unwind while enjoying Shimla’s breathtaking evening views. The café also reflects the Institute’s ongoing commitment to blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
In another key step, the Institute has initiated the procurement of a battery-operated golf cart to ferry visitors from Gorkha Gate to the ticket booking counter. This facility will greatly benefit senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and families with young children, ensuring easier access across the heritage site.
Additional improvements under consideration include upgraded signage, enhanced rest and refreshment points, and improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. These upgrades form part of a broader plan to make the IIAS campus more comfortable, accessible, and memorable for every visitor.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Prof. Chaturvedi emphasized the dual identity of the Institute as both a premier academic hub and a cultural landmark.
“The Indian Institute of Advanced Study is not merely an academic centre, but a living symbol of India’s cultural consciousness and historical legacy. Our effort is to ensure that every visitor not only sees this heritage but truly experiences it,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Institute is also planning to launch an information centre, a digital guiding app, and implement eco-friendly practices to balance sustainable tourism with heritage preservation.
These initiatives signal a new phase for IIAS, where academic excellence and visitor engagement go hand in hand with a renewed focus on accessibility, hospitality, and environmental sensitivity.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
