New Delhi is the capital of India and one of the most important cities in Asia. The political center of the world�s largest democracy is home to the most important offices and residences in the country. Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official presidential residence in India. The President is called Rashtrapati in Hindi, and Bhavan means building, or residence. This magnificent structure is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist spots in New Delhi.

Located at the end of Rajpath (King�s Way), the Rashtrapati Bhavan is built atop an elevated land known as the Raisina Hill. The building was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi, and served as the residence of the Viceroys of India till Independence. It is one of the largest presidential residences in the world, featuring gigantic proportions. The building measures 600 meters in length and 180 meters in width and has 340 rooms, 74 lobbies, 37 salons, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. The garden at the back of the building is known as Mughul gardens and spreads over 130 hectares.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the largest and most lavishly constructed palaces of the world. It was probably built on such a grand scale to symbolize British might, which was at its peak when New Delhi was being constructed. The architecture is an amazing blend of Mughul, Rajput and classical European forms. The design has been inspired by a number of buildings, including the Buddhist stupa in Sanchi (the central dome), and the natural history Museum in London (stone elephants and row of lions outside the buildings). The arched gateways, latticed windows, ornate kiosks, and pillared columns, all reflect a high degree of Mughul influence. The dual colors of the building come from the red sandstone, a traditional Mughul material and cream colored stone, frequently used in the palaces of Agra and Rajputana. The Mughul influence is further proven by the use of fountains in the interiors of the building.

Moving inside the giant structure the visitor is awestruck by the sheer magnitude and grandeur of the interiors. The Durbar hall is the most important hall in the building. It is the venue of all the major official functions of the President including the national awards ceremony. The Durbar hall is topped by the magnificent dome which is the defining part of the structure. The Ashok Hall, dining hall and the banquet hall are the other famous parts of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Mughul garden at the back of the palace is open to the public in the month of February. This impeccably manicured garden has a splendid collection of exotic flowers including some species that are found only here.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is no longer an imperial symbol today. It stands as a proud symbol of the success of the world�s largest democracy. It is one of the best known aspects of tourism in New Delhi. The building, along with the nearby tourist spots like the parliament house and the India gate, is covered by all New Delhi tours of repute.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information about the Rashtrapati Bhavan and other tourist attractions in New Delhi.