BENGALURU: For the first time, citizens will get to explore the grandeur and architectural beauty of
Raj Bhavan, official residence of the Karnataka governor, this month. Governor
Vajubhai Vala has decided to throw its doors open to the general public during
Independence Day celebrations.
Raj Bhavan will be open from August 16 to 30, including
public holidays, between 4pm and 6.30pm for the general public.
There will be five tour guides, appointed by the Bhavan administration, who will take the visitors in groups and introduce them to places like the glass house, royal ballroom, lounge and interiors of Raj Bhavan.
VR Ramesh, Raj Bhavan secretary, told TOI that it was Vala who took the initiative since he wanted people to have a pleasant and memorable experience of the gubernatorial ambience, which is otherwise reserved for diplomats, high-profile visitors to the state and official dignitaries.
“The idea is to make people soak in the fervour of Independence Day in the grand ambience of Raj Bhavan and appreciate its history and heritage,” said Ramesh.
Raj Bhavan, formerly known during British India as the Bangalore Residency, was built by Sir Mark Cubbon, who was the commissioner of Mysuru territory of the British empire between 1840 and 1842.
Thirty visitors will be allowed in a batch and each tour will take 20-30 minutes. Entry will be through the main gate and visitors have to report there 15 minutes before the given time slot. Visitors can come individually or in a group of up to five persons. They must carry a valid photo identity proof.
How to avail passes
Those who want to visit Raj Bhavan have to obtain online registration through the link available on the home page of its website http://rajbhavan.kar.nic.in. Online request has to be made at least five days prior to the date of visit.
File pic of Raj Bhavan
