Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, nestled on the magnificent Raisina Hill, was built as the residence of the Viceroy during the British rule.The first occupant of the palatial building with 340 rooms was Lord Irwin. Designed again by Lutyens, it has a large court and a garden which is open to the public for a short while in February when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden is terraced and resembles the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar, Kashmir

Lying under the main dome is the elegant Durbar Hall which is the venue for all the official functions of the President.The columns at the front entrance have bells carved into them and Lutyens designed them with the idea that since the bells could not make sounds, the British rule would never come to an end. If they could make sounds, then that would mean the end of the Empire which he did not want.
The Durbar hall served as a museum for several years until the building which now houses the National Museum was constructed. Every saturday between 10.35 a.m. to 11.10 a.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 9.15 a.m. in summer the President's Bodyguard changes guard and this can be seen from outside the gate. One wishing to visit the building can do so by contacting the deputy Military Secretary to The President. The only points one can visit are the Durbar Hall, Ashok Hall, the Dining Room and the Mughal Gardens.