Gardens and Amusement Parks in Delhi

1 10 2008

The Mughal Garden — The famous Mughal Gardens is located in the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan the official residence of the President of India. The building and gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens span an area of about 320 acres that include colourful flowering shrubs and European flowerbeds. The gardens comprise of the Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and the Circular Garden. The Rectangular Garden is the formal garden, which derived its treatment from the water-gardens, which the Mughals brought into Delhi. The small flowerbeds, the four waterways and mown lawns produce a virtual paradise.
The gardens are open to the public from February to March every year.

Shalimar Garden — It is one of the most important Mughul gardens in the city. The Shalimar Garden, which lies in the suburbs of the city, was once the first-night staging post for the Mughuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. In 1658, Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here. Shish Mahal, the beautiful central pavilion built by Shah Jahan is now in a fairly advanced state of decay. Some of the original painted flower decoration has survived.
Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office.
Rose Garden – National Rose Garden is situated in the Chanakya Puri area of the capital. This garden has some of the rare and imported rose variety. The best season to visit this garden is during December / January when the flowers are in full bloom. There is another rose garden in Hauz Khas opposite Safdarjang’s Tomb.

Lodi Gardens — In these well-maintained gardens are the domed tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. This garden is known for its fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs and artificial streams.
In the middle of the garden is Bbara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494.
The garden has Sheesh Gumbad (Glass Dome), Mohammad Shah’s Tomb and Sikander Lodi’s tomb. These tombs boast of excellent architecture, and this style was later used in the construction of Taj Mahal.
These gardens are ideal for joggers and for those who seek solitude.

National Zoological Park — The Delhi zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia. There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winter.
Timings summer 0800 to 1800 hours, winter 0900 to 1700 hours.
Closed on Friday.
Buddha Jayanti Park — At Palam-bound Sardar Patel Marg via Karol Bagh opp. Assam House is Buddha Jayanti Park founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddhas Great Salvation. A plant of Bodhi-Briksha was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in the commemorating park. The park is full of flowers and the garden is pleasant and charming for rest and walk. Ideal for picnic.
Musical Fountain — Delhi Tourism’s musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city. The scintillating lights synchronised with music, and the cascading water turn this complex into a quiet haven, particularly during the heat of summer. If you are travelling with kids or just want to enjoy a pleasant evening with your partner, then pay a visit to the Musical Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park This is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city. The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday.
Nehru Park – A park opposite the Ahoka Hotel & at one end of the diplomatic enclave is not just a regular jogger’s park or children’s park but also a popular venue for many cultural & classical music functions. It is spread over an area of 85 acres landscaped. Popular picnic spot.
Garden of five senses, Saidulazab – A beautiful Garden with fountains, sculptures, fragrant frangipani trees & nooks & corners to explore this garden surely fills all the five senses to the brim. Tucked inside Saidulazab off Mehrauli road, this garden has an unique touch of an architects dream.
Millenium Park – A new entrant to the picnic spot cum, childrens park, cum entertainment & cultural parks in Delhi is the upcoming Millenium park at the Nizamuddin crossing on Mthura Road.

Other Gardens, Parks & Picnic Spots
Children’s Park —Near India Gate, has swings, slides and an aquarium. Adults are not allowed if not accompanied with a child.
Deer Park — A paradise for morning walkers, has huts for staying and is approachable from Hauz Khas Village, Safdarjang Enclave or near the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association courts side.
Dhaula Kuan Complex — Near Dhaula Kuan. It has an artificial lake, hanging bridge, playground and waterfalls. A cooling experience especially during the summer.
Idgah — Green area around the Idgah in Hauz Khas Enclave.
India Gate Lawns — Beautiful lawns over a large area, a popular evening location. Ice cream and other snacks available from mobile vendors.
Jahanpanah — Ideal place for bird lovers in Chirag Delhi. It also has well developed forests.
Kalkaji District Park — With lakes and beautiful terraced gardens a quiet spot near the Nehru Place office complex.
Kalindi Kunj — Near the NOIDA border near Apollo hospital, a good getaway with fountains and colourful lights during the night.
Mehrauli — On the outskirts of Mehrauli near Qutab Minar, the Phool Walon ki Sair is held there in October every year.
Mahavir Gardens — Located on the Ridge it is named after the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir.
NDMC Lake Park — Has a musical fountain and is located near the Safdarjang Flyover in Lakshmibai Nagar.
Okhla Dam — Near the Yamuna Canal it has facilities for fishing. Close to the Holy Family Hospital it is a picnic spot.
Yamuna Water Front — South of Rajghat, it is a 4 km long boulevard with green lawns and a floral clock.

Amusement Parks
Appu ghar — India’s 1st amusement park, is housed in the capital, New Delhi’s heart Pragati Maidan. Inaugurated on 19th November, 1984, by the then Prime Minister, Late Sh. Rajiv Gandhi, on the occasion of the birthday of Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, Appu Ghar has come a long way and has created a niche for itself. It is the almost happening place in the city. The dream child of the Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi was formally opened under the aegis of International Amusement Limited, with it’s registered office at Gate No.4, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Spread over 15.5 acres of land, it houses 22 immensely popular rides in its premises, along with a recently opened Water Park – O.Y.S.T.E.R.S. spread over 3.5 acres of land. Apart from the rides, Appu Ghar has fast food centres which serve all kinds of Indian food and a variety of shops selling gift items and wares.

Often referred as a Mini-Disneyland, is a major crowd-puller for the people residing in Delhi and neighbouring NCR cities. Appu Ghar was planned and designed to provide the children their own extended amusing space of recreation. The ideal location of this amusement park makes it easily accessible for tourists and also ensures great fun.

One of the most exciting features of Appu Ghar is the Ice-Games. Appu Ghar has prepared itself to provide the young saplings the real adventurous splash of fun and frolic.
Fun & food village – An amusement park & water park near Gurgaon.

For further information log on to http://delhitourism.nic.in/ or Travelling to India- Famous Places in India or Delhi India- Delhi travel guide and Delhi Sightseeing-Historical monuments in Delhi.