Name: Delhi
Rating: 4.4

Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi Overview

Located on the western end of the Rajpath in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It was originally built with the intent of serving as the Viceroy's House. With its 340 rooms in the main building covering 5 acres on an estate of 330 acres, it is one of the largest residences of any head of the state in the world. This majestic piece of architecture was conceptualized by renowned architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The construction saw completion in the year 1929 and now stands today as a magnificent symbol of all that India is. Its current inhabitant is President Ram Nath Kovind who assumed office in July 2017.

The premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan has been divided into three circuits and can be accessed by an authorised visitor at specific times slots over the day. The first one is the Main Building and Central Lawn, where you can spectate the architecture firsthand. The second circuit is the Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum complex, which has a number of buildings within its own perimeter. The third circuit comprises of the marvellous Mughal Gardens which is a paradise of elegant gardens and lush greenery. Visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan for a marvellous acquaintance with all that is splendid and awe-inspiring.

History of Rashtrapati Bhavan

The decision to build a new residence in New Delhi for the Viceroy came as a result of shifting the capital of the country from Calcutta to New Delhi. The designers, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed the complex in a splendid manner, giving it an expansive 330-hectare area and a prominent presence in the new capital. The construction began in 1911 and while the work was supposed to be completed in 4 years, the World War delayed the completion process by 15 years and it took 19 years to complete it. Lord Erwin was the first Viceroy to reside in this building. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India and occupied this building on 26 January 1950, and hence it was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan – the President's House.

Facts about Rashtraparti Bhawan

Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhawan

Undoubtedly, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is an imposing and admirable work of engineering. It consists of four floors with 340 rooms and the floor area spans over a massive 200,000 square feet. Lutyen's design was essentially classical with inspiration drawn from Indian architecture. A number of classical Indian motifs find an appearance in the architecture, ranging from imperial elephants to circular stone basins. The main building has a drawing room, ballroom, library, dining room and private apartments. The Durbar Hall, which is a major venue for all the ceremonies inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan has a dome that measures 22.8 meters in diameter and is marked with various coloured marbles. The Viceroy's throne is also present in the hall and is quite a spectacle to behold.

How to Reach

The nearest Metro Station is the Barakhamba Road Metro Station, which falls on the Blue Line. You can hire an autorickshaw or taxi from outside the station. Alternatively, you can reach Rashtrapati Bhavan by taking the DTC bus or taxi that runs regularly from every point in the city.

Itinerary

The circuits of Rashtrapati Bhavan are open only on certain days for the general public. Circuit 1 is the Main Building and gives you a thorough tour the Forecourt and the grandiose Banquet Hall, Ashok Hall, Durbar Hall, Library, North Drawing Room, Long Drawing Room and Navachara. The second circuit takes you to a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, where you can peek into some of the most exquisite artefacts relating to art, culture, heritage and history. The museum complex comprises of three different buildings- The Clock Tower, The Stables and The Garages. The third circuit takes you on an excursion into the endearing Mughal Gardens, which is a 130-hectare space dedicated to a lush garden space. In addition to the Mughal Garden, a tour of the picturesque Rectangular, Long and Circular Gardens, the Herbal Garden, Musical Garden and Spiritual Garden is also included. Here is a comprehensive guide to planning your excursion to this destination:-

1. You can make a request for a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan through a link on the website "http://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/rbtour". Online booking is confirmed through email /SMS.
2. You can plan your visiting days as under:
Circuit 1: Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Circuit 2: Open on all days except Monday.
Circuit 3: Open from August to March on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Timings for a visit are from 9 AM to 4 PM.
4. Entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan is through Gate No. 2, Gate No. 37, and Gate No. 38.
5. Indian Citizens are required to carry valid photo ID Cards. Foreign tourists need to submit photocopies of their passport and are required to carry their original passport for identification on the day of the visit.
5. President's Secretariat may approve/reject the permission to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan upon its discretion.
6. You can contact the Management Cell at:-
*Telephone: 011- 23013287, 23015321
*Fax No. 011- 23015246
*Email: [email protected]

Tips For Visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan

1. Prior online booking is mandatory for visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan.
2. You need to carry valid ID proof with you.
3. Don't forget to read the "Code of Conduct" on the official website of Rashtrapati Bhavan.