Every spring, the Mughal Gardens of Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan are thrown open to the public, giving visitors a taste of what it’s like to be the First Citizen of India. Stroll through the immaculately manicured estate during the Udyanotsav, held in February and March, examining its many horticultural wonders: there are tulips and over 250 varieties of roses that include blue, green, even black blooms. This year’s tentative dates are from Sun February 5-Fri March 12, 2017.
Spread over 15 acres, the garden’s arsenal of flower power includes tulips, primroses, and the peculiarly shaped Lady’s Purse flower, which resembles a woman’s bag. The park is an oasis of calm in the bustling heart of New Delhi, with its lotus-shaped fountains, gently babbling water channels, strutting peacocks, and flutters of butterflies.
Make the trip for the exotic flowers, but linger on to discover other botanical treasures. There’s a thriving bonsai garden, and a herbal garden with medicinal plants and shrubs like the Damascus rose, stevia, and isabgol. The Spiritual Garden houses a lotus pond, and trees and plants associated with various religions, such as the orange blooms of the Sita Ashok tree and groves of bamboo. What’s more, fountains in the Musical Garden can pulse in sync with patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram”.
The Guide
What: Udyanotsav at the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
When: Sun February 5-Fri March 12, 2017.
Entry: Free and open to all from Tue-Sun, 9.30a.m.-4p.m. Entry and exit are restricted to Gate Number 35 at the President’s Estate, which is located near North Avenue, and at the western end of Church Road. On Sat March 4, 2017 the tactile garden will be open to visually challenged people from 11a.m-4p.m., via Gate Number 12 on Church Road. On Fri March 10, 2017 the festival will be reserved for farmers, the differently abled, and personnel from the Armed Forces and Delhi Police.
Details: Travel light, as items like handbags, cameras, water bottles, and eatables will have to be deposited at the entry gate. More information here.
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