They say that India is the largest democracy in the world (undoubtedly true). But it also has the largest house of any head of state, slap bang in the centre of New Delhi. And the Presidential Palace (or Rashtrapati Bhavan) is as vast in scope now, as it was in ambition for its British designers. They saw its 340 rooms and 700 million bricks as veritable 'empire in stone', a permanent marker for the British Empire in India, when completed in 1931. Just 18 years later, though, and that empire was to fall, as India became independent.The Presidential Palace occupies a huge tract of land, a couple of kilometres to the west of the India Gate – at the end of the ceremonial route of the Rajpath – with over 150 hectares, including the Mughal Gardens. And while its towering central dome (55-metres high) is visible from much of central New Delhi, getting closer than a few hundred yards requires some planning. All visits must be pre-booked for security reasons. It's a tour well worth planning for, though. Palaces don't get much more monumental than the Rashtrapati Bhavan.The guided tour will no doubt point out the fascinating architectural detail – how the huge central dome successfully blends Indian and neo-classical elements. How the architect, British-born Edwin Lutyens, made skilful use of Indian motifs – like the delicately perforated jaalis slabs, or the small roof-top chhatris domes, or the clever stone-aprons of the chhajjas (which protect the palace's windows from the glaring Indian sun, and lashing monsoon rains). But it's the often-untold stories that stick in the mind. As many as 29,000 workers were needed on-site, over 20 years, to bring Lutyens's fantastic vision into reality. Much of the work on the main building was done by Haroun-al-Rashid, a Muslim contractor, while the forecourt was built by Sikh builders Sujan Singh and Sobha Singh. So while the Presidential Palace may have started out as an exercise in Colonial power, that motive was being undermined with the first bricks laid. During that long construction, the seeds of a future multicultural Indian state were being laid. That, more than its overwhelming size and grandeur, is the thing that Delhites – and Indians – are often most proud of.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Tours and Activities
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Food, drink & nightlife
See all 136 activitiesOpens in new tabSame Day Taj Mahal - Agra Fort Tour From Delhi With Lunch.
Tours & day trips
See all 804 activitiesOpens in new tabDelhi to Agra and Taj Mahal Private Day Trip by Express Train with Lunch
Wildlife & nature
See all 50 activitiesOpens in new tabGolden Triangle with Wildlife Tiger Safari 06 Days & 05 Nights
Classes & workshops
See all 43 activitiesOpens in new tabCooking Demo + Lunch/Dinner and interaction with an Indian family @ Chez An...
Cruises & boat tours
See all 26 activitiesOpens in new tabNew Delhi: 2-Day Tour of Agra & Fatehpur by Superfast Train
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 when you stop by Sacred Heart Cathedral. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
Laxminarayan Temple
Also called Laxminarayan Temple, this surprisingly recent temple complex may be formed in the traditional Hindu style, but it is open to all.
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.
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