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Rothney Castle in Shimla

As Shimla was the summer capital for the Britishers, they constructed various buildings for the government departments, and for the residences of the government servants. Most of the government servants were allotted residences, which were dotted all over the Shimla. Today, also you can see those residences, where people are living today. One of the most distinguished people, who are also remembered today, is Mr. Hume. He had the greatest impact on the Indian History before independence and after the Indian Independence today. He was the founder of Indian National Congress; today’s Congress I.

The Rothney Castle in Shimla
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Rothney Castle was the name of his residence. He is also known as the Father of Indian Ornithology.

About Rothney Castle in Shimla

Rothney Castle has a big historic significance in Indian History. It was home to the A.O. Hume, the founder of the Indian National Congress, a party which eventually was responsible for the freedom of the country. During the 1857 the first war of Indian Independence, Mr. Hume was posted in Etawah as the government civil servant. After that he was moved to Shimla offices. He made his home at the Rothney Castle, which is located at the Jakhoo Hill. In addition to the government civil servant, he also was a political reformer and ornithologist.
 
Inside the Rothney Castle

This is one of the most visited monuments in Shimla which is spread over the 17.500 sq. meter area. The architecture of the place is one of the finest which the intricate glass and wooden work. When he acquired the place, he spent about 2 hundred thousand pounds on the renovation of the Rothney Castle. With his office work in Shimla, he also started the documentation of Indian Subcontinent Birds and acquired largest bird collection in Asia. He also started a museum which included the 82000 species of the birds. Most of those specimens now are in England. Today, he is also known as the father of Indian Ornithology.

Old Gate of Rothney Castle

 He employed the European Gardeners to renovate his gardens. He was also the host to many distinguished personalities of the day. He was interested in reforming the politics. He founded the Indian National Congress with some other people, to give Indian People a voice in 1885. The first meeting of the party was held in this place.

Wall of Rothney Castle

Today, the Castle looks like a garden and has not been maintained properly. You can see lots of trees, plants and flowers here. The old castle is visited by lot of birds. It is surrounded by the lush green surroundings. On 25 March, 2013, the Indian Post published the Stamp of Rothney Castle, Shimla as a tribute to A.O. Hume.

How to Reach Rothney Castle

Rothney Castle is near the Lakkar Bazar, on the road which leads to the Jakhoo Hill. It is located near the central part of the city. The visitors who are living in any part of the city can access the central part of the city very easily at any time. There are lot of transportation which are available in the city such as the private taxi, cab and the buses. Rothney Castle is just 1 km from the railway station. The Shimla airport is 22 km away.

Best Time to Visit Rothney Castle

Rothney Castle is open all throughout the year. But, the best time to visit this place is from March to the May. You can also visit the Rothney Castle from September to the November. You can make a visit when you are staying at the Shimla for your vacation. Presently, the castle in private hands, but you can speak with the caretaker and check the place.

Accommodation near Rothney Castle

You can make a choice from various hotels and resorts, which are dotted everywhere in the city. You can also stay as the house guest of the local people.

Contact Details of the Rothney Castle
Rothney Castle
Address:
Sheeshe Wali Kothi
Jakhoo Road
Lakkar Bazar
Shimla – 171001

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