Discover Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and the monumental western endpoint of Kartavya Path. Edwin Lutyens designed the H-shaped main building after the 1911 decision to move the imperial capital from Kolkata to Delhi. Construction began in 1912 and finished in 1929.

The main building occupies about five acres within a 330-acre estate. It has 340 rooms across four floors and nearly 2.5 kilometres of corridors. A Sanchi-stupa-influenced dome, chhatris and stone jalis bring Indian forms into a largely classical composition.

The building began as Viceroy’s House, became Government House at independence and then Rashtrapati Bhavan when India became a republic. Contrary to the old live text, parts of the interior now open on booked guided circuits. Amrit Udyan, the museum and the Change of Guard have separate schedules and entry arrangements.

The main building is H-shaped. Five acres hold 340 rooms on four floors, joined by nearly 2.5 kilometres of corridors.

The dome controls the skyline. Its form draws on the Sanchi stupa and rises above a long classical frontage, chhatris and deep chajjas.

Indian details modify the classical frame. Stone jalis, carved bells, shaded projections and garden courts respond to local craft and climate.

The estate is larger than the palace. Forecourt, offices, staff areas, Amrit Udyan and other gardens extend across 330 acres.

The project reshaped Raisina Hill to create a raised ceremonial endpoint. Stone construction, vast internal circulation and a strict axial relationship with the new capital made the residence both building and city-planning anchor.

Lutyens combined a classical composition with Indian forms and climate devices. Chhatris break the roofline, jalis filter light and air, and deep chajjas cast shade across the façades.

Construction took seventeen years and produced 340 rooms over four floors. The surrounding 330-acre estate integrated gardens, forecourts, service areas and approaches into the state residence.

Can the public enter Rashtrapati Bhavan?

Yes. Selected rooms are open on booked guided circuits; the whole working residence is not open.

When is the main building open?

The current visitor portal lists Tuesday through Sunday, 09:30–16:30, with last entry at 16:00, subject to official closures.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The current main-building instructions say there is no lift or wheelchair assistance on that circuit. The museum and garden list different facilities.

Are Amrit Udyan and the museum included?

No. They are separate visitor circuits with their own booking and entry gates.

How large is the building?

The main building covers about five acres, contains 340 rooms on four floors and has nearly 2.5 kilometres of corridors.