Rashtrapati Bhavan
राष्ट्रपति भवन / कर्तव्य पथ
The former residence of the British viceroy of India, now the Presidential Palace. Lutyens designed its great dome, which blends classical and Mughal elements. The main building, museum, and gardens can be visited by reservation.
Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally the residence of the British viceroy of India. It was designed by architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1929 on Raisina Hill, at the western end of New Delhi's central axis. The building combines Western classical elements with Mughal and Buddhist influences. Its central dome is modelled on the Great Stupa at Sanchi. The palace has about 340 rooms and is one of the largest official residences of any head of state in the world. From Tuesday to Sunday, visitors can book guided tours on the official website. Circuit One covers the main building, including the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka Hall. Circuit Two is the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum. Circuit Three covers Amrit Udyan, the former Mughal Garden, which is usually open to the public for 2–3 weeks each year in February and March, and is known for its tulips and roses. A changing of the guard ceremony takes place on Saturday mornings. Tickets cost about 50 rupees. You must bring your passport, book online in advance, and expect strict security checks. Large bags are not allowed. Getting there: Central Secretariat station on the Yellow Line is about a 15-minute walk away.
Opening hours
Visits by reservation; closed Mondays (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Kartavya Path
- Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
- Gandhi Smriti
- National Museum, New Delhi
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi