President Pranab Mukherjee to go on 5-day retreat to Shimla

President Pranab Mukherjee will be away on a five-day sojourn from tomorrow in the quiet climes of the 'Retreat Building' surrounded with thick pine forests near Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kalyan Singh will host a cultural programme and banquet in honour of the President on June 12.

The President will host a reception for senior dignitaries of the state, ministers and officials on June 14.

Located on the hill top of Mashobra, the building was taken over during 1895 by the then Viceroy. The President visits 'The Retreat' at least once a year and the core office shifts to that place during his stay.

Located thousand feet higher than the Shimla Ridge Top, 'The Retreat' is located in a picturesque surrounding and the architectural pattern and the natural beauty of the place have made it a tourist attraction in Shimla. The redeeming feature of this building is that it is purely a wooden structure with 'dhajji' wall construction.