Rashtrapati Bhawan, Delhi (must see)

Situated at Raisina Hills in New Delhi, the Bhawan is the authorized abode of the president of India. It is also one of the major tourist attractions in New Delhi. Rashtrapati Bhawan once served as the dwelling place of Governor General of India during the British rule. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this building which was completed in 1929 and inaugurated in 1931. You will find an interesting mix of Indian, Mughal and European colonial architectural features.

Spread over 20,000 square feet, Rashtrapati Bhawan has 340 luxurious rooms that include the State Drawing room, State Library, State Ball room and so on. The Darbar room is used for prize awarding ceremonies. There is a beautiful Mughal garden to the west of the Bhawan where varieties of roses are grown. This garden is open to public between February and March every year. You must take permission officially to visit this Bhawan.

A chandelier weighing two tons adorns the main hall. This chandelier adds to the grandeur and elegance of the interiors. The hall is used for official ceremonies. Interior of the Rashtrapati Bhawan is simple and elegant. Heavy stone works and shapes used in the building lend an ornamental appearance. Do not miss out the eight lions spilling water into the basins near the Viceroy’s stairs at the Bhavan.