Witness the Ceremonial Regalia & visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan (The Presidential Palace) in Delhi

by Travmic Tours Tours & Travel Company

Located at the Western end of Rajpath in Delhi is the Presidential house better known as Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India). This emblem of national democracy is also the largest residence of Head of State in the world. It is among one of the most iconic and significant national monuments of India which is worth visiting as the place is distributed on many acres of land and has some of the most remarkable and outstanding gardens, museum, large open spaces, ceremonial hall and residence for staff members. Take the Travmic Escorted Tours of India to cover the best historical and cultural locations of the country with our expert tour guides and services. Keep reading to unravel some very interesting facts about this monument:

1. Rashtrapati Bhavan is known as the 2nd largest presidential palace in the world, first being the Quirinal Palace from Rome.

2. This historic building was built by more than 29,000 people and it took almost 17 years to complete it. The construction of the building started in the year 1912 and completed in the year 1929.

3. This grand residence has more than 300 rooms which includes guest rooms, staff rooms along with presidential office.

4. It took more than 700 million bricks and 3 million cubic feet of stones to construct this expansive and grand presidential palace.

5. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is built on Raisina Hill which is significant as it is named after the two villages that were present here before building the palace. This presidential palace was built by British architect, Sir Edwin Ladseer Lutyens.

6. This age old monument was initially known as Viceroy’s House and it is after the independence of India that it got renamed as the Presidential palace or Rashtrapati Bhavan.

7. Every year in the months of February and March, we have the flower festival/udyanotsav in the Mughal Gardens which are located behind the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Tourists and general public are allowed to visit the gardens and take part in the significant spring season festival of the State.

8. Talking about the gardens, the Presidential palace is known for its variety of gardens that are unique in shape and style. From rectangular to circular as well as long, these fascinating garden patterns are certainly some of the unique features of this age old monument.

9. In the Durbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan we have the sublime and majestic statue of Lord Gautam Buddha. This 5th Century statue represents the golden age of art and culture of Gupta dynasty.

10. The grand and regal Banquet Hall of Presidential palace is designed to serve and accommodate 104 guests at a time. The hall is designed in such a way that it contributes to the magnificence of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, with all the secret musical galleries and astounding lighting system.

11. We also have a Gift Museum at Rashtrapati Bhavan where you can see the marvelous 640 Kilograms of Silver chair which is significant because it is where King George V sat when he visited Delhi in the year 1911.

12. This prodigious palace has various other stupendous halls such as Marble Hall where you can find the rare and recherché portraits as well as statues of British Royalty; Ashoka Hall is significant for all the official functions and oath ceremonies that are organized here also you will see some stunning paintings of Qajar rulers of Persia, Fateh Ali Shah and Italian paintings by Colonnelo.

13. The Change of Guard Ceremony: The PBG (President’s Bodyguard) regiment is the senior-most and elite regiment of the Indian Army that was raised in the year 1773 by the Governor General Warren Hastings.

• The change of guard ceremony is an age old military tradition where sentries and guards posted at palaces and forts (and other defense establishments) change at regular intervals so that fresh troops can take charge.

• This revamped tradition of change of guard ceremony is also performed in Delhi on the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• As this ceremony is open to public so visitors can witness live ceremony every Saturday and Sunday.

• This visually appealing 30 minutes long ceremony begins with PBG troops with their well-groomed and caparisoned steeds advancing from behind the Jaipur Column after which Parade Commander marches in and guard exchange ceremony takes place. Once the new guards take over the duties the ceremony concludes with National Anthem and equestrian display by the President’s Bodyguard troops.

• You will require a valid photo ID to get entry to the venue.

There is more to explore and learn about this historical building of India and it only becomes much more interesting to learn about such age old monuments when seen through your own eyes. Delhi is home to country’s remarkable historical tourism and Travmic team has years of experience in assisting explorers and travelers to unravel the beautiful places and interesting locations present in each part of India. Travmic can arrange a local day tour to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan and witness the Ceremonial Regalia of Change of Guard Ceremony. Get the best holiday packages in India with Travmic Tours and connect with us to arrange customized travel services for you designed as per your requirements.