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Apart from its ancient monuments, magnificent museums, and yummy street-side fare, the multidimensional metropolis of Delhi is feted for its lush green gardens and pictorial parks. Thanks to the Lodis, Mughals, Tughlaqs and other imperial dynasties, who apart from expanding their geographical dominions, conferred the land with many exquisite works of art and architecture, not to forget the picturesque gardens surrounding them. Delhi is swamped with lush gardens, which like the city of Delhi itself, has its own unique legacy to regale. All thanks to the tourism department, the gardens of Delhi still echoes with the erstwhile princely charm. However, most of the lush parks of Delhi are limited to the wadded layout of Old Delhi and are adorned with ruins of archaic citadels, providing ample room to kick back your vacation afternoons. Explore this article to know more about the serene beauty of Delhi through its gardens. Read on to know more on this.
Famous Gardens Of Delhi
Mughal Gardens
Mughal Gardens, located at the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of President, is one of the most exquisitely done botanies in Delhi. Straggled across six hectares of land, the famous Mughal Gardens with multi-level terraces, canals, flowering shrubs, lawns and privet hedges, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding. This garden, which is divided into three sectors – Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and the Circular Garden, was apparently inspired by the Mughal style and hence the name. Mughal Gardens is open to the visitors from February to March every year and sums up as the perfect place for a picnic or a casual day out.
Lodi Garden
Formerly known as Lady Willington Park, today the famous Lodi Gardens stands as the prized remnants of the early historic times. Located on the main Lodi road, this exquisite landscape, which is thronged with many medieval monuments and tombs, serves as joggers as well as tourists delight. Well-kept gardens and the historic repositories lend an aura of impeccable charm to this garden. Tombs of rulers like Muhammad Shah, Sikander Lodi and the ‘Athpula’ Bridge add to the garden’s majestic opulence. If you are a lover of bonsai, then a visit to the National Bonsai Park over here can leave you thrilled.
Kalindi Kunj
Kalindi Kunj is a famous public garden that draws its inspiration from the Vrindavan garden of Mysore. Located on the banks of the river Yamuna, close to the Apollo Hospital and the Okhla, this garden provides breathtaking sight with its beautiful greenery and the musical fountain. Brilliantly illuminated, the garden offers a fairytale atmosphere to the visitors who flock here in large numbers to enjoy the rich lush. The garden also serves as a hub for migratory birds that flock this area during September.
Shalimar Garden
Shalimar garden, one of the famous Mughal gardens in Delhi, is located 10kms to the north-west of Old Delhi. Once known as Aizzabad-Bagh, after Shah Jahan’s wife Aizzu’n-Nisa Begum, Shalimar Garden served as the country house for Emperor Aurangzeb during his reign. The garden still houses many buildings that narrate the glorious past of the unforgettable Mughal history. The present beauty of the Shalimar garden is due to the reconstruction work done by the Indian tourism in the year 2006. The best time to visit this place is during spring as the nature is at its best during this time of the year.
Talkatora Garden
The Talkatora garden, perched on the main Willingdon Crescents Road, stands as another good example of lush tapestry done in Mughal style. The Talkatora garden once served as the venue of battle between the Mughals and the Marathas and is stamped with a rich historical significance. The garden is famous for its splendid look especially in spring when the colorful flowers and plans display serene beauty. Apart for the greeneries, the Talkatora Gardens is also famous for its indoor stadium where the number of shows, competitions and programs are held throughout the year.
Rose Garden
True to its name, the Rose garden in Delhi houses roses of different varieties. The best time to visit the Rose garden is during December and January when the roses are in full bloom. The Rose garden is famous among tourists because of its beauty and splendor. The other reason for its popularity is the easy accessibility of the place. The garden is close to Raj Ghat, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Shanti Vana. Thus, anyone visiting to these places can easily make a trip to the Rose garden and revel in its rich beauty.
Garden Of Five Senses
Garden of Five Senses, located in Said-Ul-Azaib village close to the Mehrauli heritage area, is the result of a green initiation by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Inaugurated in 2003, the Garden of Five Senses was built with an aim of providing calm and serene spot to the visitors. The abundant display of flora and fauna promises to be a perfect sensual treat. The garden is a delight for art lovers that boast of as many as 25 art sculptures sited within its huge periphery. The Solar Park, which serves as the storehouse of renewable energy sources, is another attraction of this park.
Buddha Jayanti Park
Buddha Jayanti Park, situated in Ridge Road near Dhaula Kuan, is an exquisite landscape, built to commemorate the 2500th anniversary of Lord Buddha’s attainment of nirvana. A sapling of the original Bodi tree, under which Buddha attained his enlightenment, is planted in this park and serves as one of the major attractions for the tourists here. With lush green lawns, pitched terrain and huge trees, Buddha Jayanti Park is quite popular among people of all ages. Open on all days, you can enjoy the serene beauty of this park any day between 5 am to 7 pm.
Millennium Indraprastha Park
Millennium Indraprastha Park located on the outer Ring Road of East Delhi is a recent addition to the parks of Delhi. With the initiation of Delhi Development Authority, the park was constructed in 2004 with the sole aim of providing green space for the Delhites. This park attracts large number of people with its colorful blooms, lush green trees and little cottages. Visitors can also get a clear view of Humayun’s Tomb from the park. The park is open to visitors on all days of the week from morning 5 am to 8.30 pm in the evening.
Nehru Park
Nehru Park, spread over 75 acres of land, is located in Chanakyapuri, close to Ashoka Hotel. With the vast stretch of landscaped lawns and tracks, Nehru Park is an ideal destination for family outing. The park, which is named after Jawaharlal Nehru, is noted for its mounds and rocks. Other attractions of the place are Monkey Bridge, water channels, swimming pool and fountain. Classical music concert is held once in every e month that attracts visitors in large numbers. Apart from this, the park also houses an open art gallery, which serves as a platform for budding artists.
Delhi is a place, which serves as a testament to India’s glorious historical past. As the famous poet Mirza Ghalib once wrote, “The world is the body and Delhi is its soul”. Delhi is indeed the essence of India that reverberates with rich historical significance through its imperial monuments and regal architecture. The richness of Delhi is well reflected in the grand historical monuments through its majestic architectures. If you plan to visit Delhi, then the historical monuments are a must see. The monuments take you down the history and give you a glimpse of its royal heritage. The monuments highlight the dynamism, cultural wealth and rich traditions of Delhi. Doesn’t matter how much you read about these monuments, the majesticity of these repositories cannot be fully described in words. Thus, visiting these monuments is the only way to experience and appreciate the architecture. If you plan to visit Delhi, then exploring this article should help you know more about the monuments to visit.
Delhi Landmarks
Red Fort
Red Fort or the Lal Quila is the largest and the most famous monument of Old Delhi. This fort is one of the extravagant and glorious monuments of the Mughal architecture, erected by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 AD and 1648 AD. As per the records, Shah Jahan built this monument with the ambition of empowering the Mughal Emperor. But unfortunately his powers were seized by his son Aurangzeb before he could move his capital from Agra to Delhi. This magnificent fort has two entrances, one is called the Delhi Gate and the other is the Lahore gate. The must see places inside the fort are – Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, the Hammam, Khas Mahal and Diwan-e Khas. Every year the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from Red Fort on Independence Day. If you plan a vacation in Delhi, then don’t forget to visit this glorious Mughal architecture for a riveting experience.
India Gate
India Gate or The All India War Memorial is a majestic high arch of 42m situated in the middle of Delhi, close to Connaught Place. Built by the British Edwin Lutyens in commemoration of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their life in World War I and the Afghan wars, the foundation for this arc was laid on February 10, 1921 and the gate was completed in 1931. The best time to visit India Gate is during evening, when the mobile vendors attract huge crowds with their typical Indian fast food delights such as bhelpuri, pakodas, fruit chat and other foodstuffs.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar in Delhi is the most spectacular architecture of Mughals and is one of the largest towers in the world. This Mughal structure was initiated by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of Slave Dynasty in 1192 and was later completed by his son-in-law Iltutmish. The inscription at the base of the minaret tells about the history of Qutub Minar. This exclusive red brick and stone structure is a great example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Other structures inside the Qutub Minar are Quwwat-ul-Islam, Alai Minar and the tomb of Iltutmish. The manicured garden around the Qutub Minar is the most preferred leisure spot in Delhi. This structure is 15 km to the south of Delhi and the best time to visit this place is between October to March. So don’t be surprised if you see a great number of tourists’ guides wandering near Qutub Minar during winter!
Jantar Mantar
Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur built Jantar Mantar, the noteworthy astronomical observatory, in the year 1774. Jantar Mantar is an outstanding and inquisitive creation, which has the set of instruments that can graph the lane of universe. The periphery of the building consists of four instruments called the Samrat Yantra, the Ram Yantra, the Jayaprakash, and the Mishra Yantras. The entry to this amazing observatory is free and is open for public from 10 am to 6 pm.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple in Delhi is an outstanding construction of Bahai faith. Located on Bahapur Hills at Kalkaji, this fascinating feat of modern-day architecture was established in the year 1986. The half-opened lotus temple, made of beautiful white marbles, cement, dolomite and sand, promises a soothing, calm and tranquil experience. The credit for this stunning design goes to Persian architect from Canada Fariborz Sahba. The outstanding part of the temple is the wide central hall where people sit and meditate for long time. If you plan to visit Delhi then don’t forget to steal a glimpse of this amazing creation.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India is located near Sadar Bazar in old Delhi. The Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1650 and was completed after six years. The outstanding white marble and sandstone Jama Masjid stands on a rocky elevation and looks at you proudly with its magnificent beauty. The main eastern entrance, which was once used by emperor himself, remains close on most of the days. The visitors can enter the mosque both from the northern and southern gates.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s tomb, also famous as Humayun Ka Maqbara, is one of the renowned world heritage sites, which hold the remains of famous Mughal emperor Humayun. This massive mausoleum, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum, stands as an exemplary work of Mughal architecture, clearly inspired by Persian art. This remarkable red sandstone structure, located in Niazmuddin East, has undergone extensive restoration works over the years, but still continues to charm the visitors with its architectural brilliance.
Parliament House
The Parliament House or the Sansad Bhavan may come across as any other administrative buildings to you, but don’t let that deceive you. This massive building, that stands tall at the end of Parliament Street, was designed by Herbert Baker and was initially named as the Circular House. This massive structure with voluminous corridor and massive pillars truly is a monumental feat of artisanship. Just get a permit from the reception office on Raisina Road to take a walk down the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the famous library of course.
Delhi is a beautiful, appealing and a dynamic city, where the historical past melds with the contemporary culture through its mystifying monuments and rich traditions. Since early historic times, Delhi has been the hub of power, wealth and majesticity, where citadels of emperors rose and fell, where many a kingdom came, prospered and then disappeared among the old ruins, leaving behind a majestic picture of the city’s imperial past. Delhi’s rich tradition, wonderful history, Mughal architecture, galleries, and museums are a testimony to its glorious imperial history. The historical museums of Delhi are, in fact, one of the most crowing manifestations of its historical precedent. The museums are not just chock-a-block with historical relevance, but have served as a tourist hotspot and have been a source of educational inspiration as well. These museums are intriguing for any visitors who are curious to know about the culture, heritage and the history of Delhi. A visit to the museums in Delhi will leave you high on its history, tradition, art, culture and more. So go ahead and explore.
Delhi Museums
Crafts Museums
Crafts Museum of Delhi, which was established in the year 1956, is situated on Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan and is fondly depicted as the house of antiquity and curiosity. This museum was originally established as a center for the artisans to learn the artistry of preserving traditional art. Soon the museum became a hub of exhibition for the artisans. Crafts Museum displays rich handicrafts ranging from tribal to rural and more. The museum has several galleries like textile and popular culture that adds to its appeal. What’s more, there are crafts shop inside the museum where you can buy books, ornaments, shawls and other items. You can explore this museum any day between 10 am and 5 pm except on Mondays, when the museum is closed.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, which is located at Safdarjung Road, near Safdarjung Tomb, was once the residence of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was converted into a national memorial museum after her assassination on October 31, 1984. This museum upholds the memory of late Indira Gandhi and displays her personal belongings and photographs of her life, right from her childhood days to her later life. The museum also holds the memorable assets of her son Rajeev Gandhi including his photographs and the burnt clothes during his assassination in 1991. The museum is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between 9.30 am to 4.45 pm.
National Museum
The National Museum at Janpath is the largest museum in Delhi. The blue print of the museum was prepared by Gwyer Committee and was set up by the Indian government in 1946. Former Governor General of India, Shri R.C. Rajagopalachari, formally inaugurated the museum on 15 August 1949. The three floors of the museum exhibit the rich Indian history and culture. The display of the museum consists of famous dancing girl sculpture from Mohenjodaro, the paintings of Moghul period, statues of Maurya dynasty, sculptures of Sir Aurel Stein’s collection, pre-historic jewelry and more. You can visit the museum on any day between 10 am and 5 pm except for Mondays.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Delhi at Purana Qila of the Red Fort preserves the golden traditions and glory of the Mughal era. This Museum was established in 1911, with the mission to gather all the relic items in and around Delhi. The attractive displays of museum consists of manuscripts, art, weapons and other items, which sums up as the dazzling testimony of ancient rulers like Mughals, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Rajput and Sultans. Archaeological Museum was build with an intention to collect all the significant items of the historical and unexplored items. The visiting schedule for the museum is from 10 am to 5 Pm, except on Fridays and other government holidays.
Nehru Museum And Planetarium
Nehru Museum and Planetarium, also known as Teenmurti Bhawan, is located at the former residence of the India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This building served as Nehru’s official home for 16 years until his death in 1964. After the sad demise of Nehru, this place was converted into museum in his fond remembrance. This wonderful building with high ceilings, wide verandas and manicured gardens highlights the life history of Nehru. The main attraction of this museum is the photographs of Nehru picturing the various phases of his life. The gallery here displays the priceless gifts, which Nehru received during his travel in India and abroad. Among them, the most precious one is the Bharat Ratna medal conferred to him by the government of India. Apart from this, the planetarium tells about the Indian space program too. The Museum is open on all days between 9.30 am and 4.45 pm except on Mondays.
Dolls Museum
A mesmerizing dolls museum in Delhi is located near the ITO crossing on the Bahadur Shah Jafar Marg. This museum was set up by the renowned political cartoonist, K. Shankar Pillai under the name Shankar’s International Dolls Museum. The dolls displayed here not only tells about the culture and traditions but also about the facial expressions, accessories, elegance and the costumes of people in different parts of the world. In Dolls Museum, there are about 6000 dolls collected from nearly 85 countries around the world. The museum also houses the Children’s Book Trust building, which is famous for its quality books for children. You can visit the museum any day between 10 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays.
National Science Centre Museum
National Science Centre of Delhi, one of the centres of National Council of Science Museum, is located on the main Bhairon Road, before the gate no 1 of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The National Science Centre was inaugurated on January 9, 1992, by the then Prime Minister of India. Since its set up, the centre has rendered awesome service to the popularization of science. The primary aim of the National Science Centre is to attract students towards science and innovations by showcasing scientific models, interesting artifacts and pioneering exhibitions, which are displayed under the specific themes and galleries. There is also a good library and inflatable planetarium, which organizes various short-term training programs for schoolchildren and teachers. You can visit this science centre on any day of the week between 10 am to 5.30 pm.