Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the president of India, who is the highest-ranking individual in the country. Situated at the western end of the Rajpath in New Delhi, this grand building was initially designed to serve as the residence for the British Viceroy.

The architectural plan was created by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The building takes the form of an “H” and contains 340 rooms in its main structure, spread over 5 acres of land on a 330-acre estate. This vast area encompasses not only the President’s official residence but also offices, guest accommodations, and reception halls.

The complex also boasts expansive presidential gardens, including the renowned Mughal Garden. In addition, there are open spaces and residences for staff members. The construction was finished in 1929. On January 26, 1950, the building was officially named Rashtrapati Bhavan when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.

The President’s House is divided into three circuits, and authorized visitors can explore specific areas during designated time slots throughout the day.

Circuit Number 1:  This circuit covers the main building and its central lawn, along with the forecourt and important rooms. Notable spaces open to visitors include the Banquet Hall, Ashok Hall, Durbar Hall, North Drawing Room, Library, Navachar, and Long Drawing Room. This part of Rashtrapati Bhavan is accessible on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Circuit Number 2: This circuit comprises the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, which consists of three distinct buildings – The Stables, The Garages, and the Clock Tower. The museum displays priceless artifacts that represent culture, art, heritage, and history. This part of Rashtrapati Bhavan is open every day except Monday.

Circuit Number 3: This part of the President’s residence encompasses the Mughal and other gardens. Additionally, there are attractions like the herbal garden, musical garden, and spiritual garden to captivate visitors. This portion of Rashtrapati Bhavan welcomes visitors from August to March, specifically from Thursdays to Sundays.

Entry Fee

• Visitors individually or in a Group of less than 30 persons will be charged – 50 per Circuit.
• Visitors in a Group of 30 persons will be charged – 1200 per visit.
• Visitors in a Group of more than 30 persons will be charged – 1200 + 50 per additional visitor.
• Visitors below the age of 8 years will be exempt from the payment of registration charges.

Timings

Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi is open to public from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and on Gazetted Holidays.

Change of Guard Ceremony

The Change of Guard Ceremony is a military tradition that has been enhanced over time to make it visually appealing for the public. This ceremony takes place on Saturdays and Sundays at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing the skill and valor of the President’s bodyguard personnel, who are skilled paratroopers and tankmen.

Timings for the Ceremonial Changing of Guard

‘Change of Guard’ Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan every Saturday.

‘Timings for the Ceremonial Changing of Guard is as follows:

8:00 AM to 8:40 AM – 15th March to 14th August.
9:00 AM to 9:40 AM – 15th August to 14th November
10:00 AM to 10:40 AM – 15th November to 14th March

The Change of guard Ceremony may be cancelled if the parade-area is rendered unusable due to inclement weather.

Address 

Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate, New Delhi, Delhi, 110004, India

Instructions for Visit

1. A request for visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan can be made by On-line Booking system through a link on the website ‘presidentofindia.nic.in’.

2. The visiting days of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal Gardens are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Rashtrapati Bhavan is not open for visitors from Monday to Thursday and on Govt. Gazetted holidays.

3. Timings of visit are from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

4. Entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan for visit is through Gate No.2 (Rajpath) and Gate No.37 (via Dalhousie Road) of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

5. Indian Citizens are required to carry valid photo ID cards. In case of foreigners, they should make their request for visit along with photocopies of their passport. On the day of visit, they are required to carry their original passport for identification.

6. Registration charges of Rs. 25/- per visitor.  The registration charges are payable online and will be non-refundable and non-transferable.

7. Online booking is subject to confirmation through email / sms.

8. For security reasons, President’s Secretariat reserves the right to approve / regret the permission to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.

9. The permission to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal Gardens is subject to cancellation, if circumstances render it necessary.

10. Entry to Presidents Hose for visit is through,

• Gate Number 2 (Rajpath)
• Gate Number 37 (Dalhousie Road – Hukmi Mai Marg)
• Gate Number 38 (Church Road Brassy Avenue)

11. For any query and assistance related to visit, please contact the Visitors’ Management
Tel No: 011 – 23013287, 23015321.

How to Reach Rashtrapati Bhavan 

1. By Air: Delhi Airport – 13km
2. By Train: Krishi Bhavan Station – 638-meter, Central Secretariat Metro Station – 436- meter.
3. By Road: Krishi Bhavan bus stand – 6-minute walk

Places to Visit Near Rashtrapati Bhavan

• India Gate – 2.9 km
• National Museum, New Delhi – 1.8 km
• Jantar Mantar – 3.2 km
• Jama Masjid – 7.3 km
• Red Fort – 7.4 km
• Humayun’s Tomb – 5.7 km