Rashtrapati Bhawan, President House, Delhi

Rastrapati bhavan, New Delhi

Introduction:

Rastrapathi Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and has a traditional touch with modern architectural style. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this building, and Herbert completed the construction. This building stands majestically on 330-acre land. During British rule, Rastrapathi Bhavan was the Viceroy's residence. It has 340 rooms with the President's office, guest house and official accommodation. During British rule, it was a symbol of British dominance. But now, this building is an embodiment of democracy.

History of construction of Rastrapathi Bhavan:

In 1911, the British decided to make Delhi their capital instead of Calcutta. As a result, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert asked to build a residence for the British Viceroy in this new place. They planned to raise a grand building covering 4000 acres. Around 300 families were evicted to build this structure and relocated to a different place. 

It took 20 years to complete the construction of this building, even after reducing the total area from 13,000,000 to 8,500,000 cubic feet. In 1929, the building was ready for occupation by the then Viceroy. After independence, Dr C Rajagopalachari was the first governor-general of India who occupied the building as an official residence. In 1950, the first president of India- Dr. Rajendra Prasad, started living in this building. Hence, the structure got its name- Rastrapathy Bhavan.

Time and entry fee to Visit Rastrapathi Bhavan: 

You can visit anytime between 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM. You pay a fee of Rs. 50 to register to visit Rastrapathi Bhavan. Children below eight years old get free entry to Rastrapathi Bhavan. You can visit Circuit -2 only six days a week. Circuit-2 of Rastrapathi Bhavan is closed on Mondays and gazetted holidays. 

Tips to know before reaching Rastrapathi Bhavan:

• You should book the tickets in advance.
• You should always have your ID card inside your pocket. 
• You can try visiting Rastrapathi Bhavan on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The whole building has three circuits. The first circuit has the main building, lawn and other principal rooms. The second circuit houses a museum complex. Circuit 3 would lead to a mini heaven showing you varieties of flowers in the garden.

Restaurants near Rastrapathibhavan:

There are many restaurants near Rastrapathi Bhavan.

1. Infinity:  It offers a serene environment and the finest food in Delhi.  You can choose from a wide variety of international and local menus. The food available here is hygienically made and is very tasty.
2. Mosaic: It is a heaven for foodies as you have a wide choice of food from Italian, Chinese, and European. Are you on a diet? Don't worry, You can get vegetarian, gluten-free food.
3. The Great Kabab Factory: You will start drooling when the tasty, hot kababs touch your taste buds. The great kabab factory uses age-old recipes to make delicious kababs available here.
4. Cafe: They prepare dishes before the customers and serve fresh food. Their staff are courteous and treat you like a king.

Conclusion:

In short, Rastrapathi Bhavan is the world's second-largest residential building after Quirinal Palace. It is a building bigger than Ambani's residence and has different rooms. Different sections are grouped as different circuits including residential rooms, and gardens. It is the epitome of imperial power in the olden days. The sworn-in ceremony of various political leaders happens in Rastrapthi Bhavan.