www.delhicacies.com - Parliament House, New Delhi, India

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

(SANSAD BHAWAN)

To the north of the Rashtrapati Bhawan stands the Parliament House. This domed, circular and colonnaded structure is 171 meters in diameter surrounded by 144 pillars made of pure creamy sandstone, each 8.3 meters high. Designed by Baker to house the Chamber of Princes, the Council of States and the Legislative Assembly, it was inaugurated in 1927 by the then Governor General of India, Lord Irwin. It now houses the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). A fine Library is part of this stately building where one can see the Constitution of India in its original hand written form. To watch the Parliament in session, tourists can access the visitors' gallery by obtaining a special pass. (Foreign tourists intending to watch the proceedings should contact their respective embassies in Delhi).