The biggest presidential residence in the world, Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the top rated places to visit in Delhi. Not many people have though, thanks to the existing procedure of writing to the Deputy Military Secretary for permission. Also, it was only open to public on Fridays and Saturdays with stringent timings.

In yet another effort by President Pranab Mukherjee to make Rashtrapati Bhavan accessible to common people, the Government of India has launched an online booking service for tours of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Interested persons can log on to the President of India’s official website ’www.presidentofindia.nic.in’ and register themselves in the online booking system. Visits can be booked upto 30 days in advance.

Formally launched by Secretary to the President Omita Paul on December 21^st, the first lot of bookings will start post January 1^st, 2013. Also starting in the new year, President House will be opened for public viewing on Sundays and for increased hours. “The days Rashtrapati Bhavan would be open for visitors are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 0900 hrs to 1600 hrs without any lunch break,” President’s Press Secretary Venu Rajamony said in a statement.

Rashtrapati Bhavan has developed two routes for people who wish to visit the vast mansion spread over two lakh square feet. The first route will cover Forecourt, Reception, Lutyen’s Gallery, Marble Hall, Kitchen Museum, Children’s Gallery, Gift Museum, Durbar Hall, Library, Long Drawing Room, North Drawing Room, Ashoka Hall, Loggia and Banquet Hall. Brief details of each of these places are on the Rashtrapati Bhavan website. The second route will include the acclaimed Mughal gardens with all of the above.

In each time slot, 50 visitors will be allowed but in case of school children visits or group visits, this restriction will not apply. After on-line booking, confirmation will be sent by email within two working days. The booking status can be checked on-line using the Registration Number and Date of Birth. “Online booking system will cut down on use of paper communication and is environment-friendly. It will make management of visitors more efficient and provide visitors with a wide option of time-slots,” Rajamony added.

In case you’re looking to book tours for Rashtrapati Bahavan, we encourage you to self book here - https://presidentofindia.nic.in/rbvisit/rbvisit.aspx. Takes only 5 minutes. It’s time to get clicking!