Rashtra Pati Bhawan, Delhi

In Delhi is heart, underneath the buzzing roads and high-rises, stands the most majestic structure of power and ancestry - the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India. This magnificent building mentioned in Edwardian baroque style emanates an atmosphere of legacy and authority that is adorned by Greek motifs which give it a charismatic appearance.

History of Rashtrapati Bhawan

Previously called Viceroy is House, this building underwent a 17-year construction process, ultimately ending in its completion in 1929. It was conceived by master architects Sir Edward Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker as the residence of the English viceroy before India freedom. As its walls whisper of the power corridors, Rashtrapati Bhawan concurrently whispers a moving story of India freedom movement. In 1931, preceding the celebratory days, when the corridors were decorated with political heads, Mahatma Gandhi walked in with Lord Irwin. It was during this meeting that he symbolically carried a pinch of salt as a tag of a protest against British rule, ultimately leading to the interim conclusion of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931.

The architecture of Rashtrapati Bhawan

This magnificent building mentioned in Edwardian baroque style emanates an atmosphere of legacy and authority that is adorned by Greek motifs which give it a charismatic appearance. Extending over 321 acres, Rashtrapati Bhawan is more than a lush building. It is an extensive complex that houses 340 rooms and includes guest quarters, reception halls, offices, stables, and living quarters for security men and maintenance staff. Its splendid appearance, which harks back to a previous era, serves as evidence of fine craftsmanship and the wisdom of its creators. When the sun buries itself behind the horizon, the magnificent red brick evokes a feeling of awe to anyone who beholds the stupendous magnificence of the structure which is deeply anchored in time as an embodiment of the past, the present, and the future of India.

What to see

In the midst stands the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhawan with the lush Mughal Gardens, a 15-acre park featuring a staggering array of floral species. With 159 types of roses, 60 types of bougainvillea, and a rainbow of different flower species, the garden has become a wonderful environment of natural beauty and serenity.

To historians, the Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum Complex (RBMC) holds a real treasure of history which is revealed through the fascinating art exhibitions held there. Visitors will notice artifacts like a Presidential buggy drawn by live life horse and a Mercedes car which was gifted to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi by the king of Jordan. The photos of the history of Bhawan and the freedom movement are showcased remotely or via digital technology, which gives an understanding of India precious cultural legacy.

The museum also features a gift counter that has presents given to presidents from all over the globe by respective countries. Among these exhibits is an extra special small box containing three-dimensional moving holographic images, together with presidential speeches which are an amazing technological advancement and leave the visitors feeling awed and amazed by technology.

Quick Information

Rashtrapati Bhawan Special Highlights

• The architectural gem from the design of Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
• Spread over 321 acres with 340 rooms
• Mughal Gardens covers15 acres and showcases beautiful 159 varieties of roses
• Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum Complex: old Presidential buggy, gifts from world leaders, holographic images of speeches

Things to do near Rashtrapati Bhawan

• Submerge yourself in Sikh history at the Gurudwara which has a Sarovar lake that soothes your mind.
• Discover interesting tales from rare photographs at the Indira Gandhi Museum.
• Homage to jawans at India Gate who laid their lives for 70,000 countrymen.
• Find peace at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, which is New Delhi oldest Roman Catholic church.
• Find spiritual solace at Birla Mandir, decorated with Hindu sculptures and gardens.

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