Prez in idyllic Shimla

After wrapping up her Jammu and Kashmir tour, President Pratibha Patil along with her family arrived in Shimla on Tuesday evening on a six-day tour of picturesque Himachal Pradesh.

Soon after her arrival, Patil accompanied by her husband and son left for the Retreat, the summer resort of the President on the outskirts of Shimla.

Governor V S Kokje, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Leader of the Opposition Vidya Stokes and senior officials received the President at the Kalyani helipad, official sources said.

After exchanging greetings, the President, on her first visit to the hill state after assuming office, left for the Retreat, some 12 kms from here.

During her six-day stay in Himachal, Patil will be accorded a civic reception, organised by the Shimla Municipal Corporation, at historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla on Wednesday.

The President will visit scenic Kullu-Manali for a day on May 29. She will return to Shimla the next day and leave for the national capital on June one.