Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi – The House of President Of India

Delhi is the political center of India and the residence of the most significant people of India. Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi is the official residence place of the Honorable President of India. A splendid example of architecture, this huge palace itself shows the superiority of art and artistry. This magnificent mansion is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Delhi due to its Rich Architecture and sprawling gardens all around. In this article, we will know more about the Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi, such as its history, architecture, the best time to visit, attractions, interesting facts, timings, entry fees, and more.

About Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi

Rashtrapati Bhavan of Delhi is the most glorious presidential palace (formerly known as the Viceroy’s House) situated at the western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. It is the official residence place of the president of the world’s largest democracy and one of the powerful countries in the world. Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the symbol of India’s secular culture and traditional values. It is also the symbol of India’s strength which is standing gracefully. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first president of India, took this grand palace as his residence in the year 1950 after assuming President’s office.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is so huge and grand that its grandeur is praised all over the world. It is the place where many important ceremonies and official functions of the nation are held. After the Independence, Rashtrapati Bhawan has hosted many official ceremonies on this very ground in which oath-taking ceremonies of the elected government persons, honoring ceremonies to the Bravehearts and Achievers, Defense Investiture Ceremonies, Speeches of Great Leaders, Signing Pacts and treaties between India and other countries, and other functions like Independence Day and Republic day are included.

Initially, It was built as a home to the former Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin, and subsequently to other Viceroys of India till Lord Mountbatten, and the first Governor-General of independent India in 1947. The splendor of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi can be seen in its architectural beauty and amazing design. This presidential estate is spread across 320 acres which include sprawling Mughal Garden(Famous Park in Delhi) , the residence of bodyguards and staff, other offices, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, the stables, and other utilities are included.

This magnificent presidential palace has 340 rooms spread over four floors, 2.5 kilometers of corridors, and a huge 190 acres of garden area. The Rashtrapati Bhavan of India is the largest in terms of ​​residence place of the head person of any state in the world.  

The Amazing Facts of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi

1. The Rashtrapati Bhavan of India is one of the largest and grand compared to the house of any head of the world. With the vast area complex, It is the second-largest residence after the Quirinal Palace in Rome, Italy.
2. The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi was started in 1912 as a residence of a viceroy of India, and almost 29,000 laborers were engaged in its construction. The plan was to build this palace within 4 years, but it took almost 17 years to complete the entire construction due to the First World War. This project concluded in 1929.
3. The Presidential house of India consists of 340 rooms spread over 4 floors, in which the office of the president, the residence of bodyguards, various guest suites, and staff quarters are included.
4. The total number of Staff in the Rashtrapati Bhavan of India is 750, out of which 245 people team is working in the President’s Secretariat.
5. Being built on Raisina Hill, this building is also known as Raisina Hills. It is said that before the construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raisina and Malcha named villages were settled here, but to construct this mansion, both villages were relocated from this land.
6. The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi was decided when the capital of India relocated from Calcutta to Delhi.
7. The Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi opens for visitors between February to March during Udyanotsav.
8. Behind the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the statue of Gautama Buddha, associated with the golden age of art and culture during the Gupta period around the fourth-fifth century, is placed, and the height of the place where the statue of Gautam Buddha is placed is equal to that of India Gate.
9. This Grand Palace is constructed without a single use of any metal, which makes its architecture very unique.
10. In the Museum of Rashtrapati Bhavan, George V’s silver Chair is placed, which weighs 640 kg, has been kept on which he was sitting in the Darbar Hall in 1911.

Things To See Inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan Visit gives you an amazing experience of the great history of India, and also witness the amazing architectural style of a different culture. There are lots of things to see inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi, and you will definitely get in love with this place.

• The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum houses an antique presidential buggy and an old Mercedes car which the King of Jordan gifted to Rajiv Gandhi.
• You can visit the President’s gift collection given by various foreign representatives and rulers of different places worldwide.
• Get a glimpse of the lifestyle of past presidents of India, from their personal items to their official things.
• Get mesmerized by the beauty of the Mughal Garden spread across 13 acres, where various kinds of flowers welcome you with their beauty. Here you can see different kinds of roses, tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, and many other seasonal flowers.
• Experience the grandeur of Darbar Hall, Ashoka Hall, Marble Hall, North Drawing Room, and Nalanda Suite. These halls are so much adorned that one easily gets mesmerized by the beauty of these places. The Durbar Hall is a witness to the historical moment of the swearing-in of the first government of independent India!
• Here is an interesting section of the different gardens in which the musical garden section, Biofuel Park, Spiritual and Nutrition garden, Tactile Garden are included.
• You can watch the 3D hologram video of India’s great leader, which makes you feel as if you are living the moments of that time in reality, isn’t it interesting?

How To Reach Rashtrapati Bhavan of Delhi

The Rashtrapati Bhavan of India is located in Delhi, due to which it is effortless to reach here. The city of Delhi is well connected to every state of India via railways, airports, and roads. So, according to your convenience, you can choose any mode of transport to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan.

By Air:- The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is well connected to all major cities within and outside the country via domestic and international flights. The distance between Indira Gandhi International Airport to Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi is about 10 km, and you can reach Rashtrapati Bhavan by bus, metro, and local means of transport from the airport.

By Train:- Delhi railway’s connectivity is very good with all the major cities. The four main railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi, Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Sarai Rohilla. You can choose any one of them at your convenience.

By Road:– Delhi is well connected with the major states of the country through roads. Delhi has three major bus stands at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus, and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus, including Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT). You can also choose the metro to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. The nearest Metro station to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan is Central Secretariat on the yellow line, 3 min away. You can also choose Rickshaws, taxis, local bus, to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Places To Visit Near Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan of Delhi is such a place around which you will find many places to visit. It is surrounded by many amazing tourist destinations where people can enjoy and make their Delhi tour more exciting and memorable. Let’s know more about the places to visit near Rashtrapati Bhavan.

India Gate:- 42-meter high this building located in the center of Delhi is a symbol of India’s pride and sacrifice. The names of more than 70,000 Indian soldiers are carved on the walls of India Gate who lost their lives in World War I. This monument is very famous for its unique architecture which makes it one of the best places to visit in Delhi. Every day thousands of people come to see it and take photographs here and enjoy boating and ice cream. The nearby gardens of India Gate are very beautiful. Amar Jawan Jyoti is the prime attraction here.

Parliament Of India:- Another must-visit place near Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi. The Parliament of India is also one of the most significant places in India. This beautiful building is also constructed with an amazing architectural style. It is open for visitors from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on the days the parliament is not in working mode. The Parliament of India museum houses some ‘Democratic Heritage of India which are allowed to see all days of the week except Sunday and Monday. It is located a few 3 mins away from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Jantar Mantar:- Jantar Mantar in Delhi is one of the four most beautiful historical heritage sites of India. It was an observatory that is used to prepare an astronomical table and to calculate the time, speed, and direction of the sun, moon, and other planets. It was a great invention of that time and now it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi near Rashtrapati Bhavan. This 18th-century observatory is still in a good condition having 13 architectural astronomy instruments inside it, which is the major attraction of this place.

Agrasen Ki Baoli:- Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi is the historical stepwell located on Hailey Road near Connaught place in Delhi. This stepwell is a 60 meters long and 15 meters wide rectangular shape structure that was used as a water reservoir in early times. Agrasen ki Baoli is very popular in Delhi as it is counted as one of the most haunted places in Delhi. It is the main reason people are curious about this place, and hundreds of visitors come to explore this place on a daily basis. If you want some excitement then you should visit this place.

The Interesting History of Rashtrapati Bhavan

It started in 1911; after the decision to relocate the Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi, it was decided to build a new residence for the head of state in New Delhi. Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, a British Architect, was given the responsibility to design a grand mansion to serve as the viceroy’s residence. To follow the decision, Around 4000 acres of land were allocated to construct this huge mansion. The Raisina and Malcha villages and their families, which were inhabited there during that time, were also shifted.

The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan was started in 1912 under Great British Architects Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his partner in the project, Herbert Baker. Both were the great architects of that time, and both were assigned to work on Viceroy’s House and the Secretariats. Lord Irwin, the then Governor-General and the Viceroy of India, laid the last stone of this building. He was the first person who occupied this newly built grand palace as his residence on 6th April 1929. Initially built as the house of the Viceroy of India and a symbol of Imperial Domination, it was called the Viceroy’s house.

Later in 1947, after getting independence from British rule, the name of this building was renowned as Government House. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the first Indian who became the resident of this Government House after becoming the first Indian Governor-General of Independent India. On 26th January 1950, when the first president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, took this mansion as his residence after assuming office; and this place was renamed the Rashtrapati Bhavan of India.

The Grand Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi

The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan of Delhi involves many years of hard work and amazing intricate artistry of the people. The creation of the Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi reflects the imagination and unmatched architectural skills of Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The Rashtrapati Bhavan of Delhi is a unique specimen of architecture, and it is a perfect blend of Mughal and European architectural styles.

Many types of ideas and architecture techniques from all over India have been used in the Presidential house of India to make it a masterpiece, such as its domes are inspired by India’s Sanchi Stupa, and glimpses of Indian culture and tradition can be seen in its design. This luxurious palace consists of 4 floors, with a total of 340 rooms, and it has spanned across a surface area of ​​200,000 square feet. According to the plan, the construction of the Viceroy’s House should have been completed within the stipulated time of 4 years, but due to the First World War, the construction got delayed.

However, after a long time of 17 years, In 1929, the construction of this huge building was completed with an estimated cost of 14 million Indian rupees. More than 29,000 laborers were engaged in the construction of this majestic Palace. 700 million bricks and 3 million cubic feet of stones have been used to build this building, and two different colored sandstones have been used in its construction. The most interesting part of its architecture is that not a single metal has been used to construct this building, which shows how intelligently this grand palace has been designed.

The Durbar Hall, Ashoka Hall, and Marble Hall Inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi reflect the brilliance of art. The Darbar hall is designed with colorful stones and beautiful colors. The Ashoka hall shows the great Persian style, which ceiling is designed with beautiful colors, and its floor is decorated with amazing woodwork. Inspired by the artistry of the Indian state, its windows, canopies, roofs enhance its beautiful aura. Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi is another prime attraction of this place.

This beautiful Garden is designed with a mixture of both Mughal and British Styles. This sprawling garden is spread on approx. 13 acres of areas, and it is 200 meters long and 175 meters wide. Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi has an amazing variety of seasonal flowers, and tourists always get amazed by the beauty of this garden. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Garden is one of the best places to see in Delhi. This Grand Palace is a masterpiece of great artistry, making it one of the best historical places to visit in Delhi.

The Best Time to Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan

The best time to Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan is from February to March. During these months the weather of Delhi remains cold and exciting. However, Delhi’s winter season is also very famous. During these months, many types of flowers bloom in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The exciting Udyanotsav is also held during these months. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Mughal Garden also opens for visitors from February to March months.

It is the only time when most of the gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan remain open for visitors. It is a vibrant blooming season in the gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan for late winter roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, dahlias, and others. So for better experince visit this place during this period of time.

The Timings of Rashtrapati Bhavan visit is divide into three segments for every circuit:-

• Circuit 1:- Tourists can explore the main building and central lawn in this part of the Palace. Darbar Hall, Ashoka Hall, North Drawing Room, Library, Banquet Hall are also here to grab your attractions. This Parts of Rashtrapati Bhavan is opened for tourists on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Circuit 2:- This segment of the Palace Has the famous Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex in which various historical things are displayed. Here you can also visit the Clock tower, the stables, and the Garage. This segment is open all days of the week except Monday.
• Circuit 3:- This part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan connects the famous Mughal Gardens and other gardens, including the Musical Garden, the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, etc. This section is open for visitors from August to March from Thursday to Sunday.

Important Information about Rashtrapati Bhavan

• Location:- The Rashtrapati Bhavan is located at the western end of the Rajpath in New Delhi.
• Entry Fees:- The entry fee to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan is INR-30 per person. If you enter with a group of 30 people, you have to pay a total amount of INR-1200 with a 20% discount. For a group of more than 30 people, the fee of  INR- 50 per person will be included in INR- 1200. There is no entry fee for children below 8 years of age.
• Visiting Hours:- The Timing to Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan is from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. But to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, first, you have to make an online booking for Rashtrapati Bhavan Tour. Without booking, no one is allowed to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Some Useful Tips To Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan

• The Rashtrapati Bhavan is open for visitors, but you have to make an online booking on its official website about 60 days in advance to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• There is no registration fee for children below 8 years of age
• Indian Citizens are required to carry their original identity proof along with them to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Other countries’ citizens must make a request online for a visit along with their passport photocopies and carry original documents with you on the day of visit.
• It is prohibited to carry mobile phones and cameras inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan because of security reasons.
• On gazetted holidays, all three circuits of the Rashtrapati Bhavan remain closed for the visitors.
• Visitors can purchase souvenirs from any of the three Curio Shops located at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

FAQ of Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi