Travel: A Golden Chance to Explore Rashtrapati Bhavan from the Inside – Booking Process, Ticket Price, Timings, and Complete Details
Travel: A Golden Chance to Explore Rashtrapati Bhavan from the Inside – Booking Process, Ticket Price, Timings, and Complete Details
Visiting Delhi often comes with one big wish on every traveler’s list—catching a closer glimpse of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. For years, most visitors were satisfied with clicking pictures outside its grand gates. That has changed now. Rashtrapati Bhavan has opened its doors to the public, allowing people to step inside and experience one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, provided they plan ahead and book their visit online.
Sprawling across an impressive 330 acres, Rashtrapati Bhavan stands as more than just a residence. It represents India’s democratic values, architectural brilliance, and historical legacy. Designed in an H-shaped layout, the building houses around 340 rooms and reflects a blend of Indian and European architectural styles. Created by renowned architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the structure leaves visitors awestruck with its scale, symmetry, and detailing.
Visitors are allowed access to carefully selected sections of the main building. These include the prestigious halls where the President receives international delegates, the grand Durbar Hall known for hosting national award ceremonies, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, and the gallery showcasing oil portraits of all former Presidents of India. The visit is conducted as a guided group tour, ensuring that guests gain historical context and insights while moving through the premises.
To enter Rashtrapati Bhavan, online booking is compulsory. Reservations can be made through the official website visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in. The entry fee is kept affordable, with visitors required to pay only ₹50 per person, making it accessible to students, families, and tourists alike.
The main building welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm, with the last entry permitted at 4:00 pm. Each guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, offering ample time to explore the interiors without feeling rushed.
For those planning the commute, Central Secretariat Metro Station is the closest option. Entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan is provided through Gate No. 38, located about one kilometer from the metro station. Alternatively, visitors can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Patel Chowk Metro Station to reach the same gate conveniently.
Carrying a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Aadhaar card or PAN card is mandatory for entry. Security regulations are strict—mobile phones, cameras, bags, and all electronic devices are not allowed inside the premises, so visitors should plan accordingly.
It is also important to be aware of the circuit-wise schedule:
Circuit 1 is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Circuit 2 remains open on all days except Monday
Circuit 3 is accessible from August to March, only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Exploring Rashtrapati Bhavan from within offers a rare opportunity to witness India’s heritage, governance, and architectural excellence up close. With clear guidelines, affordable tickets, and guided tours, this experience adds a meaningful chapter to any Delhi itinerary—one that goes far beyond a photograph at the gate and leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation of the nation’s legacy.
