Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
If we think of flowers and gardens, the Mughal gardens in Kashmir come to mind. But there is another more famed and distinguished garden right at the heart of India, Delhi. We are talking about Amrit Udyan.
This iconic garden is spread over 15 acres of Iconic gardens located in the backyard of Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India.
It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens incorporating classic Mughal garden style and English landscaping styles in amazing geometric patterns with scintillating watercourses between the different gardens.
Every year in between the months of February and March a flower show and festival is conducted and these gardens are open to the public to immerse in the experience.
This year too it was open from 2nd February to March 31st. In this edition, the visitors got to view a landscaping marvel of various flowers such as Tulips, Asiatic Lily, Daffodils, Oriental Lilly, and 100+ varieties of Roses. The amazing fragrance of flowers that wafts in the air allures you as you transverse garden after garden.
Here are some highlights of the famed Amrit Udyan
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Bal Vatika is a special treat for children with these highlights…
- A 225-year-old Sheesham tree also called the Indian Rosewood is located in the Bal vatika dedicated to children. This tree has seen it all – the end of colonial rule, the evolution of India after independence, and the making of a new India. The story of India through the eyes of the tree is narrated to show the pride in Indian history. It also has a tree house which attracts many kids
- Nature’s classroom has spacious benches and colored pebbles and is the site for various activities like painting, slogan making, karaoke, etc
- A Topiary Garden rides for kids and a Bubbling brook are other attractions in Bal Vatika.
Tulip varieties
There are 85+ varieties of tulips in Amrit Udyan. Some of these were imported from the Netherlands and other places. To highlight its beauty and variety, Tulip was chosen as the Theme flower of this year. 2024.
Roses
There are more than 159 varieties of roses in Rashtrapathi haven. These include Adora, Taj Mahal, Oklahoma or black rose, Belami, Lady X, and Paradise.
Musical fountains
This section was inaugurated by Dr.A.P.J Abdul Kalam. 3 big fountains have sprinklers to sync with the music played by the specially designed music system. The fountains dance to various musical beats such as Vande Mataram and are a sight to behold.
Amrit Udyan signature
It is a garden signature and serves as a selfie point
Bonsai garden
It is a mini forest area meticulously pruned and crafted. Few of the bonsai plants are more than 60 years old.
Central lawn
This lawn is in the center of the whole Amrit Udyan. It is a stunning ensemble with colorful flowers, especially Dahlias, and highly planned symmetrical paths. The President holds two grand receptions on India’s Independence Day and Republic Day every year on this very lawn attended by multinational dignitaries and distinguished guests. It is also the location for other stately and national ceremonies hosted by the President.
Long garden
This garden is about 430 feet in length and has walls of 12 feet. It has 16 rose beds and is margined with Dahlia, Salvia, Oxalis, Marigold, and Iris. The high walls are covered with creepers of flowers such as Jasmine, Lassan bel, and Flame Vine.
Spiritual garden
This is an initiative of erstwhile President Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam. The trees and plants here are associated with the different religions that are practiced in the country. The theme is to spread the message of religious harmony. Some Rudraksha trees, Khair, Sandalwood, Kadamb trees, Date palms, Retha, Krishna Burgad, Lotus, and water lilies are some of the Floral species found here.
Circular garden
This one is also called Pearl or Sunken Garden where more than 30 varieties of flowers such as Marigold, Viola 4, Phlox, Pansies, Clarkia, Allisum, and Sweet Willium are planted circularly around a huge bubble fountain.
Vertical garden
It is crafted with intricate flower patterns.
Floral Clock
The Floral clock is located outside the circular garden and is a tapestry of vibrant flowers crafted in intricate detail with each hour having a unique flower arrangement. This floral clock denotes timeless beauty and displays the artistic skills of man in a botanical setup.
Haat, Exhibition and Food court
Various Exhibitions are held during the days this garden is open to the public. Traditional displays and exhibits are put up by artisans and craftsmen supported by various Government ministries
How to Reach
The entry for this Udyan is free. But you need to book online beforehand. Walk-ins have to obtain entry passes at self-service Kiosks.
Shuttle bus services are available from central Secretariat Metro Station gate no. 35, available every 30 minutes.
Some pointers for information
- The timings for this garden are 9.30 am to 5 pm
- Inside the garden area there are safety locks to place your valuables and for resting
- At the entrance, you also visit the Pranab Mukherjee Library
- The circular fountain has nice walkways around it making for a good and refreshing walk
- You can also see the Rashtrapati Haven Museum which is inside Amrit Udyan. Do note that the Museum is closed on Monday
- A few days of the Udyan Utsav are reserved for differently abled, visually challenged persons, Defence personnel, paramilitary, police, Women, tribal women self-help groups, and Orphanages
Amrit Udyan is a great place to visit with family. Botanists and plant lovers can also take this opportunity to admire diverse array of flowers and trees maintained in the most prestigious office in the country.
So, next year keep waiting for the announcement and plan your trip to Delhi around the dates when this prestigious garden is open to public.
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