The Parliament House

Built In 1921

Built By Herbert Baker
Welcome to the Parliament House, the power-corridors of the largest democracy in the world, India. Also known as Sansad Bhawan, the Parliament House in Delhi is the hub of political activity of India. Tucked away in the heart of the city, it is to the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the Secretariat buildings at the end of Parliament Street. This beautiful circular structure is a landmark example of the British architectural marvel.
Designed by Herbert Baker, the Parliament House had its foundation stone laid by the Duke of Connaught on 12th February 1921. Inaugurated by Lady and Lord Irwin in 1927, the building was planned to house a domed central hall and three semi-circular structures, originally meant to accommodate the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Parliament House holds the pride-position in the history of democratic India, as the transfer of power took place in the midnight of 14th August 1947 in the central hall of this building.
Just one storey tall, the massive structure stands 75 feet high and measures 570 feet in diameter. This sitting house of the elected members of India covers the Chambers of the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament and the Parliament library, attached to each other by galleries. A verandah with 144 columns borders the three semi-circular chambers. The boundary wall has blocks of sandstone carved in geometrical patterns reminding of the elegance of the Mughal jalis. Lavish lawns, gardens, fountains and waterways all around the building, further heighten the grand and majestic appeal of this 'Temple of Democracy.'

The Parliament House is worth a visit when it is in session. The three sessions in a year are Summer, Monsoon and Winter. Don't miss the other attractions which lie just at a stone-throwing distance, like the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir.

Location: The Parliament House is located on the north-western side of Vijay Chowk, which is next to the Secretariat buildings at the end of Sansad Marg or the Parliament Street.
Admission Fee: Public entry into the Parliament House is free of cost but prior official permission is compulsory. For foreign citizens, entry permission has to be taken from their embassies or High Commissions.
Admission Timings: People can visit the Parliament House throughout the year, whether the sessions are going on or not.
How to reach: The tourists can avail local buses, hired auto rickshaws, taxis and metro rail to reach the Parliament House, located near Connaught Place, the heart of Delhi.
Nearest Rail Station: The nearest rail station is New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat is the near most metro station.
Nearby Markets: Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Janpath and Palika Bazaar are the nearby markets.