Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun Opens to Public from June 24, 2025: A New Chapter in Citizen Engagement with Presidential Heritage

In a landmark step towards increasing public engagement with the Rashtrapati Bhavan and its associated heritage sites, the Rashtrapati Niketan in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, will be opened for public viewing starting June 24, 2025. This move follows the broader initiative launched in 2023 to make Presidential residences across India more accessible to the general public.

Situated across 21 acres, this 186-year-old estate, formerly known as Rashtrapati Ashiana, has long served as a training center for the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) horses. Today, it stands revitalized, offering an enriching blend of history, art, nature, and tradition. Visitors will not only get a rare opportunity to walk through a space that has played a quiet yet significant role in India’s presidential legacy, but also to witness curated artwork, view the historic stables and the majestic PBG horses, and enjoy beautifully landscaped features like the Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and the Pergola.

In preparation for the public opening, President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Rashtrapati Niketan on June 20, 2025, to oversee final arrangements and to lay the foundation stone of Rashtrapati Udyan, a massive 132-acre ecological park that promises to further deepen the connection between citizens and their natural and cultural heritage.

This development builds upon recent public engagement initiatives, such as the reformatted Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan introduced in February 2025, which features increased seating and improved accessibility. Furthermore, since 2023, Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra have all been open to visitors six days a week, drawing widespread public interest.

Adjacent to the Rashtrapati Niketan is the Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre forest trail along Rajpur Road. Developed to offer a tranquil retreat, the Tapovan immerses visitors in a biodiverse landscape featuring native tree canopies, wooden bridges, birdwatching machans, and peaceful meditation spots. It serves as a living example of how ecological mindfulness can coexist with heritage conservation.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Rashtrapati Udyan—scheduled to open in 2026—promises to be a dynamic hub of environmental education and recreation. The proposed features include thematic gardens, a butterfly garden, a scenic lake, an aviary, a children’s play area, and facilities such as sports zones, cycling and jogging tracks, water conservation systems, and outdoor learning installations. The park is designed as a “living classroom” where citizens of all ages can explore, learn, and engage with nature.

With these initiatives, the President’s Secretariat is not only preserving the past but also building vibrant public spaces for the future—spaces where history, ecology, and civic pride converge.

Visitor Information:

• Opening Date: June 24, 2025
• Location: Rashtrapati Niketan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Attractions: Presidential Bodyguard stables, gardens, ponds, curated art, forest trails
• Nearby Sites: Rashtrapati Tapovan and, coming soon, Rashtrapati Udyan

These spaces invite citizens to step into the heart of India’s presidential heritage—and to witness firsthand the beauty, legacy, and values that define the nation’s highest office.