Rashtrapati Nilayam

Residence for key functionaries: The property was associated with the administration of the Nizam of Hyderabad and later with British officials in Secunderabad. It became known as the Residency House in historical accounts.

Hyderabad's integration into India (17 September 1948): Hyderabad became part of the Indian Union following the events of September 1948. The historic flagpost at Rashtrapati Nilayam is associated with the hoisting of the Indian national flag on 17 September 1948.

Transformation into the President's retreat: Following Hyderabad's integration into India, the estate came under the administration of the Government of India and became the President's southern retreat. India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, stayed at the property in 1955. Subsequent Presidents have used the estate during their visits to southern India.

Opened to the public (22 March 2023): President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated year-round public access to Rashtrapati Nilayam in March 2023. Previously, visitors could generally access the estate during a limited period in January following the President's winter visit. The opening made the historic residence, gardens and restored heritage attractions accessible to visitors throughout the year, subject to official functions and scheduled closures.

The main building is a single-storeyed structure with rooms and facilities used for presidential residence and official functions. Official descriptions differ regarding its room count: the Presidential Retreats profile records 11 rooms, while the visitor portal describes a 16-room residence. Facilities include the President's study, private apartments, dining facilities, a cinema hall, Morning Room and Durbar Hall.

Key architectural features:

• Single-storeyed main residential building
• Room count recorded as 11 or 16 in different official descriptions
• Durbar Hall used for official functions
• President's study and private residential areas
• Morning Room and cinema hall
• Dining facilities and an independent kitchen building
• Historic underground passage connecting the kitchen and dining areas
• Antiques and heritage furnishings displayed within the estate

Replica of the historic flagpost (inaugurated December 2023): President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a replica of the historic flagpost at Rashtrapati Nilayam on 21 December 2023. The structure commemorates the historic hoisting of the Indian national flag in Hyderabad on 17 September 1948, following the integration of the princely state into the Indian Union.

Construction: The replica is approximately 120 feet (36 metres) tall and made of Burma teakwood. It replaces the earlier historic flagpole, which had deteriorated and was dismantled in 2010 due to safety concerns.

Rashtrapati Nilayam features several landscaped gardens and horticultural attractions, including herbal, astronomical, ornamental and recreational gardens. These spaces combine traditional plant knowledge, landscaping and environmental awareness.

• Herbal Garden – approximately 7,000 sq m, featuring about 116 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, according to an official presidential account.
• Nakshatra Garden – plants associated with the Navagrahas, 12 zodiac signs and 27 Nakshatras.
• Rock Garden – landscaped area featuring rock formations and sculptures, including Shiva and Nandi.
• Maze Garden – approximately 1,600 sq m labyrinth with a musical fountain.
• Palmatum – a collection of different palm varieties.
• Fruit Orchards – fruit-growing areas within the estate.
• Nilayam Nikunj – a landscaped rose garden with topiary features, opened to visitors in 2025.

The Knowledge Gallery at Rashtrapati Nilayam provides information about the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan and the country's presidential heritage. Its displays include belongings and memorabilia associated with former Presidents, information about Hyderabad's history, and exhibits highlighting lesser-known contributors to India's freedom movement.

The gallery also features displays related to presidential hospitality, including cutlery associated with the President's Kitchen and photographs of state dinners hosted by former Presidents.

The extensive green spaces, landscaped gardens and fruit-growing areas provide habitats for birds and other wildlife. Peacocks are among the birds that visitors may encounter on the grounds. The estate's vegetation also supports other local fauna, and visitor management arrangements are maintained for safety.

The President's southern sojourn: Rashtrapati Nilayam serves as the President of India's southern retreat. The President visits the estate during official engagements in Hyderabad and other parts of southern India. During presidential stays, the main building functions as the President's residence and the estate hosts official meetings, conferences and other programmes.

In December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu visited Hyderabad for her winter sojourn. During the visit, she inaugurated the National Conference for the Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions and participated in programmes associated with the theme "Timeless Wisdom of Bharat: Pathways of Peace and Progress".

Kala Sandhya: Rashtrapati Nilayam organises cultural programmes under the name Kala Sandhya. These events provide visitors with opportunities to experience Indian music, dance and other performing arts. Sunday cultural programmes have been scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with last entry arrangements subject to the event schedule.

Visitors should check the official visitor portal for the latest programme dates and entry conditions.

Recommended visit duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore the main building, gardens, stepwells and Knowledge Gallery, subject to the areas open to visitors.

• Book online in advance through the official visitor portal.
• Carry a valid government-issued photo identification document.
• Foreign visitors should carry a valid passport.
• Mobile phones are subject to restrictions inside the main building.
• Photography inside the main building is prohibited; follow instructions in other areas.
• Professional photography may require prior permission.
• Outside food and prohibited items are not permitted inside the estate.
• Follow security instructions and visitor movement restrictions.
• Entry to certain areas may be restricted during official functions and presidential visits.

Rashtrapati Nilayam is open to the public throughout the year, subject to official closures. The winter months from October to February generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the gardens and outdoor attractions.

The garden areas are particularly appealing during seasonal flowering periods. Visitors should check the official announcements for special horticultural exhibitions, Udyan Utsav programmes and other seasonal events rather than assuming that a particular festival is scheduled every year.

• Main building facade – an important architectural feature of the estate; follow photography restrictions.
• 120-foot teakwood flagpost – a distinctive landmark commemorating Hyderabad's integration into India.
• Cheriyal Art Tunnel – features Telangana's traditional narrative folk paintings.
• Jai Hind Stepwell – illustrates traditional water management and the bullock-driven water-drawing mechanism.
• Nakshatra Garden – features plants associated with traditional astronomical and astrological systems.
• Maze Garden – offers views of its landscaped labyrinth and musical fountain.
• Nilayam Nikunj – provides landscaped views of roses, topiary and garden features.

Note: Photography restrictions apply inside the main building. Visitors should follow all instructions issued by estate staff.

Other Nearby Landmarks

Other notable landmarks in the wider Secunderabad area include Secunderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Clock Tower and the Bolarum neighbourhood. Travel distances vary depending on the route and traffic conditions.

Rashtrapati Nilayam Coordinates

Approximate location: Bolarum, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500010.

• The official southern retreat of the President of India, located on a heritage estate of approximately 97 acres.
• A nineteenth-century heritage building associated with the Nizam's administration and British-era history.
• A historic location associated with the hoisting of the Indian national flag in Hyderabad on 17 September 1948.
• A 120-foot Burma teakwood flagpost commemorating Hyderabad's integration into the Indian Union.
• The restored Cheriyal Art Tunnel featuring Telangana's traditional folk paintings.
• Three restored stepwells: Jai Hind Stepwell, Nakshatra Stepwell and Chinna Baavi.
• The Jai Hind Stepwell's traditional bullock-driven water-drawing demonstration.
• Herbal, Nakshatra, Rock and Maze gardens and other landscaped attractions.
• Nilayam Nikunj, a landscaped rose garden with topiary and recreational facilities.
• A Knowledge Gallery featuring presidential memorabilia and historical exhibits.
• Public access throughout the year since March 2023, subject to official schedules and admission charges.