changeadminIt is a common refrain for many visitors to India’s national capital and even some locals, where are the green spaces and parks in Delhi?
The city of Delhi has a majestic, regal past, marked by the rise and fall of many great empires, which has led to the construction of numerous monuments, including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and India Gate.
Many of these historical monuments now come under the Archaeological Survey of India. To enhance the appeal of these historical places, the government has created green spaces around them.
Additionally, the country’s capital region is fortunate to include part of the Aravalli Range, among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, which extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana–Delhi. Portions of the Aravali range within Delhi constitute the Delhi Ridge, providing a natural green area of the city.
The Yamuna, which passes through the city for about 50 km, is not only an essential source of the city’s water supply but also a critical habitat for biodiversity. Historical and natural features have given rise to many gardens and parks in Delhi.
Furthermore, more than 10,000 large and small green spaces are developed across the city, managed by multiple local Government and semi-government agencies, primarily the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC).
Some of the green development landmarks and parks in Delhi are listed below.
Sunder Nursery
Sunder Nursery is a 16th-century park that was formerly called Azim Bagh. It’s spread over 70 acres, and 10 acres of it is now Sunder Nursery. The park has many historical monuments.
Sunder Nursery has a children’s park, monuments, a bonsai house, a nursery, eateries, lakes, fountains, a forest area, and an amphitheatre. It has become a popular destination for cultural events, nature walks, and other events.
It’s located opposite Humayun’s Tomb and half a kilometre east of the Nizamuddin dargah.
Aravali Biodiversity Park
Aravali Biodiversity Park is one of the biggest parks in Delhi, spanning 690 acres near Vasant Vihar.
DDA has developed the Aravali Biodiversity Park, which features herbal and medicinal gardens, a butterfly park, an Orchidarium, a fernarium, and a tropical rainforest.
The ecologically diverse park provides a haven for small mammals, including jackals, blue bulls, mongooses, porcupines, Indian hares, palm civets, and bats. In winter, migratory bird species such as the Verditer flycatcher, the Red-throated flycatcher, and the Himalayan warbler can be found here.
Hauz Khas Park and Deer Park
This green space in Delhi is located in Hauz Khas Village beside the ruins of a 13th-century stone fortress. There is also a lake, which was an ancient reservoir supplying water to the inhabitants of the medieval city.
The park features deer and rabbits in an enclosure, offering an amusing experience for kids and adults alike. It also has many restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great place to have a cup of coffee with family and friends.
Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi Gardens is a sprawling 100-acre park in Delhi with a wide variety of beautiful trees, flowering shrubs and lawns interspersed with the graceful geometry of the 15th-century tombs of the Lodi Sultans. The park is mapped with fountains, lakes, a traditional well, a rose garden, a bonsai garden, a glasshouse and walking tracks.
It’s a great place to spend time with your family, friends and lover. Many species of birds can also be spotted here, which makes it an excellent place for bird lovers, too.
Amrit Udyan
Amrit Udyan, previously known as the Mughal Garden, is located on the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The palatial residence has many gardens, including the Herbal Garden, the Musical Garden, and the Amrit Udyan.
The rose section of the garden features more than 250 varieties, making it one of the world’s best rose gardens.
In addition, there are evergreen fragrant shrubs and creepers which are planted along the terrace wall, such as Raat ki Rani, Mogra, Juhi, Gardenia, Rhyncospermum, Petrea, Harshringar, Bougainvillaea, Hedera Helix, Tecoma Grandiflora, and the Rangoon Creeper.
To visitors, the Amrit Udyan is accessible for a few weeks in February and March, and sometimes in August.
Garden of Five Senses
Garden of the Five Senses is a 20-acre site inaugurated in 2003. The Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation developed this lush green garden to address the city’s need for leisure space, where people can socialise, unwind, and relax.
Located in Said-Ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli Heritage area in New Delhi, the site features about twenty-five sculptures and murals, comprising one of the most significant public art commissions in the country.
Swarna Jayanti Park
This park is located in Rohini and spreads over 100 acres. The park features a Japanese garden, a duck pond, baobab trees, a running track, and a scrapped plane.
Recently, the park constructed a one-of-a-kind structure using air-purifying plants, named ‘Breathable Art’. This structure will also serve as an interactive public engagement piece to raise awareness of air pollution and promote sustainable urban living.
Indraprastha Park
This three km-long Park is located on the Outer Ring Road at the intersection with National Highway 24.
Yamuna Biodiversity Park
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park is slated to serve as a heritage site and repository for approximately 50 communities of endangered flora and fauna from the Yamuna river basin.
Developed by DDA, this park spans approximately 457 acres and is located near Wazirabad village on the flat alluvial plains of the Yamuna. This park comprises a nature trail, a meandering water body, and wetlands, with ancillary facilities in the visitor’s area.
Waste to Wonder Park
Waste to Wonder Park is one of the first parks in Delhi that demonstrates sculptures made from scrap materials.
Waste materials are creatively reused to build the seven wonders of the world, promoting environmental awareness, creating economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable urban development.
National Zoological Park
The National Zoo in Delhi spans 176 acres and houses more than 1,000 animals across around 200 species. The animals come from different parts of the world.
The zoo serves as a conservation and breeding platform for many large animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Buddha Jayanti Park
Buddha Jayanti Park was created on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of Gautama Buddha, and is situated in the southern part of the Delhi ridge.
Perched atop a rock layer, the park’s highlight is a copper statue of Lord Buddha. There are engraved teachings and quotations of Buddha on stone tablets that can also be seen.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden, which opens in December and January, features rare and imported varieties of roses and opens to the public when the roses are in full bloom.
Wrapping Up
Despite holding so many green spaces and parks in Delhi, the city unfortunately makes headlines for environmental problems such as air pollution, floods, and heatwaves.
Rapid population growth, urbanisation, pollution, infrastructure development, and construction work driven by residential needs have affected Delhi’s natural resources.
Therefore, even with many parks, Delhi needs to continue expanding its greening efforts, as they provide much-needed relief to locals and the millions who visit this historical city.
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