The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the palatial residence of the President of India. While visits to the Mughal Gardens during spring have been a tradition for many in Delhi, parts of the main building have sometimes also been opened to the public and can be visited after online registration. Guided tours inside the magnificent main building take the visitors through a series of galleries, including the Children’s Gallery, Marble Hall, Kitchen Museum, Long Drawing Room, North Drawing Room, Loggia and Banquet Hall, the Library and the Gift Gallery. During the course of the guided tour, you can expect to witness unparalleled grandeur and insights into history.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan occupies an elevated position in Delhi’s urbanscape, on top of the Raisina Hill. This location was chosen by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to construct the Viceroy’s House in the newly shifted capital city of Delhi during the British Rule. He has been quoted as saying that “Architecture, more than any other art, represents the intellectual progress of those that are in authority” and the dominating architectural style of the building exhibits his belief. After the end of the British Rule in India, the Viceroy’s House was transformed into the Rashtrapati Bhavan for independent India.
To plan your visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, do keep in mind the different days on which different parts of the complex are open. The Main Building and Central Lawn are open from Thursday to Sunday, whereas the Museum Complex and other peripheral areas are open from Tuesday to Sunday. The Mughal Gardens with a variety of flora are famous amongst Delhiites who make it a point to visit during the months of December to February, when the gardens are open from Thursday to Sunday. Depending on your interest, you may choose to spend anything from 2 hours to a full day in exploration.
Access to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is via the Rajpath road. It is advisable to travel by public transport to avert parking related issues. Rashtrapati Bhavan can be accessed by both the Yellow line and the Violet line of the Delhi Metro, which intersect at the Central Secretariat metro station nearby. The closest bus stands are Udyog Bhavan on the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, and Kendriya Terminal bus stand on Church Road which can be used for closer access to the Mughal Gardens and the Museum complex. Rashtrapati Bhavan is also very easily accessible using auto-rickshaws and app-based taxi services. While visiting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, you can also plan a visit to India Gate, possibly the most iconic structure in the city. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the National Gallery of Modern Art are also in the vicinity and are highly recommended places for those interested in Indian art. For food, the Andhra Bhavan is a much loved destination. It serves the traditional Andhra meal during lunchtime and is a popular haunt for foodies and locals alike. Connaught Place is not too far off either, for those looking to experience the world on their platter.