Engraved to the heart of Central Delhi from the year 1929 is the most wonderful landmark in the history of Indian architecture is Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which is also known by the name of Presidential Residence and Viceroy’s House, this tourist attraction is the formal home of the President.If we start Looking back into the history we get to know that the Rashtrapati Bhavan was sculpted as the residence of British Viceroy when the decision of making Delhi the new capital was made firm. It didn’t only take 17 years to complete this marvel, but the severe efforts of Edwin Landseer Lutyens, the British planner who turned his sketches and thoughts into what he actually sent to Herbert baker in the year 1912. 26 January 1950 and then the residence was renamed as Rashtrapati Bhawan under the rule of the first President of India,who was Rajendra Prasad.

What we see now is a huge architectural marvel which was built during the time when Edwardian Baroque style of architecture was prominent. The style stressess on showcasing heavy classical motifs which symbolised imperial authority and legacy. Spread over an area of 321 acre, this visitors attraction has 340 rooms, large open space, Mughal Gardens to praise, reception entry, guest rooms, stables, offices, residence for staff and bodyguards, and much more. All of which present to upon it the honour of being one of the world’s largest residences of a head. 

HISTORY

The complete idea of constructing Rashtrapati Bhavan started taking shape in the year 1911 when it was decided that Delhi would be crowned as the new capital. This decision came to the thought of raising a residence for the British Viceroy which would stretch up to 4,000 acres along with the Secretariat Building. To lay down the foundation the Malcha and Raisina villages which served as the shelter to over 300 families were relocated under the Land & Acquisition Act. The popular British architect of that time, Edwin Landseer Lutyens was given with  the responsibility to carve out the beautiful residence. Much to everyone’s imagination, the Presidential Residence was somewhat similar to what Lutyens had sketched in Simla in 1912 and that sent to Herbert Baker. The architectural style which was adopted for the construction of Rashtrapati Bhawan was inspired by Edwardian Baroque architecture and Indian architecture. While the Baker began with forming the Secretariat Buildings, Lutyens had it in his head to make the habitation on top of Raisina Hill which however didn’t come out as he thought it to be. What we see today, was a afraidable model of Lutyens as he wanted the angle of the road to be steeper as it overshadows the front of the marvel. 

VISITING TIMINGS

The house is open to public from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Monday to Friday. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

HOW TO REACH

Central Secretariat serves as the nearest metro station to Rashtrapati Bhavan situated some 700m away. The metro station falls on the Yellow Line and also linked to the Violet Line of Delhi Metro. 

TOP THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO SEE NEARBY

• Travellers can visit Jaipur Column which is situated opposite to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum is another marvelous place to spend some time.

• Visit the very fab Mughal Gardens inspired by gardens of Taj Mahal and Mughal Gardens of Jammu & Kashmir and has 159 types of  roses and 60 types of bougainvilleas and more.

• situated at a distance of 3 km, Jantar Mantar is another visitors attraction which can be visited being one of the five observatories built by Jaipur’s Maharaja Jai Singh II.

• India Gate is another worthy tourist place to visit located near Rashtrapati Bhawan as it is situated some 3km away.