Parliament Building holds regular parliament sessions and is observed as the principal legislative body of India. It constitutes two houses; the upper and lower or the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The building also consists of the office of the Indian President. It is known as Sansad Bhawan in Hindi. Parliament Building possesses a special significance for the citizens of India, as all the important decisions regarding the nation are discussed and executed here. Parliament House is situated towards the end of the parliament Street in New Delhi, west of the Vijay Chowk. Bills regarding the important issues of the country are discussed and reviewed by both the houses to arrive at an agreeable conclusion. After the intervention of the President, the bill is passed to become an act through his consent.

The Parliament building is constructed to exhibit a round shape and stands tall to a height of 75 feet. The diameter of the building is 570 feet.

History

In the years, 1912-1927, the parliament building was designed and constructed. English architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were involved in the designing of the building. The shape of the building is circular to symbolize the Ashok Chakra. Initially, the parliament house was decided to be a part of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.  However, in the year 1919 it was declared that the building would be utilized as the parliament house owing to the Montague-Chelmsford reforms.  The Duke of Connaught, started the construction work by laying the foundation stone in the year 1921, of the Indian parliament. The foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the building was inaugurated in 1927 by Lord and Lady Irwin. Previously known as the circular house, the building has been designed by Herbert Baker.

Architecture

The Parliament House of India is a circular colonnaded building and features excellent library, ministerial offices and several committee rooms. Created in the Imperial Style, this structure comprises an open verandah with 144 columns.

The domed circular central hall featuring oak paneled walls along with its 3 semi circular buildings is used for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Shabha meetings. Three semi-circular chambers were earlier consigned to house the legislative assembly, the council of state, and the chamber of princes. Now, the Parliament House features the ‘ Rajya Sabha' or the Upper House of the Parliament and the ‘ Lok Sabha' or the Lower House of the Parliament. A string of 144 columns guards the three circular chambers which  add to the beauty of the building. Flanked by beautiful gardens and fountains, the Parliament House add to the charm of Indian glory.

Nearby Attractions

Museum

Parliament house also features a museum which aims at making people aware about the “Democratic Heritage of India”

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official home of the President of India and a must visit place to explore the beautiful architecture style.

India Gate

At the center of New Delhi,  the 42 m high India Gate, attracts the attention of all with its beautiful structure and historical importance.

How to Reach

Parliament House is situated at the heart of New Delhi and various modes of transportation are available.

By Air

Many flights ply from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and Palam domestic terminal in Delhi. Buses, taxis are available to reach the Parliament House. 

By Rail

Express trains are available to and from all major cities in India.

By Road

Tourists can avail local buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis from different locations within the city to reach the Parliament house.