Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi | Points of attraction | 2024

Amrit Udyan is a famous and beautiful garden located inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. It is one of the most famous gardens in the country and a major tourist attraction. The Amrit Udyan is open to the public during specific months of the year, usually from February to March (spring) and August to September (monsoon).

Overview & History

Earlier it was known as Mughal Garden, ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav‘ is being celebrated to mark the completion of 75 years of India’s independence. This year President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu glorified the inauguration of the Mughal Garden, renamed Amrit Udyan.

Amrit Udyan is inspired by the traditional Mughal gardens and has been designed in a formal style. It was designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in early 1917 and flowering plants were planted in 1929. Terraced lawns, variegated flower beds, water channels, and carved fountains make this garden beautiful. It is meticulously maintained and a variety of flowers, plants, and trees have been planted in it. The garden also houses several species of roses, making it a special delight for rose lovers.

During the open months, visitors can explore the different sections of the garden, each with its own unique design and collection of plants. The garden is not only soothing to the eyes, but the gentle rustling of leaves, the sweet melodies of birds, and the fragrance of blossoming flowers all combine to create a mesmerizing sensory experience, which makes it a favorite place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in the heart of Delhi.

Gallery

 

Points of attraction

• Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) – There is a very special rosewood tree in the Bal Vatika in the premises of Rashtrapati Bhavan which is more than 200 years old.
• Herbal Garden – There are many herbal, aromatic, and medicinal plants in this garden.
• Bonsai Garden – Decades old bonsai are present in this garden
• Musical Fountain – This garden gives you the experience of beautiful plant beds, fountains, and melodious music
• East Lawn – Garden with tulips, dahlias, freesias, hyacinths, marigolds and pansies
• Central Lawn – This garden with a carpet of flowers and 120 famous varieties of roses
• Long Garden – Contains beautiful vertical gardens, miniature oranges, and hanging baskets
• Circular Garden – This garden includes stock and scented climbers.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum – The museum is divided into various galleries, each offering a unique perspective on India’s past.

Registration or Entrance Fee

The registration process has been made keeping in mind the security of Rashtrapati Bhavan, there is no fee for registration during Udyan Utsav. You can register yourself or your accompanying persons online as well as through On-the-spot bookings.

• Official website – https://presidentofindia.gov.in or https://rb.nic.in/rbvisit/amritudyan.aspx

Those who wish to visit the Rashtrapati Museum Complex will have to register separately by paying Rs 50, which can be done through the website itself or through On-the-spot bookings in the Food Complex in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• Official website – https://museum.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in/

Important Tips

1. Carry any valid government ID proof for identification, e.g., Aadhar Card, Voter Card, etc.
2. It is advisable to check the official website or contact the authorities to confirm the opening dates before planning your visit.
3. Make sure to carry a water bottle with you, as only packaged drinking water is available in the food complex.
4. Photography may be restricted or only allowed in designated areas, so be sure to follow the rules posted at the entry gate.

Food and Shopping Complex

There is a food complex inside Rashtrapati Bhavan from where packed water and food items can be bought. Along with this, stalls of things related to the Indian Army, T-shirts, showpieces with the image of Rashtrapati Bhavan, and badges, etc. are also present there for purchase.

Opening and Closing

During the open months, visitors can tour the gardens between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Restrictions

• Eatables, intoxicants, Paan, gutka, cigarettes, pocket lighters, backpacks, or camera/video cameras are not allowed inside the gardens.
• Weapons and ammunition of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Note: Only mobile phones, water bottles, baby milk bottles, handbags, and purses are allowed inside the Gardens.

How to Reach

Entry and exit for all visitors will be from Gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate, where North Avenue meets Rashtrapati Bhavan.

• The nearest metro station to Amrit Udyan is Central Secretariat Metro Station. The garden is located within the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. From the metro station, you can take an e-rickshaw (roughly fare around 20 to 30 Rs.) or walk to reach Amrit Udyan, a distance of around 3 to 4 km.
• Auto-rickshaws and cab services are easily available all over Delhi. You can hire them to take you straight to the Amrit Udyan entrance.
• Delhi has a good bus network, and many buses pass through the vicinity of Amrit Udyan. You can use public buses to reach the Central Secretariat area and then walk to the garden.

Suggestion: You can avoid the expensive fares of auto rickshaws or cabs and save your time by traveling in the metro to the Central Secretariat.

Location Map for Amrit Udyan

What’s Worth Seeing in Rashtrapati Bhavan after Amrit Udyan

Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum – The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, established in 2014, is an integral part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Complex. Housed within the magnificent Durbar Hall, the museum aims to be a concise repository of India’s history, heritage, art, and cultural heritage.

The museum is divided into various galleries, each offering a unique perspective on India’s past. Some of the notable exhibits include:

1. The Change of Guard Ceremony: The museum opens with a display of the iconic Change of Guard Ceremony that takes place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt. Visitors can witness the meticulously coordinated ceremony that showcases India’s military tradition and discipline.
2. Gifts to the President: India’s Presidents receive a multitude of gifts from visiting dignitaries and citizens from across the world. The museum houses a fascinating collection of these gifts, representing the diversity of cultures and traditions that form a part of India’s global engagement.
3. The Rail Coach Gallery: A unique attraction within the museum is the Rail Coach Gallery, which showcases the opulent and intricately designed rail coaches used by the erstwhile Viceroys and British royalty. These coaches reflect the grandeur and luxury of a bygone era.
4. Timeline of Indian History: Through various exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can journey through India’s timeline, starting from ancient civilizations to the struggle for independence and the post-independence era. It provides a comprehensive overview of the nation’s historical milestones.
5. Art and Culture: The museum also houses an impressive collection of artworks, artifacts, and handicrafts that exemplify India’s artistic heritage and cultural diversity. From ancient sculptures to modern artworks, each piece carries a unique story to tell.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum’s Key Attractions

• Underground Museum on India’s History
• Virtual walk with Mahatma Gandhi
• Personalized India Post Stamps

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References –

(a) Rashtrapati Bhavan