Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan to Reopen for Visitors from Today

The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan will open for public from Saturday (February 12) till March 16, said a statement. The statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan said that visitors will be allowed to see the gardens only through advance online booking.

It further stated that like previous year, walk-in entry will not be available as precautionary measures amid the pandemic.

The main attraction of this year's 'Udyanotsav' will be 11 varieties of tulips which are expected to bloom in phases during February. Flower Carpets in magnificent designs will also be on display in the central lawns, it said.

The dominant colour scheme of this year's ornamental flowers is white, yellow, red and orange. A small cactus corner has also been landscaped along with some air purifying plants in the gardens.

The annual ‘Udyanotsav’ was opened by President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday.

"The Mughal Gardens will remain open for the general public from February 12, 2022 to March 16, 2022 (except on Mondays which are maintenance days) between 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs (last entry at 1600 hrs)," the statement said.

Seven pre-booked hourly slots will be available between 1000 hrs and 1700 hours, it said, adding that last entry will be at 1600 hrs. Each slot can accommodate a maximum of 100 people. Visitors can carry mobiles phones during the visit, the statement added.

However, they are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, boxes, umbrellas, arms and ammunitions and eatables, it said.

Arrangements of hand sanitisers, drinking water, toilets, first aid/medical facility are provided at various points along the public route. During the tour, visitors have to follow COVID-19 protocols such as wearing of masks, maintaining social distance, among others, the statement said.

They will have to undergo thermal screening at the entry point, it said, adding that no visitor will be allowed without a mask. Entry and exit for all visitors will be from Gate no 35 of the President's Estate, close to where North Avenue meets Rashtrapati Bhavan.