The Indian Presidential House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) in New Delhi is one of the world’s largest residential head-of-state houses. The building is 200,000 square feet (19,000 square meters) in size, with four floors and 340 rooms, and sits on 320 acres (130 hectares) in the city center. The architectural style mixes Mughal and European traditions in an intriguing fashion.
The palace was initially built to house the British Viceroy in India and was designed by a British architect. The building was intended to symbolize the permanence of British rule in the East. In 1950, following independence, the first president of India took up residence there and the palace was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The whole palace has representations of Indian architectural patterns running through it. They include Buddhist railings and chhajjas, which are stone slabs below the roof that protect the walls and windows.
As you walk in, take a look at the dome on top of the building. The dome is a prominent feature of the palace and is visible from a distance.
The expansive Mughal Gardens, designed according to both English and Mughal landscaping styles, are located on the west side of the palace. The colorful and carefully landscaped gardens are filled with flowers, bonsai trees, shrubs, decorative fountains and exotic roses.
Choose between two guided routes to take you through Rashtrapati Bhavan. The first covers the main rooms of the building itself, including the Children’s Gallery, the library, Marble Hall and the banquet hall. The second includes all of those places as well as the Mughal Gardens. Guides are provided for all visitors, and entry is free.
Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens are open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You need to book before arrival and carry your passport for identification. Bookings can be made online, by email or on the phone.
The palace is a 15-minute drive from downtown New Delhi. A bus from Super Bazaar, in the city center, takes 30 minutes to reach South Avenue, which is just a few minutes’ walk away from the palace.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Tours and Activities
Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan
Plan a trip to see Rashtrapati Bhavan
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 152 activitiesOpens in new tabSame Day Taj Mahal - Agra Fort Tour From Delhi With Lunch.
Adventure & outdoor
See all 87 activitiesOpens in new tabDelhi to Agra and Taj Mahal Private Day Trip by Express Train with Lunch
Private & custom tours
See all 745 activitiesOpens in new tabSame Day Taj Mahal - Agra Fort Tour From Delhi With Lunch.
Classes & workshops
See all 47 activitiesOpens in new tabDelhi: Cooking Class and Much More in a Local Family Home
Shopping & fashion
See all 78 activitiesOpens in new tabPrivate Customised Delhi Shopping Tour with Female Consultant
Popular places to visit
Mughal Gardens
Explore the great outdoors at Mughal Gardens, a lovely green space in New Delhi. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.
Secretariat Building
After visiting Secretariat Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in New Delhi. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Learn about the local history of New Delhi when you take a trip to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
You can learn about the history of New Delhi with a trip to Sacred Heart Cathedral. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Laxminarayan Temple
This modern and colorfully decorated Hindu temple was inaugurated on the condition that people of all classes would be allowed inside.
Cathedral Church Of The Redemption
You can learn about the history of New Delhi with a trip to Cathedral Church Of The Redemption. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Best Lodging Options Near Rashtrapati Bhavan
Check availability on hotels close to Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Vacations and getaways similar to Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Other Hotels near Rashtrapati Bhavan, Chanakyapuri
- Hotels near popular Delhi Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- The Ashok
- Bloomrooms @ Janpath
- Taj Palace, New Delhi
- Hotel Samrat
- UDS Villa - Scandinavian B&B - Next to VFS
- ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel, New Delhi
- Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place
- Ambassador, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions
- Hotel Prince Palace DX by check in room
- Taj Princess The Boutique Hotel
- Hotels near Chandni Chowk
- Hotels near DLF Cyber City
- Hotels near Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
- Hotels near Jama Masjid
- Hotels near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Hotels near Lajpat Nagar Central Market
- Hotels near Majnu-ka-tilla
- Hotels near Pragati Maidan
- Hotels near Janakpuri District Centre
- Hotels near Ambience Mall
- Hotels near Sarojini Nagar Market
- Hotels near Nizamuddin Dargah
- Hotels near Worldmark
- Hotels near ISKCON Temple
- Hotels near India Habitat Centre
- Hotels near Lotus Temple
- Hotels near Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
- Hotels near Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
- Hotels near Khan Market