It’s that time of year again when you and I should wander in that magical floral paradise where pansies bloom and peacocks dance in secret. Yes, the Presidential Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan, straddling New Delhi’s Raisina Hill, has formally opened up its private gardens to the public from February 2 to March 30, 2025.

The erstwhile Mughal Gardens, a title now appropriated by the present government as ‘Amrit Udan’ to commemorate 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', 75 years of Independence, is all decked out in the gorgeous colours of the Spring— and we would be remiss to jump at the opportunity to explore this fantastic botanical extravaganza.

The gardens, the prize jewel of the Presidential Palace, are spread over 15 acres studded with beautiful flowers, shrubs, herbs and trees. Raj-era architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, together with William R. Mustoe, then Delhi's Superintendent of Horticulture Operations, designed the gardens at the Viceroy’s Estate, what is now Rashtrapati Bhavan, by drawing inspiration from the rich horticultural traditions of the Mughal Charbagh Garden and the English Flower Garden.

The seamless synthesis of these two landscape traditions has created a timeless picture of verdant splendour, defined by the Mughal-style water channels, terraces and flowering shrubs and the whimsical nuances of European flowerbeds, lawns and private hedges.

Working your way around the different segments of the garden you will encounter many delights.

At first the highlights of the large geometric setting of this formal garden were the East Lawn, Central Lawn, the Rectangular Garden, the Long Garden and the Circular Garden. It has now expanded its embrace by incorporating a wide variety of native plant species, flowers, and landscape designs. During the terms of former Presidents more gardens were developed; these are the Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden, and Arogya Vanam etc.

Bal Vatika is a specially curated garden for kids and features the story of a 225-year-old Sheesham tree, a treehouse, Nature's classroom, etc. The Butterfly Zone features flowers that attract butterflies.

Of special interest this year are the 140 species of roses and 85 other flower varieties, including 10 species of tulips.

Tulips continue to hold our admiration and you will not be disappointed as you wander through the gardens soaking in the stunning display of red, yellow, pink, and purple— especially in the Central Lawns. Almost 50,000 tulip bulbs were planted this season to create this mesmerising picture of floral beauty.

Unmissable here too is the collection of rare and exotic Asiatic and Oriental lilies. Asiatic lilies come in many hues—ranging from palest pastels to vibrant shades; the large blooms of the elegant Oriental lilies are dressed in white, yellow, and pink.

The Rectangular Garden is located right in front of the main building. The design of the Rectangular Garden is distinctive for its Mughal charbagh style; contemporary elements have been woven into it to enhance the floral displays here. As a matter of interest, the Rectangular Garden is the spot where the President hosts ceremonies like the annual ‘At Home’ that takes place on Republic Day and Independence Day.

The Terrace Gardens, trailing along the flanks of the Rectangular Garden provide mesmerising prospects of Amrit Udyan. Adding to their appeal are the fountains and collection of potted plants.

Roses have always held pride of place at the palace gardens from the very beginning. The Long Garden, also known as the rose garden has 12 feet high walls plastered with, trumpet vine, flame vine, jasmine, and lassan bel. The Long Garden is also where you’ll discover Oklahoma, Amelia, and China Man, the lovely species of red roses. Standing sentinel alongside are the stately China Orange trees. The Vertical Garden here draws your attention to the lovely potted violet pansies.

Today you can find over 140 rose varieties, amongst them the gorgeous Grace de Monaco, the dark-hued Bonne Nuit, and Oklahoma or the Black Rose, blue-toned varieties like Blue Moon, and the elusive green rose. Many roses are named after famous personalities and places.

One may recall that roses were William R. Mustoe’s speciality. When the plantation was in full swing in the garden, he introduced over 250 different varieties of hybrid roses selected from all over the world. In 1931 Lady Beatrix Stanley, a prominent horticulturist, noted that she had not seen better roses in England. In later years many more varieties were added to the collection, especially when Dr Zakir Hussain was president.

Located at the far end of Amrit Udan, the Circular Garden is a heady fusion of colour and fragrance with a lavish circular arrangement of floral displays. Also known as Pearl/ Sunken Garden it has pathways descending amphitheatre style which embrace the landscaping and the beautiful fountain and lotus filled pond, its centrepiece. Marigolds encircle the pond. Blooming dahlias of many hues from their stand near the Circular Garden’s wall look down on the exotic display of the rose beds. You will also find blooms of the exotic coleus, a rare seasonal flower. The eye-catching display of pansies offers many insta moments. The velvety blooms of violas too hold pride of place in the Circular Garden.

Various presidents who’ve resided at the Rashtrapati Bhavan have left an abiding impress on the Estate gardens during their tenure.

The Herbal Garden was commissioned by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2002. It features about 30-odd aromatic and medicinal plants including tulsi, lemongrass, ashwagandha and rosemary. President Kalam was also the brainchild behind the serene Spiritual Garden which has over 40 varieties of plants and trees, including tree species like Rudraksh, Khair, Heena, sandalwood, Kadamb and butter tree. The Musical Garden he set up is hugely popular with kids.

President R Venkatraman added a Cactus Garden. The Bonsai Garden was the inspiration of President Pratibha Patil; she also launched Roshni, a project to make the Estate a model for urban ecological sustainability, in 2008.

President Pranab Mukherjee commissioned a sewage treatment plant to supply recycled water for gardening while also filling up a reservoir to attract wetland birds. During his tenure almost 2000 different species of trees were planted on the Estate. Rainwater harvesting for recharging groundwater in the presidential estate was initiated by President K.R. Narayanan in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment.

As part of Amrit Udyan, the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav (March 6 to 9) will showcase the cultural heritage and traditions of southern India. Visitors will get to explore the stalls showcasing handicrafts, textiles, and cuisines from all the states in the south. There will also be cultural performances by artists who have been specially invited from these states to showcase their craft.

The gardens are open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Monday closed

Bookings can be made online at visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in as well as through self-service kiosks placed outside Gate No 35. Booking of slots is free. Entry and exit for all visitors will be From Gate No. 35.