Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the official residence of the President of India? If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Delhi, then you should definitely add Rashtrapati Bhavan to your itinerary. Rashtrapati Bhavan is not only a symbol of India’s democracy and sovereignty, but also a masterpiece of architecture and design that showcases the rich history and culture of the country.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Rashtrapati Bhavan, from its history and architecture to its attractions and visit details. Read on to find out why Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most historical places in Delhi and how you can explore it.
History of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan, which means “President’s House” in Hindi, is the official residence and workplace of the President of India. It is located at the western end of Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard that connects it to India Gate, another iconic landmark of Delhi. Rashtrapati Bhavan covers an area of 320 acres and consists of four floors and 340 rooms. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, statues, and other structures that add to its grandeur and elegance.
The history of Rashtrapati Bhavan dates back to the early 20th century, when India was under British rule. In 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, a grand assembly of Indian princes and nobles, King George V announced that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. This decision led to the planning and construction of a new city, known as New Delhi, which would serve as the seat of the British administration in India. The Viceroy’s House, as it was then called, was designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens as the centerpiece of the new city. Lutyens collaborated with Herbert Baker, another prominent architect, to create a magnificent building that would reflect the power and prestige of the British Empire.
The construction of Viceroy’s House began in 1912 and took almost 20 years to complete. It was inaugurated in 1931 by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India. The building was inspired by various architectural styles, such as Mughal, European, and Indian. It incorporated elements such as domes, columns, chhatris, jaalis, chajjas, and more. It also used materials such as red sandstone, marble, teak wood, and copper. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes and had a complex ventilation system that kept it cool in summer and warm in winter.
Viceroy’s House witnessed many important events and personalities during the British Raj. It was here that Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, hosted the meetings of the Partition Council that decided the fate of India and Pakistan in 1947. It was also here that Lord Mountbatten handed over the power to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on August 15, 1947.
After India’s independence, Viceroy’s House became the residence of the Governor-General of India until 1950, when India became a republic and adopted its constitution. The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, moved into Viceroy’s House in 1950 and renamed it as Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Since then, Rashtrapati Bhavan has been the home of 14 Presidents of India and has hosted many foreign dignitaries and leaders. It has also witnessed many ceremonies and celebrations that mark the milestones of India’s democracy and development.
Architecture and Design of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the world. It has a floor area of 200,000 square feet and a height of 145 feet. It has four wings: the main wing (where the President lives and works), the guest wing (where foreign guests are accommodated), the staff wing (where the staff members live), and the ceremonial wing (where official functions are held). The building has a rectangular shape with a large central dome that dominates its skyline.
The dome is one of the most striking features of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist monument in Madhya Pradesh, and has a diameter of 75 feet and a height of 60 feet. It is made of reinforced concrete and covered with copper sheets. It has four chhatris, or small domes, at its corners and a bronze statue of Buddha at its apex. The dome rests on a circular drum that has 24 columns and windows that allow natural light to enter the hall below.
The hall below the dome is known as the Durbar Hall, or the Throne Room. It is the most important and sacred room in Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is where the President takes the oath of office and addresses the nation on special occasions. It is also where the President confers the highest civilian and military honors to the citizens of India. The Durbar Hall has a circular shape and a high ceiling that is decorated with paintings and motifs. It has a marble platform in the center that supports a red sandstone throne that was used by the British monarchs and viceroys. The throne is flanked by two elephant statues that symbolize power and wisdom. The Durbar Hall also has four large paintings by the Indian artist Nandalal Bose that depict scenes from India’s history and culture.
Another remarkable room in Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Ashoka Hall, or the State Ballroom. It is located in the guest wing and is used for hosting banquets and receptions for foreign guests. The Ashoka Hall has a rectangular shape and a vaulted ceiling that is adorned with a stunning painting by the Persian artist Abdur Rahman Chughtai.
The painting depicts a scene from the life of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor who ruled over most of India in the 3rd century BC and embraced Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war. The painting covers an area of 2,000 square feet and has 60 panels that depict various aspects of Ashoka’s reign, such as his conquests, his conversion, his edicts, his dhamma, and his death. The Ashoka Hall also has a wooden floor that is inlaid with brass strips and a crystal chandelier that hangs from the center of the ceiling.
Other notable rooms in Rashtrapati Bhavan include the Banquet Hall, where formal dinners are held; the Library, where rare books and manuscripts are preserved; the Yellow Drawing Room, where informal meetings are conducted; the North Drawing Room, where musical concerts are performed; and the Long Drawing Room, where cultural events are organized.
Rashtrapati Bhavan also has a museum complex that consists of three buildings: the Clock Tower, the Stables, and the Garages. The museum complex displays various artifacts and memorabilia related to Rashtrapati Bhavan and its occupants, such as furniture, paintings, photographs, gifts, medals, uniforms, vehicles, and more. The museum complex also has an interactive section that allows visitors to experience Rashtrapati Bhavan through virtual reality and multimedia.
Mughal Gardens
Rashtrapati Bhavan is not only famous for its building but also for its gardens. The gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan are collectively known as the Mughal Gardens, as they are inspired by the Persian gardens that were built by the Mughal emperors in India. The Mughal Gardens cover an area of 15 acres and consist of four parts: the Main Garden, the Terrace Garden, the Long Garden, and the Circular Garden.
The Main Garden is located behind Rashtrapati Bhavan and is divided into four quarters by two cross-axial water channels that have fountains and pools. The Main Garden has a variety of flowers and plants that bloom in different seasons, such as roses, marigolds, dahlias, bougainvilleas, geraniums, jasmine, and more. The Main Garden also has some exotic plants that were brought from different parts of the world, such as cacti, bonsai, orchids, and more. The Main Garden also has some sculptures and statues that enhance its beauty and charm.
The Terrace Garden is located on a higher level than the Main Garden and is connected to it by steps. The Terrace Garden has a rectangular shape and has flower beds along its edges. The Terrace Garden also has some musical fountains that play tunes according to the time of day.
The Long Garden is located on one side of Rashtrapati Bhavan and runs parallel to it. The Long Garden has a linear shape and has rows of hedges that form a boundary wall. The Long Garden also has some fruit trees such as mangoes, guavas, papayas, and more.
The Circular Garden is located at the end of the Long Garden and has a circular shape. The Circular Garden has a sunken pool in its center that has lotus flowers and water lilies. The Circular Garden also has some herbaceous plants such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more.
The Mughal Gardens are open to the public every year during February-March when most of the flowers are in full bloom. This period is known as Udyanotsav, or Garden Festival, and attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire the beauty and fragrance of the gardens. The Mughal Gardens also host some special events and occasions such as cultural programs, yoga sessions, and more.
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How to Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan
If you want to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, you need to follow some steps and guidelines. Here is what you need to know:
Entry fee:
The entry fee for visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan is Rs. 50 per person for Indian citizens and Rs. 1200 per person for foreign nationals. The entry fee for visiting the museum complex is Rs. 25 per person for Indian citizens and Rs. 200 per person for foreign nationals. The entry fee for visiting the Mughal Gardens is free for all visitors.
Timings:
The timings for visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except on public holidays. The timings for visiting the museum complex are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on all days, except on Mondays and public holidays.
The timings for visiting the Mughal Gardens are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on all days during Udyanotsav, which usually lasts from February to March.
Facts: Some interesting facts about Rashtrapati Bhavan are:
1. It is the largest residence of any head of state in the world.
2. It has a total of 227 columns, 35 loggias, and 37 fountains.
3. It has a total of 19 state rooms, each with a different theme and decor.
4. It has a total of 31 lifts and 37 staircases.
5. It has a total of 1,000 lights that illuminate it at night.
6. It has a total of 418 clocks that are synchronized by a master clock.
7. It has a total of 2,500 staff members who work in various departments and sections.
How to book a visit:
To book a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, you need to register online on the official website or visit the reception office at Gate No. 2 of Rashtrapati Bhavan. You need to fill in your personal details, such as name, age, gender, nationality, identity proof, contact number, email address, and preferred date and time of visit. You also need to pay the entry fee online or offline.
You will receive a confirmation email or SMS with your booking reference number and QR code. You need to print or download your booking confirmation and carry it along with your original identity proof on the day of your visit. You need to report at the reception office at least half an hour before your scheduled time and scan your QR code at the entry gate.
You will be given an audio guide device that will provide you with information and commentary on the various parts and attractions of Rashtrapati Bhavan. You need to follow the instructions and directions of the staff members and security personnel during your visit. You need to return the audio guide device at the exit gate after your visit.
How to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan:
To reach Rashtrapati Bhavan by metro, you need to take the yellow line or the violet line and get off at Central Secretariat station. From there, you can walk for about 15 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan.
To reach Rashtrapati Bhavan by bus, you need to take any bus that goes to Rajpath or Raisina Road and get off at the nearest stop. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes or take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan. You can also take a taxi or a cab from any part of Delhi to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most historical places in Delhi that offers a glimpse into India’s past and present. It is a place where history meets art, culture meets architecture, and tradition meets modernity. It is a place where you can witness the glory and grace of India’s democracy and sovereignty. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and splendor of India’s heritage and culture. It is a place where you can experience the pride and joy of being an Indian.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new and interesting about Rashtrapati Bhavan. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.
If you have visited Rashtrapati Bhavan or other historical places in Delhi, please share your experiences and stories with us as well. We would love to hear from you.
And if you haven’t visited Rashtrapati Bhavan yet, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets or tours today and get ready to explore one of the most historical places in Delhi. Trust us, you won’t regret it. Rashtrapati Bhavan is waiting for you.
