Is the President's Estate in Dehradun Opening for Public Viewing?

New Delhi, May 24 (NationPress) Rashtrapati Niketan, the historic 186-year-old Presidential Retreat located in Dehradun, is set to welcome visitors starting June 24, 2025, as announced by an official on Saturday.

The estate, which spans 21 acres, is being opened to the public as a part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering citizen engagement with the office of the President and the cultural heritage of Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to the statement.

On June 20, President Droupadi Murmu will personally visit Rashtrapati Niketan to oversee the final preparations for the public opening.

During her visit, she will also inaugurate the construction of Rashtrapati Udyan, a vast 132-acre ecological park, which is anticipated to be completed by the following year.

Since 2023, initiatives have been launched to open various Presidential estates, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad, and Rashtrapati Niwas in Mashobra, to public visits six days a week.

Additionally, a revamped Change of Guard Ceremony has been introduced at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan with increased seating capacity since February, the official noted.

The Dehradun-based Rashtrapati Niketan, previously referred to as Rashtrapati Ashiana, was historically utilized by the President's Bodyguards for training PBG horses. This heritage site now features a curated collection of art, offering insights into its illustrious legacy.

Visitors will have the chance to explore the stables and meet the horses of the President's Bodyguard.

Other attractions include the Lily Pond, Rockery Pond, Rose Garden, and Pergola.

Alongside Rashtrapati Niketan, visitors can also experience the Rashtrapati Tapovan, a serene 19-acre forest trail situated on Rajpur Road, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility.

This natural retreat features a diverse canopy of native trees, meandering paths, wooden bridges, elevated platforms for birdwatching, and peaceful areas for reflection.

Developed to connect visitors with nature, Rashtrapati Tapovan offers guided trails, seasonal flora, and eco-interpretive elements.

The upcoming Rashtrapati Udyan aims to be a vibrant environmental and recreational hub, showcasing thematic gardens, a butterfly garden, a picturesque lake, an aviary, and a designated children's play area.

The park’s design also includes a sports zone, walking paths, jogging and cycling routes, water conservation features, and outdoor educational installations, creating a living classroom that promotes environmental stewardship, active lifestyles, and family-friendly interactions with nature.