Perched on the verdant slopes of Shimla, amidst pine and deodar forests, lies a regal estate frozen in time—Woodville Palace. Once the summer retreat of royalty and British dignitaries, today it remains a living testament to an era when aristocracy, colonial charm, and Himachali hospitality converged in the misty hills.

🏛️ A Palace with a View

Woodville Palace is not just a building—it is an atmosphere. Located in the heart of Chhota Shimla, the palace boasts sprawling lawns, vintage interiors, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. But more than its physical beauty, it’s the history etched in its walls that gives it soul.

📜 A Storied Past

Originally built in 1866 by a British military secretary to the Viceroy, the estate became a crucial part of Shimla’s colonial circuit. It passed through several hands before becoming the residence of the Raja Rana of Jubbal, one of the most prominent princely rulers of the Simla Hill States.

In 1938, the palace was rebuilt in Tudor architectural style—with wooden staircases, antique furniture, and mock-Tudor beams—by Raja Sir Bhagat Chand, the then ruler of Jubbal. His vision was to blend European sophistication with princely grandeur, and that vision continues to echo through the palace’s architecture and atmosphere.

👑 Royal Connections

The palace has long been the official residence of the royal family of Jubbal, who played a significant role in the socio-political landscape of Himachal Pradesh. The present custodian, Raja Rana Aditya Vikram Singh of Jubbal, has preserved the palace not just as a residence, but also as a heritage hotel—offering guests a taste of aristocratic life.

During the Raj, Woodville hosted a bevy of British Viceroys, generals, and elite diplomats. Post-independence, it became a retreat for film stars, politicians, and artists who sought respite in Shimla’s nostalgic embrace.

🏰 Inside Woodville: A Walk Through Time

  • Vintage Memorabilia: The palace is filled with rare photographs, hunting trophies, and personal belongings of past rulers.

  • Royal Dining Room: The old-world dining hall, with its long wooden table, candelabras, and portraits, evokes regal feasts.

  • Old Ballroom: Once the site of soirées and royal dances, it remains preserved in all its British-era glory.

  • Private Chapel: A unique feature is a small chapel on the grounds—reflecting colonial sensibilities mingled with local traditions.

🎥 Cinema & Celebrities

Woodville Palace has also made its presence felt in Indian cinema. Its vintage appeal and cinematic lighting have attracted filmmakers and actors. The likes of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Waheeda Rehman have reportedly visited or filmed in its vicinity.

In recent decades, it has served as a popular heritage hotel, where every room tells a story—many named after members of the Jubbal family or illustrious guests.

🌿 Preservation and Living Heritage

What makes Woodville special is that it is not a museum, but a living palace. It has embraced tourism while maintaining its royal essence. Unlike many heritage structures that crumble or convert into sterile resorts, Woodville Palace continues to host weddings, literary gatherings, and art evenings—just as it did during the Raj.

The royal family, particularly Rana Aditya Vikram Singh, has played a key role in conservation, ensuring that the palace remains both economically viable and historically authentic.

📌 Visiting Today

As a heritage hotel, Woodville Palace invites travelers to:

  • Stay in rooms adorned with period furniture

  • Enjoy tea in the manicured gardens

  • Dine under vintage chandeliers

  • Relive Shimla’s colonial past with modern comforts

It offers a unique experience—a blend of old-world charm and contemporary hospitality, where guests don’t just sleep in history, they live it.

✨ Conclusion: A Legacy in the Clouds

Woodville Palace is more than a grand building—it is the soul of aristocratic Shimla. It stands as a reminder of a layered history: of British governors, princely rulers, cinematic legends, and Himalayan quietude.

To stay at Woodville is to be embraced by timeless elegance, where every creaking floorboard and antique mirror reflects not just your face—but the face of a bygone world.