Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhawan), Delhi

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Rashtrapati Bhavan is another one of Edwin Lutyen's designs - one of the largest Raj buildings he designed. It was originally built as the British Viceroy's Palace. It was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1950 after India's independence and is now the official residence of the President of India.

The building itself took over 17 years to complete (it was completed in 1929) and at one time there were 29,000 people working on the site. Three million cubic feet of stone and 700 million bricks went into the construction. Rashtrapati Bhavan is 1 km. around the foundation - with a floor area of 200,000 square feet - 340 rooms on four floors.

The building has red sandstone (similar to so many of the Mughal buildings), classical columns, and Indian filigree work. But the most distinguished feature is its huge Mughal-style dome, called Chhatri, which is visible from quite a distance. Under the dome is the main hall, Durbar Hall. The hall measures almost 23m in diameter and is where the President hosts official functions.

Although the apartments inside are strictly private, according to the sign outside the beautiful iron gates, you can request permission from the Deputy Minister Secretary to the President to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan (fax your request to the number below). Whether or not that's true, you can visit the colorful gardens for two weeks in February/March, depending upon the arrival of spring. We were not fortunate to be there at that time but it is said that the gardens are spectacular.

President's palace or the Rashtrapati Bhavan situated on the Rajpath is the official residence of the President of India. Until 1950, when India became a republic, it was known as "Viceroy's House" and was being used as the residence of the Governor-General of India.

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Near to India Gate you can wander to take a look at the Presidential Palace or Rashtrapati Bhavan which was designed by Edwin Lutyen and built in 1931. It covers 4.5 acres of land and has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. Can only be viewed from the outside, but photos can be taken.

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Rashtrapati Bhavan is located at the far western end of Raypath and is the official residence of the President of India. Built on a very large scale - 600 meters long and 180 meters wide - it was the former residence of the Viceroy of India during the British Raj. Lord Irwin was the first occupant of this building. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built on Raisina hill, which he saw as an Indian Acropolis with the Viceroy's house as the Pantheon. Bigger than any palace of Indian princes and one of the biggest palaces of the world, it has a large court to its front and a Mughal style garden at its back. Built in a neo-classical style, it has 340 large rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. The iron gates, (which is as far as you can go), are copied from a pair that Lutyens saw in Chiswick, England.

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Built by the British architect Sir Edwin L. Lutyens and completed in 1929, this palatial building on the Raisina hill was formerly called the Viceregal Lodge. After India got its independence, the name was changed to `Government house' and then after being declared a Republic', on the 26th of August 1950, the building was renamed `Rashtrapati Bhavan' (President's palace). This palatial complex has 340 rooms, and has a floor area of 200,000 square feet!
The architecture has elements borrowed from Indian and European styles. The distinctive dome at the front of the structure, is said to have been inspired from the Stupa at Sanchi. You can see the `Jaipur Column' standing tall just beyond the front gate. Its a 44 meter high column and the reason its got its name is that the Maharaja of jaipur bore its cost
The President stays in whats refered to as the `Family Wing', while the `Guest Wing' is where the Heads of State of other countries stay during their visit to India.

The North and South block buildings are the seat of power in India. This is where the central Government houses most of its ministries and offices of the Defence forces.
The 'Rashtrapati Bhawan' is at the end of 'Rajpath', the road that connects it to 'India Gate'. .
Though these are official-government buildings, you can hang around this area. Just be a little careful not to stray too much in the direction of `South Block'. Thats the Ministry of Defence offices, and the guards can get a bit edgy...

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Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, nestled on the magnificent Raisina Hill, was built as the residence of the Viceroy during the British rule.The first occupant of the palatial building with 340 rooms was Lord Irwin. Designed again by Lutyens, it has a large court and a garden which is open to the public for a short while in February when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden is terraced and resembles the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Lying under the main dome is the elegant Durbar Hall which is the venue for all the official functions of the President.The columns at the front entrance have bells carved into them and Lutyens designed them with the idea that since the bells could not make sounds, the British rule would never come to an end. If they could make sounds, then that would mean the end of the Empire which he did not want.
The Durbar hall served as a museum for several years until the building which now houses the National Museum was constructed.Every saturday between 10.35 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. in summer the President's Bodyguard changes guard and this can be seen from outside the gate. One wishing to visit the building can do so by contacting the deputy Military Secretary to The President. The only points one can visit are the Durbar Hall, Ashok Hall, the Dining Room and the Mughal Gardens.

The presidential palace for the president of India. The architect is Edwin Lutyens, located at Raisina Hill. From this place can be seen Government buildings in north and south blocks. More details in my New Delhi page.

The Presidential Palace is a beautiful palace built possibly the the English during their occupation of India. The photo cannot do it justice - and there's a reason... fearing terrorist attacks it's now impossible to stop in front of the palace and take photos. Even buses cannot stop anymore.. they can just drive on nearby slowly.. hence I missed an interesting part of the Palace... and yet, it's a pretty sight

'Rajpath', the road that leads to the 'rashtrapati bhawan', or the presidential palace.

this part of town is the heart of what is known as 'Lutyens' Delhi', the Imperial city of New Delhi, as envisaged by the British architect Edward Lutyens.

Rashtrapati Bhavan
This is a beautiful place with Victorian style of construction and large amazing gardens....There is a huge Rose Garden as well
This is India's President's House
You must visit this place during late evening...with such a fabulous lighting all around the place...Although you are not allowed to go anywhere near by the building