See Rashtrapati Bhavan beyond its main gate. Here's how
What's the story
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the splendid residence of the Indian President, is now open to public. Yes, no more clicking photos at the gate with the architectural wonder obscured in far background. President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday tweeted a video of the palace, inviting all Indians worldwide to visit his home. Here's all you need to know to check Rashtrapati Bhavan off your bucket list.
Twitter Post
Rashtrapati Bhavan belongs to all Indians: President Kovind
I welcome you to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, the embodiment of the Indian Republic. It belongs to all Indians. Do come and see it #PresidentKovind pic.twitter.com/xH6SXFZNLX
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 7, 2018
Registration
All you need to know to book your visit
You can register your request for a visit here. Your booking will be confirmed through an email/SMS. You need to carry a valid photo ID. Foreigners should carry their passports. You'll have to pay Rs. 50 online when registering. Entry for children below 8 is free. If you are in a group of 30, you will get a 20% discount on total amount.
Information
It's open from Thursday to Sunday between 9am to 4pm
The grand mansion is open from Thursday to Sunday between 9am-4pm. The gardens, however, are opened for public view only between August and March. You can enter either through Gate No. 2 (Rajpath), 37 (via Dalhousie Road-Hukmi Mai Marg), or 38 (via Church Road-Brassy Avenue).
Interesting facts
It took 17 years to build Rashtrapati Bhavan
After Turkey and Austria, India's presidential palace is the third largest in the world. It took 17 years (1912-1929), 29,000 people's hard work, over 700 million bricks, and displacement of 300 families to build Rashtrapati Bhavan. Edwin Lutyens, the palace's chief architect, simultaneously designed the Viceroy's house in both India and England. He travelled between the two nations constantly for about 20 years.