Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi 

Rashtrapati Bhavan, built as the British Viceroy’s residence, is now home to the President of the world’s largest democracy. It is emblematic of Indian democracy and its secular, plural and inclusive traditions. Located in an area of 130 hectar, the building is the highlight of Lutyen’s New Delhi and was completed in 1929 with the palace having 340 rooms. The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which is the ceremonial hall for all official functions of the President of India. The “Changing of the Guard” ceremony can be viewed from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, (schedule can be referred from https://presidentofindia.gov.in) .

The Rashtrapati Bhawan also has an impressive garden called the Mughal Garden, which is open to the public twice a year, usually in February and March.

History of Rashtrapati Bhavan

The decision to build a new residence in New Delhi for the Viceroy came as a result of shifting the capital of the country from Calcutta to New Delhi. The designers, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed the complex in a splendid manner, giving it an expansive 330-hectare area and a prominent presence in the new capital. The construction began in 1911 and while the work was supposed to be completed in 4 years, the World War delayed the completion process by 15 years and it took 19 years to complete it. Lord Erwin was the first Viceroy to reside in this building. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India and occupied this building on 26 January 1950, and hence it was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan – the President's House.

Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan

India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan comprises of four floors and 340 rooms in total. The building covers the floor area of around 200,000 sq ft. The constructors of the building have used 1 billion bricks and 3,000,000 cu ft of stone with steel to construct this national pride of India.

The building was created during the time period of Edwardian Baroque. During his time, heavy classical motifs were used in the architecture to showcase imperial authority and power. One can witness a lot of such motifs in the President’s house in Delhi.

Lutyens, initially, was averse of the idea of incorporating local motifs in his design. He wanted the design to be more classical and European in style. However, after mutiny, there was stress that the building should be designed keeping in mind the local themes, making it more politically contextual. Left with little choice, Lutyens incorporated local Indo-Saracenic motifs in the design.

Tips For Visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan

• A request to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan can be made online at
• A request to witness the Change of Guard Ceremony can be made online at:
• Entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan for visit is through Gate No.2 (Rajpath); Gate No.37 (via Dalhousie Road-Hukmi Mai Marg); and Gate No.38 (via Church Road-Brassy Avenue) of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• All Indian visitors are required to carry a valid photo ID proof. Foreigners should make the request to visit along with photocopies of their passport. They must also carry their original passport for verification on the day of visit.

Visit Timings of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi is open to public from 9 AM to 4 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and on Gazetted Holidays

Timings for Change of Guard ceremony:

• On Saturday

15 November to 14 March : 1000 – 1040 hrs

15 March to 14 November : 0800 – 0840 hrs

• On Sunday

15 November to 14 March : 1630 – 1710 hrs

15 March to 14 November : 1730 – 1840 hrs

How to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan:

By Metro: The nearest metro station to Rashtrapati Bhavan is Central Secretariat station on the Yellow line. One can take an auto from the metro station to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan. These Metro lines stop near Rashtrapati Bhavan: VIOLET LINE, YELLOW LINE

By Bus: There is a regular Bus Service from DTC towards Rashtrapati Bhavan from all parts of the city. These Bus lines stop near Rashtrapati Bhavan: 100A, 604, 680, 720, 944, 980