75,000 people throng Rashtrapati Nilayam gardens

The exquisite gardens of the Rashtrapati Nilayam -- the President's official retreat in southern India -- attracted over 75,000 people during the over week-long period this month when it was open to the public.
The footfall at the iconic landmark this year, from January 3-10, has been the highest since public viewing began in 2007.
Maximum numbers of visitors numbering 33,730 thronged the gardens on the opening day to view the floral beauty spread across 35 acres, a statement from the Rashtrapati Bhavan here said.
The gardens include Landscaped Gardens, Herbal Gardens, Nakshatra Vatika, seasonal flowering plants and a display of potted plants around the main building.

It also has a 'Jai Hind Ramp' with cascading water and fruit gardens of mango, sapota, pomegranate, guava, amla, coconut and cheeku.
"The herbal garden has 116 species of medicinal and aromatic plants like sarpgandha, kalabandha, citronella, lemon grass, khus, geranium, coriander, sandalwood, tuber rose, jasmine, kalmegh, tulsi, etc. In an area of about 7,000 sq m," Press Secretary to President, Venu Rajamony here said.

He said the 'Nakshatra Vatika' includes 48 trees/plants representing the nine navgrahas, 12 rashis and 27 nakshatras (stars).
Besides, peepal tree, banana tree and bilva have also been placed in appropriate locations in the Vatika, he said.

The Nilayam is located in Secunderabad and housed in a building constructed over 150 years ago. The gardens are opened for public in January every year.
The beautiful mansion serves as the official abode of the President during his southern sojourn.