Rashtrapati Bhavan visiting time, entry fee, locations, nearest metro, parking details

About Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, located in the capital city of Delhi. It is a vast mansion with 340 rooms, covering an area of 200,000 square feet.

The building was designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and built in the early 20th century as the Viceroy’s House, the residence of the British Viceroy of India. After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, it was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan and became the official residence of the President of India.

The architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan is a blend of Western and Indian styles, incorporating elements of Mughal and European architecture. It has several grand halls and reception rooms, including the Durbar Hall, Ashoka Hall, and the banquet hall. The Mughal Gardens, situated within the complex, are one of the major attractions of Rashtrapati Bhavan and are open to the public during the spring season.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is not only a symbol of India’s political power but also a significant landmark of the city of Delhi. It is open to the public for guided tours on certain days of the week, offering visitors a glimpse of the impressive architecture and grandeur of the President’s residence.

Some interesting facts about Rashtrapati Bhavan

1. The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan started in 1912 and was completed in 1929, taking 17 years to build.
2. The building has four floors and a total of 340 rooms, including the President’s official residence, guest rooms, offices, and staff quarters.
3. The central dome of the building is 145 feet high, making it the tallest structure in New Delhi at the time of its construction.
4. The building has an area of 200,000 square feet and is surrounded by 330 acres of gardens and lawns.
5. The Mughal Gardens, located within the complex, are spread over 13 acres and feature a variety of flowers, plants, and trees.
6. The Durbar Hall, located on the first floor of Rashtrapati Bhavan, is the largest room in the building and is used for state ceremonies and official receptions.
7. The Ashoka Hall, located on the ground floor, is decorated with murals depicting the life of Emperor Ashoka and is used for important meetings and conferences.
8. The building is equipped with modern amenities such as elevators, air conditioning, and a central heating system.
9. The President’s Bodyguard, a cavalry regiment of the Indian Army, is responsible for providing ceremonial guards for Rashtrapati Bhavan.
10. Visitors can take a guided tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, subject to availability and prior booking.
11. Rashtrapati Bhavan has a unique mix of Indian and Western architectural styles. The building’s dome and pillars have been inspired by Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples, while its arches and columns have been inspired by ancient Roman architecture.
12. The building has been designed to keep the temperature inside cool even during hot Indian summers. It features thick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that allow for cross-ventilation.
13. The building has a massive water harvesting system, which collects rainwater from the roofs and channels it into underground tanks. This water is then used to irrigate the gardens and for other purposes.
14. The building houses a museum that displays various gifts and artifacts received by the President of India from foreign dignitaries.
15. The building also has a state-of-the-art kitchen that can cater to large-scale banquets and official receptions.
16. The building has a ceremonial court, which is used for various official ceremonies, including the swearing-in ceremony of the President and the presentation of credentials by foreign ambassadors.
17. The building has several sculptures and paintings that depict various Indian art forms, including Tanjore paintings, Madhubani paintings, and Pattachitra paintings.
18. The building has several secret passages and underground tunnels that were used by the British during their rule in India.
19. The building has a massive library that houses over 2 lakh books and manuscripts, including some rare and valuable works.
20. The building has been the venue for several historic events, including the swearing-in ceremony of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the signing of the historic Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan in 1972.

Rashtrapati Bhavan visiting time, entry fee, locations, nearest metro, parking details

Timing	9:30 am to 5:30 pm Circuit 1: Open on Thursday-Sunday Circuit 2: Open on all days except Monday Circuit 3: Open on Thursday-Sunday (November-March)
Entry Charges	There is a registration charge of Rs.50 and it can be paid online as well as it will be non-refundable and non-transferable
Location	Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004. Location on Google Map The Visitors Management Cell may be reached on: Telephone No. 011-2301 3287, 2301 531 Extn.4662. Fax No. 011-2301 5246 E-mail: vmc@rb.nic.in
Nearest Metro Station	Central Secretariat, New Delhi
Parking	For visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit No.1) the parking of only light vehicles is allowed inside Rashtrapati Bhavan i.e., Near Gate No. 37. All types of vehicles including heavy vehicles are allowed from Gate No.37. For the visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museums: Circuit No.2: Parking near Gate No.30 (Mother Teresa Crescent Road, Talkatora Stadium) is allowed.

FAQ

Please read carefully before you plan to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. There are different places to visit in Rashtrapati Bhavan, but that need some guidelines. Please follow the given instruction to make your visit comfort.