Sight Address : Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, India – 110 004 Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Rashtrapati Bhavan is multi-dimensional. It is a vast mansion and its architecture is breathtaking. More than these, it has a hallowed existence in the annals of democracy for being the residence of the President of the largest democracy in the world. Few official residential premises of the Head of the State in the world will match the Rashtrapati Bhavan in terms of its size, vastness and its magnificence.The present day Rashtrapati Bhavan was the erstwhile residence of the British Viceroy. Its architect was Edwin Landseer Lutyens. The decision to build a residence in New Delhi for the British Viceroy was taken after it was decided in the Delhi Durbar of 1911 that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in the same year. It was constructed to affirm the permanence of British rule in India. This building gave the impression, in the words of a critique, the setting of a perpetual Durbar. The building and its surroundings were supposed to be ‘an empire in stone’, ‘exercising imperial sway’ and containing in it, “the abode of a disinterested elite whose rule was imposed from above”. That ’empire in stone’ and the perpetual Durbar was transformed to be the permanent institution of democracy on 26th January 1950 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India and occupied this building to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of India. It was from that day that this building was renamed as Rashtrapati Bhavan – the President’s House.Apart from Edwin Lutyens, the Chief architect and Chief Engineer Hugh Keeling there were many Indian contractors who were involved in the construction of this building. While a Muslim contractor Haroun-al-Rashid did most of the work of the main building the forecourt was built by Sujan Singh and his son Sobha Singh. Surprisingly the names of these Indians did not find a place in the official biography of Lutyens.
Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi
HistoryEdit
Rashtrapati Bhavan was officially inaugurated in the year 1931 and was constructed at a cost of 877,136 pounds (Rs. 12.8 million). The Rashtrapati Bhavan was built with a floor space of 200 000 square feet and has four floors and 340 rooms. There are over 54 bedrooms together with additional accommodation for guests in the President House. The entire building was constructed using 700 million bricks and three million cubic feet of stones. Interestingly, there were hardly any steel used to construct the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Another interesting fact about the Rashtrapati Bhavan is that the building, which was supposed to have completed in four years took a rather long time of over seventeen years to get completed and just after one year of its completion, India got its independence. The Rashtrapati Bhavan of India is perhaps one of the best known monuments of the country and one of the most significant achievements of Sir Lutyens. It is a magnum opus of symmetry, discipline, outline, colour and harmony. Lord Irwin was the first occupant of the Palace. The architecture of the House combines Mughal and Western architectural styles.Towards the west of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, lies the huge Mughal garden designed again by Sir Lutyens. This beautiful garden has flowers and shrubs, along with series of decorative fountains that make it all the more attractive. The Mughal Garden is home to countless lovely flowers including some species of exotic roses, which simply cheer up the ambience. The garden opens for public every spring during the months of February and March amidst tight security. Enter to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is banned without permission and the permits to visit the Bhawan can be obtained from the reception office on Raisina Road. The most appropriate time to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan is during February, so that you can also get a chance to see the colourful medley of flowers at the Mughal Gardens.
Must SeeEdit
Popular
Visiting TimeEdit
9:30 am-2:30 pm.The garden opens for public every spring during the months of February and March amidst tight security. Enter to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is banned without permission and the permits to visit the Bhawan can be obtained from the reception office on Raisina Road.The most appropriate time to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan is during February, so that you can also get a chance to see the colourful medley of flowers at the Mughal Gardens.
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October to March
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning,Afternoon (Entry restricted. Obtain prior permission)
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
N.A.
Ticket Required : Yes Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : The Rashtrapati Bhavan, charges for the tour will be Rs 25 per visitor per visit while visitors in a group of 30 persons will be charged Rs 600 per visit.
Kids Rs. : Children below the age of 12 years will be exempt from registration charges
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : N.A.
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
- Spice Market ; GF-18, D2, Southern Park, District Centre, Saket New Delhi, DL 110017 ; Ph/M – 099 58 453636 ; Food Serve – N.A.
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : This place is well connected by road the taxi service is available for this destination. Call 40406060 to get cab at any place and to anywhere in Delhi. Price will be – Indica Vista (New) 10.00 Rs/ km, Indigo cs /Swift Dezire (New) 12 Rs/Km, Tavera (New) 13 Rs / km, Xylo (New) 13 Rs / km, Innova (New) 13 Rs / km, XUV-500 (New) 16.00 Rs/km, BMW (New) 80.00 Rs/km, Audi (New) 90.00 Rs/km, Honda City (New) 30.00 Rs/km, Tempo Traveller (New) 17.00 Rs/km, Corola (New) 30.00 Rs/km Honda-crv (New) 40.0Rs/km, Mercedes (New) 90.00 Rs/km.
Bus : Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this sight, which is located in North Delhi.
Train : For foreigners, it’s easiest to make ticket bookings at the helpful International Tourist Bureau 23405156; 1st floor, New Delhi train station; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun). Do not believe anyone – including porters – who tells you it has shifted,closed or burnt down and don’t let anyone stop you from going to the 1st floor of the main building for bookings. When making reservations here, if you are paying in rupees you may have to provide back-up money exchange certificates (or ATM receipts), so take these with you just in case.
Air : International and domestic flights all leave from and arrive at the airport’s gleaming new Terminal. For flight inquiries, call the international airport (0124-3376000; www.newdelhi airport.in). At the new Terminal 3 there are 14‘nap & go’ rooms with wi-fi, a desk, TV and bed (₹315/hr). For comprehensive details of domestic air routes, see Excel’s Timetable of Air Services Within India (₹55), available at news stands When making reservations request the most direct (quickest) route. Note that airline prices fluctuate and website bookings with some carriers can be markedly cheaper.
Jagson Airlines (23721593 Vandana Bldg, 11 Tolstoy Marg)
Kingfisher Airlines (23730238; 42N-Block, Connaught Place).
Others : METRO The new high-speed metro line is the best way to get to/from the airport, and runs between New Delhi train station and Dwarka Sector 21, via Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan NH8 (Mahipalpur station) and Indira Gandhi International station (Terminal 3). Trains operate every 10 minutes from 5am to 1am. Cycle-rickshaws are still in use in parts of Old Delhi, though they have been banned in Chandni Chowk to reduce congestion. Let’s hope they’re not banned in other areas, as they’re the best way to get around Old Delhi – the drivers are wizards at weaving through the crowds. Tips are appreciated for this gruelling work.
Things to CarryEdit
Carry a bottle of drinking water.
Safety / WarningEdit
Keep daily cash in separate pockets.
HelplineEdit
Fire – 101
Ambulance – 102
Child Helpline – 1098
Women Helpline Number : 1091
Accident & Trauma Service – 1099
Police Control Room Number : 100
Tourist City Information Service – 1286
