Rashtrapati Nilayam

Infobox building|right
building_name=Rashtrapati Nilayam


building_type=Palatial Residence
architectural_style=European
structural_system=
location=Hyderabad, India
completion_date=1860
opened =
main_contractors=
architect=
structural_engineer=|

Rashtrapati Nilayam (Telugu: రాష్ట్రపతి నిలయం, literally the "President's House") is one of the three official retreats of the President of India. It is located in a suburb called Bollarum on the outskirts of the south Indian city, Secunderabad.

Because this residence is in a region far removed from the national capital, New Delhi, it is held to be indicative of the role that the President plays in unifying a diverse nation.

It has come to be known as President's "Southern Sojourn". It is occasionally used as a guest house for visiting dignitaries.

The other retreat is The Retreat Building in Shimla.

History

The Rashtrapati Nilayam was constructed in 1860 by the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad. After the Hyderabad state joined the Indian Union in 1948, the management of this estate was taken over by the President's Secretariat.

Design

The estate is spread over an area of 90 acres, compromising of a single storied building with 16 rooms besides visitors' quarters that are large enough to accommodate 150 people.

It also has a Dining Hall, Cinema Hall, Darbar Hall, Morning room, ADC's dining room etc. The President stays at the Nilayam at least once a year and conducts her official business from here.

External links

* [http://presidentofindia.nic.in/retreats.html The official web site of President of India]
* [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1611254,prtpage-1.cms Times of India]
* [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070708/spectrum/main3.htm Tribune]