Rashtrapati Nilayam is one of two official retreats of the President of India in Bolaram, Hyderabad. The other one is located in the hill town of Shimla. So when it is too hot in Delhi, President goes to Shimla. And when it is too cold there it is Hyderabad that hardly gets cold. It is a 150+-year-old single-story house.
One of the many built by the Nizams of Hyderabad. But later served as the residence of a British resident at Secunderabad. Post-independence, it became the President’s home in the south.
Rashtrapati Nilayam, Hyderabad
Spread over 90 acres, this house in white is relatively small. With one wing serving as the private area with bedrooms and a living area. And the other wing houses a durbar hall and a huge dining area. Private areas are very simple and reminded me of army inspection Bungalows. Durbar Hall and dining hall are made lively by the row of chandeliers that hang from their ceilings. The kitchen is an independent building connected to the dining hall through an underground tunnel. An interesting feature of this tunnel is the natural light provided by the openings in the ground above at regular intervals. It is a simple tunnel that provides a safe and secure, porting of food from a kitchen that may have been located a bit away.
So that the residents do not have to hear or smell the kitchen while the cooking is happening. Besides this main building, there are staff quarters. Staff lives here through the year while the president possibly stays for a few days only.
Fruit Gardens of Rashtrapati Nilayam
Various fruit gardens on the campus seem to have been recently planted, as the trees are still young. The herbal garden is a good concept. There is a bit of documentation provided in terms of name, scientific name, and the problems that the herbs help resolve. I wish there was more information. But I also understand there is a limitation of space for display. This is possibly the biggest herbal plant collection that I have seen in the country. Before the herbal garden, there is a display of a traditional irrigation ramp and a brief explanation of the same. Some of the trees on the campus were really old. Along with the Deccan rocks, old trees create natural spaces to sit under and enjoy the vast nature reserve on this campus.
Public Visit
Opening up of this campus for the public started recently and entry is free. Even on a Monday, we could see a decent crowd that included many school groups, families, and camera persons from every newspaper & TV Channel. Given the nicely laid roads, landscaped gardens, and open space, you wish it should be open to the public for the time when the president is not in town. Maybe for a few hours for morning and evening walks as this part of the city does not have too many open public spaces. There is a need to provide information on the opening and closing dates and timings, information on what is allowed inside the campus, and any restrictions. Even on the official website, nothing is mentioned.
How you wish all our public places were so well maintained!
Since it opens only for a limited period every year, the place becomes really exclusive. So visit it if you can when it’s open.
Recommend you read the following travel blog on places to visit in Hyderabad.
Crazy, Whacky – Sudha Car Museum
Fox Sagar – Lake in Hyderabad with a curious name
It look beautiful and very well maintained and worth visiting.
But one wonders if 100s of rooms of Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi are not enough? Now in days of climate control why does he needs many homes.
Very nice indeed!
It is beautiful Desi Traveler. My bigger demand is that it should be open to public for 360 days when he is not in town. After all it is maintained using public money.