Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Amrit Udyan, the botanical haven you need to see

Nestled within the heart of New Delhi, lies Amrit Udyan (formerly Mughal Gardens) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a breathtaking site where nature and history come together. These meticulously manicured gardens are not only a testament to India's rich heritage but also serve as a serene escape from the bustling city life. Open each year only for a short period, those interested may plan their holidays in Delhi accordingly.

The Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan draws inspiration from the classical Mughal garden style. The gardens are characterised by meticulous geometric patterns, and several flowing watercourses. The gardens, inaugurated in 1919, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, and have since evolved into a symbol of horticultural excellence in Delhi.


Amrit Udyan is best visited when the flowers are in their full glory. Each year, the gardens are open to the public for a short period of time, especially from February to March, when the flowers are in full bloom. This is also the time when the Rashtrapati Bhavan hosts the annual 'Udyanotsav' or Garden Festival. Visitors can witness a burst of colours as various flowers from all over the world come to life. The weather is also fine during February and March, making outdoor exploration a pleasant experience. Add to that the stunning visual show the flowers put up.



Though the entry is free for all visitors, one still needs to register online at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s official website. Walk-in visitors can get their entry passes from the Self-Service Kiosks placed near Entry Gate No. 35.


One can do individual tours of the gardens as well as the guided tours. For the guided tours, one needs to register online, for free of cost. Once at the gardens, visitors will have free access to:

Also read: Top unmissable national parks in North India


Terraced Gardens: The famous Rectangular, Long, Circular, and Spiritual Gardens are all structured in terraces. All of them showcase an impressive collection of flowers, shrubs, and trees from not only all over India, but also from around the world.


Musical Fountain: The Musical Fountain is one of the most popular features of the Amrit Udyan. The synchronised music and colourful lights add magic to the experience.



Herbal Garden: The Amrit Udyan is home to not only ornamental plants, but also medicinal herbs. There are around 35 species of medical and aromatic plants in the garden. The Herbal Garden was inaugurated by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in 2003.

Also read: A guide to famous weekend getaways from Ahmedabad

Bonsai Garden: This garden is one of the most visited ones. The large variety of bonsai trees draw in visitors of all ages. For those who think bonsais are nothing short of miniature marvels, they are not wrong. The carefully crafted bonsai trees showcase the artistry of horticulture.