Amrit Udyan: The Fifteen-Acre Botanical Paradise of Rashtrapati Bhavan

Horticultural Conception: Lutyens & Mustoe's Masterpiece

Spread across fifteen breathtaking acres behind the western facade of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Amrit Udyan (formerly known as the Mughal Gardens) represents one of the world's most celebrated achievements in landscape architecture. Conceived between 1917 and 1928 by Sir Edwin Lutyens in close collaboration with the brilliant Scottish horticulturist William R. Mustoe (the Director of Horticulture who also laid out the landscaping of Lutyens' Delhi), the gardens were designed as an intimate outdoor sanctuary for the sovereign estate.

Lutyens and Mustoe achieved a breathtaking synthesis of two distinct horticultural traditions: the rigorous geometric symmetry and water-channel network of classical Mughal Charbagh gardens (such as the Shalimar and Nishat Baghs of Kashmir) and the naturalistic, abundant perennial borders of traditional English country gardens. The result was a harmonious landscape where rectilinear stone terraces, scalloped fountains, and paved brick causeways are softened by cascades of vibrant seasonal blooms.

Originally private gardens reserved strictly for the Viceroy's household, the gardens were first opened to the general public in 1946 by Lady Wavell. Following independence, the tradition was expanded into an annual month-long public festival—known as Udyan Utsav—celebrating the peak springtime blooming season between early February and late March.

The Four Garden Enclaves: From East Lawn to Sunken Circular Garden

Amrit Udyan is organized into four distinct interconnected garden sectors, each possessing a distinct spatial character and floral palette:

The Rectangular East Lawn forms the immediate backdrop to the palace, bisected by long sandstone canals flowing into square lily ponds adorned with scalloped red sandstone fountains that throw water twelve feet into the air. Terraced lawns of fine Doob grass (originally imported from Calcutta) are bordered by manicured cypress trees and geometric parterres planted with tens of thousands of seasonal annuals.

The Long Garden (Purdah Garden) consists of an enclosed pedestrian corridor framed by twelve-foot sandstone walls completely smothered in fragrant climbing roses, jasmine, and bougainvillea. Paved red brick pathways run alongside narrow water rills, leading visitors past rose beds planted with rare heritage varieties.

The crowning horticultural jewel is the Circular Garden (Sunken Sunken Garden / Butterfly Garden), an amphitheatre of concentric stepped circular flowerbeds descending into a central circular water basin. This protected sunken microclimate displays a dazzling kaleidoscope of petunias, pansies, marigolds, and dahlias, designed so that the flowers create swirling concentric rings of vibrant contrasting colors.

150+ Rose Cultivars & The Spring Tulip Spectacle

Amrit Udyan holds legendary status among international rosarians, cultivating over one hundred and fifty distinct rose varieties ranging from heirloom Damask and Bourbon roses to prize-winning modern hybrid teas and floribundas. Notable named cultivars include 'Taj Mahal', 'Eiffel Tower', 'Christian Dior', 'Queen Elizabeth', 'Mother Teresa', 'Jawahar', and the exotic green-hued rose 'Green Rose' (Rosa chinensis viridiflora).

A highlight of recent spring seasons is the breathtaking imported Tulip display. Over twenty-five thousand Dutch tulip bulbs across ten vibrant cultivars—including brilliant scarlet, canary yellow, royal purple, and pastel pink—are cold-treated and planted in geometric parterres, blooming in spectacular synchronized harmony with daffodils, Asiatic lilies, and Dutch hyacinths throughout late February.

Beyond roses and tulips, the gardens cultivate over seventy varieties of seasonal annuals, including giant dahlias measuring up to eight inches across, carnations, ranunculus, salvias, and cinerarias, tended year-round by a dedicated team of over forty hereditary estate gardeners.

The Herbal, Bonsai & Spiritual Sanctuaries

During the presidency of renowned scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007), the estate gardens underwent a profound thematic expansion, introducing specialized ecological and educational enclaves that continue to delight visitors today.

The Arogya Vanam (Herbal Garden) cultivates over thirty-two species of medicinal and aromatic plants vital to traditional Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine, including Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tulsi, Kalmegh, Stevia, and Lemongrass, complete with bilingual interpretive signage explaining their therapeutic properties.

The Bonsai Garden displays a curated collection of more than fifty miniature trees, some over sixty years old, including exquisitely sculpted specimens of Banyan, Peepal, Bougainvillea, and Casuarina. Adjacent stands the Spiritual Garden, which brings together trees and plants revered across India's diverse religious traditions—including the Bodhi tree, Sandalwood, Kadamba, Rudraksha, and Henna—celebrating unity in diversity through nature.

Udyan Utsav: Spring Festival & Public Celebration

Every year between early February and late March, Amrit Udyan opens its gates for the annual Udyan Utsav, drawing over five hundred thousand visitors from across India and around the world. In recent years, under the visionary leadership of President Droupadi Murmu, the gardens have also introduced a secondary summer blooming edition during the monsoon months (August–September) showcasing water lilies, lotus blooms, and rain-flowering shrubs.

During Udyan Utsav, special designated days are reserved exclusively for specific civic groups—including differently-abled visitors, defense and paramilitary families, senior citizens, tribal women's self-help groups, and government school students—ensuring inclusive, dignified access for all sectors of society.

The festival features interactive botanical selfie points, musical fountain performances, and eco-friendly souvenir stalls selling potted herbs and organic compost produced entirely from green waste recycled within the presidential estate.

Visitor Guidelines, Slot Booking & Metro Connectivity

Admission to Amrit Udyan during Udyan Utsav is completely free of charge, but visitors must reserve a timed entry slot in advance via the official portal (rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in) to manage crowd flow. Entry is permitted from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:00), Tuesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays for garden maintenance).

Visitors must enter through Gate No. 35 of the Rashtrapati Bhavan estate, located on North Avenue near 12 Janpath. To reach Gate No. 35, the most convenient Delhi Metro stations are Central Secretariat (Yellow and Violet Lines) and Shivaji Stadium (Airport Express Line), with free shuttle bus services frequently operating between Central Secretariat Metro and Gate 35 during the festival peak.

Strict security rules apply: only mobile phones are permitted inside the gardens. Handbags, cameras, food, and water bottles must be left at home or in vehicles, as cloakroom facilities at the gate experience heavy queues. The paved walking circuits are completely step-free and wheelchair-accessible, with complimentary wheelchairs and golf cart assistance available for elderly and differently-abled visitors.