Rashtrapati Bhavan

Presidential Palace showing a castle and a pond
This vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world.

The Indian Presidential House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) in New Delhi is one of the world’s largest residential head-of-state houses. The building is 19,000 square metres (200,000 square feet) in size, with four floors and 340 rooms, and sits on 130 hectares (320 acres) in the city centre. The architectural style mixes Mughal and European traditions in an intriguing fashion.

The palace was initially built to house the British Viceroy in India and was designed by a British architect. The building was intended to symbolise the permanence of British rule in the East. In 1950, following independence, the first president of India took up residence there and the palace was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The whole palace has representations of Indian architectural patterns running through it. They include Buddhist railings and chhajjas, which are stone slabs below the roof that protect the walls and windows.

As you walk in, take a look at the dome on top of the building. The dome is a prominent feature of the palace and is visible from a distance.

The expansive Mughal Gardens, designed according to both English and Mughal landscaping styles, are located on the west side of the palace. The colourful and carefully landscaped gardens are filled with flowers, bonsai trees, shrubs, decorative fountains and exotic roses.

Choose between two guided routes to take you through Rashtrapati Bhavan. The first covers the main rooms of the building itself, including the Children’s Gallery, the library, Marble Hall and the banquet hall. The second includes all of those places as well as the Mughal Gardens. Guides are provided for all visitors, and entry is free.

Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens are open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You need to book before arrival and carry your passport for identification. Bookings can be made online, by email or on the phone.

The palace is a 15-minute drive from central New Delhi. A bus from Super Bazaar, in the city centre, takes 30 minutes to reach South Avenue, which is just a few minutes’ walk away from the palace.

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Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is surrounded by exciting neighborhoods that offer a range of experiences for every tourist. From cultural attractions to historical monuments and shopping destinations, there is something for everyone.

  • Chanakyapuri: This area is known for its rich culture and is home to temples, gardens, architecture, and historical monuments. It is located just 2.46 km away from Rashtrapati Bhavan, making it easily accessible for tourists.
  • Connaught Place: With its vibrant atmosphere, Connaught Place is a popular destination. It offers a mix of culture, temples, gardens, architecture, historical monuments, shopping options, and art museums. It is located just 2.5 km away from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Paharganj: This area is known for its cultural heritage and offers a variety of experiences. From temples and gardens to architecture, historical monuments, shopping options, and art museums, Paharganj has it all. It is located 3.33 km away from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Exploring these neighborhoods will provide you with a glimpse of the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Delhi, enhancing your holiday experience.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is a hub of culture, temples, gardens, architecture, historical monuments, shopping, archaeology, art, and museums, offering a diverse and enriching experience.

  • Cathedral Church Of The Redemption: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical ambiance of this cathedral, surrounded by beautiful gardens and architectural marvels.
  • Mughal Gardens: Indulge in the serene beauty of these private gardens, adorned with exquisite temples, monuments, and vibrant floral displays.
  • Secretariat Building: Explore the captivating history and architecture of this iconic government building, showcasing a blend of cultural heritage and modern governance.

New Delhi boasts a year-around average temperature of 25.0°C, peaking at 33.3°C in June, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 14.3°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 65.1mm annually, with August seeing the heaviest showers and April, November being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January14.319.8
February16.914.7
March22.416.0
April27.90.0
May32.717.0
June33.363.0
July31.3234.7
August30.0248.2
September28.9125.5
October26.235.3
November20.40.0
December15.97.6

✅ Top reasons to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan

  • Stunning Architecture: Rashtrapati Bhavan showcases stunning architecture that is a cultural and historical gem, attracting tourists from all over the world.
  • Beautiful Gardens: The Bhavan is surrounded by beautiful gardens, such as the Mughal Gardens, which offer serene beauty with vibrant floral displays and exquisite temples.
  • Rich History: Rashtrapati Bhavan is steeped in rich history, offering a glimpse into India's vibrant past through its museums and art collections.
  • Nearby Temples: Visitors seeking spiritual solace can explore the ancient temples of Chhattarpur, located near Rashtrapati Bhavan.
  • Immersive Experience: Rashtrapati Bhavan and its surroundings provide a truly immersive and captivating experience, with bustling markets, archaeological wonders, and nearby destinations like Rajasthan with its majestic palaces and forts.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationNew Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
Official Residence ofThe President of India
Architectural StyleEdwardian, Indo-Saracenic Revival
Construction Period1912-1929
Size330 acres
Visiting HoursEvery Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry FeeIndian Nationals: INR 50, Foreign Nationals: INR 500
HighlightsMughal Gardens, Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, Change of Guard Ceremony
RestrictionsNo photography inside the main building, no bags allowed
Nearby AttractionsIndia Gate, Parliament House, National Museum, Lodhi Gardens

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