Delhi Opens President's Garden Free Through March 31

For six weeks each spring, the gates to India's presidential gardens swing open to everyone, no ticket required.

Amrit Udyan, the sprawling garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, welcomes visitors from February 3 through March 31 this year. The only catch? You need to register online ahead of time through the official website, and spots book up quickly.

The gardens were designed over a century ago and fully planted by the late 1920s. In 2023, they were renamed Amrit Udyan during celebrations marking 75 years of Indian independence.

This year introduces a new attraction worth the visit alone. The Babbling Brook features flowing water, sculptural spouts, stepping stones, and a reflecting pool where visitors can pause and soak in the scenery.

Families with kids should head straight to Bal Vatika, a children's garden built around a 225-year-old Sheesham tree. A treehouse and nature classroom turn the visit into an adventure for young explorers.

Why This Inspires

The annual opening happens during peak bloom when tulips and roses paint the landscape in full color. Free shuttle buses run from Central Secretariat Metro to Gate 35, making the experience accessible to anyone who wants to come.

The gardens stay open from 10 am to 6 pm daily except Mondays and March 4 for Holi. Several special days are reserved for specific groups: defence personnel on March 3, senior citizens on March 5, women and tribal groups on March 10, and disabled visitors on March 13.

Beyond the main lawns, the Bonsai and Circular Gardens showcase carefully shaped plants and rich biodiversity. Exhibitions and a food court offer places to rest between walks.

The President's Secretariat opens these gardens each year during Udyan Utsav, turning a private space into a shared cultural experience. It's a reminder that some of India's most beautiful places belong to everyone.

Registration closes at 10 am the day before your planned visit, so a little advance planning makes all the difference.