From Millennials to Gen Z to Alphas, life has been fast-tracked to a certain point where humans have forgotten to take pleasure in the small things that nature offers us. Every individual is desperate to sustain and survive in this competitive world. Living in an era of monotonous lifestyles, one should remind oneself to pace it down a little at times — and what better way to do that than taking a walk through nature’s enchanted lanes?
World Sauntering Day is celebrated every year on June 19 to encourage people to come out from their everyday frantic schedules and enjoy subtle moments without racing against the clock. ‘Sauntering’ refers to strolling slowly or even running, and it suggests walking casually, gently, or lazily. This started in the year 1979, by WT Rabe, more popularly referred to as “Bill” Rabe.
Here is a list of 10 green spaces around Delhi for you to go on a nature walk and touch some grass:
Lodhi Garden
Established in the 15th century by the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties, these 90 acres of green space offer an escape from the daily bustle to embrace the magic of nature and history. One can visit Lodhi Garden for various activities like nature walks, bird watching, picnicking, photography, and even enjoying stunning artworks by art enthusiasts.
Location: Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate
Timings: 6 AM–8 PM
Sunder Nursery
Earlier known as Azim Bagh, Sunder Nursery was established in the 20th century to propagate plant and tree species for New Delhi. Located adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb, this green space of 25.66 hectares is also home to many Mughal-period monuments, offering a combination of cultural and natural offerings to its numerous visitors.
Location: Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Opposite Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin, National Zoological Park, Sundar Nagar
Timings: 6 AM–10 PM
Sanjay Van
Spreading over an area of 443 acres, Sanjay Van is considered one of the vital green lungs of the city, offering much-needed respite from the urban bustle. Nestled within the Aravalli Mountain range, it features a diverse landscape of both flat stretches and rocky terrain. This green space is also home to various species of flora and fauna. It is a popular spot for morning walkers and joggers, offering a refreshing escape into nature. Beyond its trails, the forest also features a dedicated Ayurvedic section that nurtures a variety of herbs and medicinal plants.
Location: G5PJ+PMP, Sanjay Van, New Mehrauli Road, Qutab Institutional Area
Timings: 6 AM–7 PM
The Garden of Five Senses
Twenty acres of green, lush, and diverse terrain — the Garden of Five Senses, as its name suggests, evokes the five senses of touch, taste, sound, smell, and sight. The garden was inaugurated in February 2003, envisioned as a public leisure space designed to awaken the senses and inspire a deeper sensitivity to the environment. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky, while others lie strewn across the ground in a casual yet captivating display of nature’s sculptural genius. This unique landscape provided the perfect canvas for creating a green retreat where visitors can connect with both nature and themselves.
Location: Saiyad ul Ajaib, Saket
Timings: 9 AM–6 PM
Talkatora Garden
Derived from the Hindi words tal (meaning tank) and katora (referring to a bowl), Talkatora Garden is more than just a visual treat. Its rich historical significance, water fountains, and well-maintained lawns add to the architectural marvel of the centrally placed indoor stadium that hosts several sporting activities and cultural events.
Location: J5FW+82R, Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate
Timings: 5 AM–8 PM
India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden
Situated in the heart of Chanakyapuri and spread over three acres, this National Rose Garden is an epitome of nature. Being surrounded by 60 variants of roses, it is also a symbol of diplomatic ties between India and the African nations. The Indo-African Rose Garden is a perfect escape from the city lifestyle into a calmer and more serene retreat.
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Location: Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
Timings: 6 AM–8 PM
Swarn Jayanti Park
Covering 25 acres of land and popularly known as Japanese Park, Swarn Jayanti Park is designed to accommodate various outdoor activities like walking, boating, open-air gym, kids’ play area, and more. Due to its peaceful atmosphere and serene beauty, this green space attracts a wide variety of visitors — from health-conscious people to fun-loving, adventurous ones.
Location: P4C9+WCH, Swarn Jayanti Park, Sector 10, Rohini
Timings: 5 AM–8 PM
Buddha Jayanti Park
A tribute to the Tibetan tribe, Buddha Jayanti Park is an embodiment of peace and enlightenment. This green expanse was established on the 2500th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. Its establishment was the result of a collective vision to create a sanctuary where spirituality harmoniously blends with natural beauty. Since its inception, it stands as a cherished retreat for people seeking solace in serenity.
Location: J58H+6CF, Vande Mataram Marg, Central Ridge Reserve Forest
Timings: 6 AM–8:30 PM
Char Bagh Garden
A classic example of a Persian-style garden, Char Bagh Gardens, as its name suggests, features a four-part layout divided by pathways and water channels. The garden is a beautiful mix of patterns, symbols of paradise, and nature, offering a calm and pleasing place to be for people seeking a quiet escape.
Location: Block G B23, 230, Najaf Khan Rd, Block G, Block 23, BK Dutt Colony
Timings: 5 AM–6:30 PM
Bagh-e-Bahar
A beautiful garden tucked away in Delhi, perhaps the last surviving example of a garden from the Tughlaq era, dating back to the late 14th century. This space stands as a classic example of how a historical garden can be thoughtfully redeveloped. The remains of ancient monuments, including the splendidly restored Bara Lao ka Gumbad, lend it a timeless charm. Sprawling and lush green, the garden is adorned with a wide variety of trees, well-maintained pathways, and ample play areas, making it ideal for visitors of all ages. Yet, despite its beauty and historical significance, it remains largely undiscovered by many, making it an underrated gem.
Location: H558+H8P, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar
Timings: 5 AM–8 PM
