- Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi offers tours of historic rooms like Ashok Mandap and Ganatantra Mandap
- Tickets cost Rs 50 and tours last 45 minutes; bookings are made at visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in
- The compound includes amenities like grocery stores and a movie hall, resembling a mini-city
When it comes to must-see places in Delhi, the list is longer than you can imagine. The Red Fort, the Qutub Minar and the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk are on every tourist itinerary, as are the Lodhi Gardens. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. From heritage monuments like Humayun's Tomb and India Gate to shopping destinations like Dilli Haat, there is something for everyone. Not just that, Delhi offers an unprecedented opportunity to walk in the same places where history is made. One of these is the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India.
Visitors can check out not just the famous Amrit Udyan of the Rashtrapati Bhavan but also the rooms where the president meets with dignitaries. Ashok Mandap, Ganatantra Mandap, and Damodar, earlier known as the Upper Loggia, are some of the rooms open to visitors. The entire compound is like a mini-city, as per an Instagram video by digital creator Sneha Tyagi, with grocery stores, a movie hall, and much more inside.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: How To Book Tickets
It's easy to book tickets for the visit. People can visit visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in to book their tickets. The price is Rs 50 per person. The tour lasts 45 minutes.
Timings: The main building is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM. The last entry is at 4 PM.
Note: No phones or bags are allowed inside. Security checks are conducted by the authorities.
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How To Reach Rashtrapati Bhavan
Entry is from Gate No. 38 of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The nearest Metro stations from Gate 38 are Central Secretariat (1 km) or Patel Chowk (2 km). Kendriya Terminal Bus Stop is the closest bus stop.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Major Attractions
The Rashtrapati Bhavan was conceptualised in 1911 during British colonial rule, following the British government's decision to shift the capital from Kolkata to Delhi. The H-shaped mansion is spread over 5 acres and comprises 340 rooms across four floors, with almost 2.5 kilometres of corridors. Designed by architect Edwin Lutyens, the building's unique architectural features, like the Sanchi stupa-influenced dome and intricate jali work, highlight traditional Indian design elements. The construction was started in 1912 and completed in 1929.
The main places to visit include the Ashok Mandap, which is used for the presentation of credentials by Heads of Missions of foreign countries. The centre of the ceiling has a leather painting of Fath Ali Shah, the second of Persia's Qajar rulers. When one sees the eyes of Fath Ali Shah in the painting from any corner of the Mandap, he appears to be looking at the viewer only.
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Another room to check out is the Brahmaputra Banquet Hall or the State Dining Room, with its beautiful display of zardozi panels above the wainscoting, crafted with silver and gold threads. The room contains life-size oil paintings of former Indian Presidents Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr Zakir Husain, V.V. Giri, and more.
The Tungabhadra (Long Drawing Room), Sarayu (North Drawing Room) and Ganatantra Mandap are other areas available for visitors. The Ganatantra Mandap was where the swearing-in ceremony of the Indian government after independence was held.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a monument steeped in history and beauty. For those interested in India's past, the place is a must-visit destination when in Delhi.
