Rashtrapati Bhavan

Built In 1931
Built By Edwin Lutyens


The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India around which the Modern Delhi or New Delhi is centred. Tucked away on the Raisina Hills, this erstwhile residence of the Viceroy of India, is now the official home of the ruling President of India. Every Saturday morning, guards march before the iron grille gates. While the apartments are private, the gardens are open to the public every year during the Spring season.

Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India or the Viceroy of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1950 after India became a republic. History has it that Lutyens designed the surrounding Moghul Gardens at the request of Lady Harding who was captivated by the Mughal gardens of Kashmir.And, the rest is history with Lutyens recreating the magic with all the decorative fountains, waterfalls, paved pathways, ornamental plants, fruit-bearing trees, flowers and shrubs.
This majestic cream and red sandstone building covers an area of 4.5 acres of land and houses 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and arcades, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. This stunning blend of Western and Indian architectural styles, is supposedly larger than the Versailles. The most splendid room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the main dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are held here. The interior is equally enchanting adorned with intricate paintings. The beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens lies to the west, recreated after the terraced gardens the Mughals built in Kashmir. The garden is famous as the 'Butterfly Garden' because of the legions of butterflies who frequent the garden always. This landmark colonial structure can give competition to the India Gate when it comes to height. This stretch to the India Gate is called the Rajpath where the Republic Day parade is held.

Durbar Hal

Rashtrapati bhavan, an important stop for local sight seeing as the historic monument, as this is the official residence of the president of India. The wonderful construction is not only the main attraction but the history that it bears is also the magnetism that attracts tourists from every corner of the world.

Durbar Hall is also known as the throne room. All the official functions take place in this durbar hall. The wonderfully curved dome under which the hall is situated. The pillars and their designs were designed by Lutyens and the stone bells and other carvings make the bhavan more precious and worth watching. It is believed that the silent bell rings when a dynasty comes to an end but the bell never rang when a dynasty ended after a successful rule of sixteen years. So the bell is named as the silent bell.

Indiaprofile offers local tours in Delhi .To book a tour or for more information present your queries in the form below.

Address: Rashtrapati bhavan is located on Raisina Hill, a mile away from Connaught Place at the western end of the Rajpath.
Timings: according to the permission.
Admission Fee: prior permission is required.
How to reach: the local busses, autos will take you to Connaught place. The metro rail is the best way to reach the place.
The nearest metro station: Central Secretariat
Nearest railway station: New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport