Dehradun: Rashtrapati Niketan, the Presidential Retreat in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is set to open its doors to the public from June 24, 2025. This move is part of a broader initiative to foster greater public engagement with the President and the rich heritage of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This initiative has already seen the opening of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra for public visits six days a week since 2023. Further enhancing public interaction, the Change of Guard Ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan commenced in a new format with increased seating capacity from February 2025.
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Rashtrapati Niketan on June 20, 2025, to oversee preparations for its public opening. During her visit, she will also lay the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan, a sprawling 132-acre ecological park.
Formerly known as Rashtrapati Ashiana, Rashtrapati Niketan served as a training ground for the horses of the President’s Bodyguards. This historic 21-acre estate, 186 years old, now features a curated collection of artwork, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past. Attractions include the stables and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, the Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and Pergola.
Adjacent to Rashtrapati Niketan, visitors can also explore Rashtrapati Tapovan, a 19-acre dense forest trail located on Rajpur Road. Tapovan provides a tranquil natural escape with a rich canopy of native trees, winding trails, wooden bridges, elevated machans for birdwatching, and serene spots for reflection and meditation. It has been developed to connect visitors with nature through guided trails, seasonal flora, and eco-interpretive elements.
The upcoming Rashtrapati Udyan, slated for public opening next year, is envisioned as a dynamic environmental and recreational space. Plans for the park include thematic gardens, a butterfly garden, a scenic lake, an aviary, and a dedicated children’s play area. The park will also feature a sports zone, walking, jogging, and cycling tracks, water conservation systems, and outdoor learning installations, aiming to create a living classroom that promotes environmental awareness, active lifestyles, and family-friendly engagement with nature.