Rashtrapati Bhavan Changing of Guard and Museum Entry Independent Tour

3 h
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Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajpath, New Delhi 110004 India

After pickup from your hotel in Delhi by private vehicle, your driver will take you to the gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan – the presidential residence -- to watch the 30-minute Changing of Guard ceremony on Saturday morning. When you arrive, show your photo ID at the entrance to the estate’s forecourt, and view the President’s Body Guard (PBG) and their equestrian display amid a public audience of up to 200.

The PBG soldiers, established in 1773, belong to the Senior Regiment of the Indian Army, whose cavalry carry out ceremonial duties for the president. Watch the military guards, adorned in full regalia, as they advance from behind the Jaipur column astride their stallions. Consider the physical prowess of these elite troops as they perform exacting maneuvers, carrying lance and saber in tune to the music of the Army Brass Band.

As you observe this British-influenced military tradition, you’ll see the elite infantry regiments of the Army Guard Battalion march in and replace the old guard. The morning ceremony ends with another equestrian display by the PBG before they ride away toward Rashtrapati Bhavan while the brass band plays the National Anthem.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: National Museum, Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India

The National MuseumAt the National Museum, one of India’s largest museums, admire a range of Indian artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era. This collection was permanently established at the National Museum after it was viewed at the Royal Academy in London, followed by an exhibit at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the mid-1940s.

Altogether, the museum has 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin, covering a span of more than 5,000 years. With the aid of an audio tour and informative panels about the displays, walk through the museum and enjoy exhibits that include jewelry, paintings, manuscripts and armor, as well as a Buddhist art section renowned for its sacred relics.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110002 India

The National Rail MuseumSet amid 10 acres of sprawling park, the National Rail Museum isn’t just for train buffs! Head indoors for an informative display of fascinating objects, including signaling equipment, antique train furniture and historical photographs of the Indian Railway. Read the displays' accompanying annotations and learn about India’s rail heritage as you admire the line-up of 19th-century steam engines parked outside.

See the Prince of Wales Saloon, built in 1875 for the prince’s visit, and peer through the windows of the Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon for a look at the brocade-covered chairs and elegant rosewood bed. Don’t miss the well-preserved steam locomotive, the Fairy Queen, or the 1914 fire engine.

Duration: 2 hours

Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by private, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Audio tour (if National Museum selected)
  • Joy train ride - one ride (if Rail Museum selected)
  • Entry/Admission - National Museum
  • Entry/Admission - National Rail Museum
Not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Child rate applies to a maximum of 2 children; in case of 3rd child or more, please book them as adults
  • Please note that you must provide your hotel details at time of booking. If you have not finalized your accommodation prior to booking the tour, you must contact the local tour operator at least 24 hours prior to tour departure to provide these details
  • No child seats or baby capsules are provided; infants must be seated on the lap of an adult. If you would like a child booster seat, please contact local tour operator to arrange this (booster seat will be US$15 per child)
  • No guide is included as part of the tour. In National Museum an audio guide machine is provided.
  • The Change of Guard ceremony is held in open-air, so please dress according to weather
  • Entry to Change of Guard ceremony usually opens 30 minutes prior to Ceremony and closes 15 minutes prior to commencement of Ceremony.
  • Both museums have cafes where you may purchase snacks and drinks
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Change of Guard ceremony timings Saturdays (Morning) 15th March to 14th November: 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM 15th November to 14th March: 10:00 AM to 10:40 AM Sundays (Evening) 15th March to 14th November: 5:30 PM to 6:10 PM 15th November to 14th March: 4:30 PM to 5:10 PM
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Cultural
85% Tourism
80% Original
60%
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