• President Droupadi Murmu opened Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad to the public.

• This is the first time that the heritage building is being opened to the general public. Earlier, people could visit only the gardens around it once a year for a limited time period.

• President Murmu attended the ceremony through video conferencing. On the occasion, the President also laid the foundation stones for the restoration and conservation of the Jai Hind Ramp and a replica of the historic Flag Post.

• The Jai Hind Ramp is connected to a historic step well that catered to the water needs of Rashtrapati Nilayam in the past, while the flag post marked the integration of the erstwhile princely State of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948.

• During the tour of the Nilayam, one can see the building from inside, including the Presidential wing, and dining area, and can enjoy traditional cheriyal paintings of Telangana strolling through the underground tunnel connecting the Nilayam kitchen to the dining hall.

• Visitors can learn about the history of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Rashtrapati Nilayam, know about the Constitution and get a glimpse of the role and responsibilities of the President of India in the 'Knowledge Gallery' which was earlier used as stables.

• Various sections of the garden of the Nilayam such as Rock Garden, Herbal Garden, and Butterfly and Nakshatra Gardens will remain open to the public.

• Rashtrapati Nilayam will be open to the general public throughout the year, except during the President's southern sojourn.

Presidential Retreats

• There are two presidential retreats — the Retreat Building in Shimla and Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad — where the President moves in, at least once a year.

• The location of the ‘Retreat Building’ in Shimla and the ‘Rashtrapati Nilayam’ in Hyderabad are indicative of the integrative role of the office of the President in the country.

• These locations, one in north and another in south, symbolise unity of the country and unity of the nation’s diverse cultures and people.

Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad

• Located at Bolarum in Hyderabad, Rashtrapati Nilayam building was taken over from the Nizam of Hyderabad after India attained independence and handed over to the President’s Secretariat.

• Constructed in 1860, the building has a total land area of 90 acres. A single-storied building, it contains 11 rooms in its premises. It also has a dining hall, cinema hall, darbar hall, morning room, dining room, etc.

• The President visits the Rashtrapati Nilayam and stays there at least once a year and conducts official business from the premises.

The Retreat Building in Shimla

• Located at the hill top of the Mashobra, the building was taken over during 1895 by the Viceroy. The President visits The Retreat at least once a year and the core office shifts to that place during stay in the Retreat. 

• Around 1,000 feet higher than the Shimla Ridge Top, the Retreat is located in a picturesque surrounding. The architectural pattern and the natural beauty of the place have made the Retreat a tourist attraction in Shimla.

• The redeeming feature of this building is that it is purely a wooden structure with dhajji wall construction. 

• Originally constructed in 1850, this building has a plinth area of 10,628 sq ft.

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