The Rashtrapati Niketan, the Presidential Retreat located in Dehradun, will open its doors to the public from June 24, as part of an ongoing initiative to enhance citizen engagement with the President of India and the nation's presidential heritage.
This 21-acre estate, with a 186-year-old legacy, will now be accessible to visitors, joining other presidential properties—Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra—which have been open for public visits six days a week since 2023.
From February 2025, the Change of Guard Ceremony started at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in a new format with increased seating capacity.
Ahead of the public opening, President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Rashtrapati Niketan on June 20 to review preparations of opening of the Estate for people. During her visit, she will also lay the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a 132-acre ecological park aimed at promoting environmental education and recreation.
Formerly known as Rashtrapati Ashiana, the estate was historically used for training the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) horses. Now transformed into a heritage site, Rashtrapati Niketan now showcases a curated selection of artwork and offers a glimpse into its rich legacy. Visitors will be able to tour the PBG stables, interact with the horses, and explore landscaped attractions including the Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and a charming Pergola.
Alongside Rashtrapati Niketan, visitors can explore Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre dense forest trail on the Rajpur Road. This densely wooded forest trail offers a peaceful nature experience with indigenous tree cover, wooden bridges, elevated birdwatching machans, and quiet spots for meditation. Tapovan has been designed to foster a connection with nature through guided walks, seasonal plant life, and educational eco-elements.
Looking ahead, the Rashtrapati Udyan, expected to open in 2026, will serve as a vibrant environmental and recreational hub. The planned space includes themed gardens, a butterfly garden, a picturesque lake, aviary, children's play areas and eco-learning installations. The park plan also includes a sports zone, walking tracks, jogging and cycling tracks, water conservation systems, and outdoor learning installations — creating a living classroom that encourages environmental awareness, active lifestyles, and family-friendly engagement in harmony with nature.
Follow us
