President Draupadi Murmu has reached Hyderabad for ‘southern sojourn’ as part of her winter break. On this occasion, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accorded a grand welcome to President Murmu at Hakimpet Airport. The President, who participated in the convocation ceremony of Mangalagiri AIIMS in Andhra Pradesh, reached Hakimpet in a special flight from Gannavaram Airport. From there, she reached the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bollaram located in Secunderabad, a twin city of State Capital Hyderabad. She will stay at the Rashtrapati Nilayam for five days as part of her winter break. Meanwhile, President Murmu will launch several development works. An ‘at home’ program will be held at the Rashtrapati Nilayam on the 20th of this month.
The Rashtrapati Nilayam holds great importance in India's presidential heritage and is a well-known tourist attraction in Hyderabad. It is a stunning and tranquil estate with a deep history, making it an essential destination for anyone fascinated by India's heritage and culture. It is a place of natural beauty, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant gardens.
President’s Southern Sojourn
Bollaram Rashtrapati Nilayam serves as the President of India's official retreat during the winter season. This historic landmark was transferred from the Nizam of Hyderabad after its ‘liberation’ by the independent India. It was given to the President's Secretariat in 1948. The structure was built in 1860 on a total land area of 90 acres. A one-story structure, it houses a total of 11 rooms within its confines. It also features a Dining Hall, Cinema Hall, Darbar Hall, Morning Room, Dining Room, etc. The President of India comes to Rashtrapati Nilayam and resides here at least once annually while carrying out official duties from this Nilayam.
Tourist Attraction in Hyderabad
The Rashtrapati Nilayam is a place of many special features, such as the incredible buildings that stand as a symbol of the country's heritage, beautiful lawns that are pleasing to the eye, paintings carved on stone slabs, and an art gallery that tells the stories of the lives of great people. Once, visitors were allowed to visit only a few days a year, but presently public are allowed to visit anytime. In March 2023, the building was opened to the public for the first time. Visitors can explore the vast grounds, thematic gardens, and architectural marvels of this historic estate.
Once Viceroy’s Guest House
With the intention of not limiting the country's governance to northern India, the British authorities established the Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bollaram, Secunderabad in 1860. At that time, it was called the ‘Viceroy's Guest House’. After Hyderabad liberation, the central government took over the area. Since then, it has been called the Rashtrapati Nilayam. This building, which has a history of more than 160 years, was purchased from the Nizam for 60 lakhs by the Centre.
Vast buildings that are a testament to the heritage are visible in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Beautiful lawns are a feast for the eyes wherever you look. After the Indian Army defeated the Nizam, a 125-foot-high national flag was erected in the palace to commemorate the Nizam's flag being lowered and the three-star flag hoisted. In the past, for security reasons, a special tunnel was set up to bring the necessary supplies and food items to the building directly from outside, which impresses everyone.
Vision of Nazir-ud-Daula
The Rashtrapati Nilayam was built in 1850 during the rule of Nizam Nazir-ud-Daula. Later, this building became the residence of the Chief Military Officer of the Nizam government. After Hyderabad was included in the Indian Union in 1948, the traditional President's Residency House became a retreat. The President stays here for about two weeks in the winter and conducts official business. Nilayam is also used as a guest house for visiting dignitaries.
