Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most important landmarks of India and a must-visit place in New Delhi. It is not just the official residence of the President of India but also a grand symbol of the country’s history, architecture, and democracy. Visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan gives you a rare chance to step inside one of the largest presidential residences in the world and understand India’s journey from colonial rule to independence.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is situated near Rajpath, now known as Kartavya Path, and was earlier called the Viceroy’s House during British rule. It was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and built between 1911 and 1929. Spread over an area of about 321 acres, the building has around 340 rooms and a floor area of nearly 2,00,000 square feet, making it one of the largest presidential residences in the world.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Timings

1. Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to visitors only through pre-booked guided circuits. 
2. General Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Entry Fees

1. ₹50 per person per circuit
2. ₹1200 per person (group of exactly 30 people)
3. Children below 8 years: Free entry

Each circuit requires a separate ticket.

Circuits and Visiting Days

Visitors can explore Rashtrapati Bhavan through three different circuits:

1. Circuit 1: Main Building and Central Lawn

Open: Thursday to Sunday
Includes major halls and official areas

1. Circuit 2: Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC)

Open all days except Monday

1. Circuit 3: Gardens (Mughal Gardens)

Open: Thursday to Sunday
Seasonal access from August to March

Note: All circuits remain closed on gazetted holidays.

Change of Guard Ceremony

The Change of Guard ceremony is a popular attraction and showcases the discipline and tradition of the Indian Armed Forces.

1. Days: Saturday and Sunday 

Timings:

1. 15 March to 14 November

Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM
Sunday: 5:30 PM to 6:10 PM

1. 15 November to 14 March

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM
Sunday: 4:30 PM to 5:10 PM

Separate online booking is required for this ceremony.

What to See Inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan Complex

Circuit 1: Main Building & Central Lawn 

1. Forecourt
2. Central Lawn
3. Central Dome
4. Durbar Hall
5. Banquet Hall
6. Ashok Hall
7. North Drawing Room 
8. Long Drawing Room
9. Library
10. Iron Gate
11. Jaipur Column
12. Tuscan Pillars

Circuit 2: Museum Complex

1. Clock Tower
2. Old Stables
3. Garages

Circuit 3: Gardens

1. Mughal Gardens
2. Herbal Garden
3. Musical Garden
4. Spiritual Garden

Lesser-Known Facts About Rashtrapati Bhavan

1. The Jaipur Column in the forecourt is 145 feet tall and was gifted by the Maharaja of Jaipur.
2. The front of Rashtrapati Bhavan has no windows.
3. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari chose to stay in the guest wing due to his simple lifestyle.
4. Roses in the Mughal Gardens are named after famous Indian and international personalities.
5.  The rare 1000-armed Buddha statue inside the complex was gifted by Vietnam.

Attractions Near Rashtrapati Bhavan

1. Mughal Garden
2. Nehru Planetarium
3. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
4. Qutub Minar
5. Lotus Temple
6. India Gate
7. Humayun’s Tomb
8. Jama Masjid
9. Red Fort