Secretariat, New Delhi

An essential part of the Secretariat in New Delhi is Rashtrapati Bhavan, built as the British Viceroy’s residence, is now home to the President of the world’s largest democracy. It is emblematic of Indian democracy and its secular, plural and inclusive traditions. Located in an area of 130 hectare, the building is the highlight of Lutyen’s New Delhi and was completed in 1929 with the palace having 340 rooms. The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which is the ceremonial hall for all official functions of the President of India. The “Changing of the Guard” ceremony can be viewed from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, every Saturday, between 0830 and 0915 hrs in summer and between 1035 and 1100 hrs in winter. The Rashtrapati Bhawan also has an impressive garden called the Mughal Garden, which is open to the public twice a year, usually in February and March.