Walking Through Some Of Delhi's Greenest Places

While most people associate the national capital region with smog and intense pollution, many green avenues are hidden in the bylanes of Delhi. For nature lovers, a walk through some of these beautiful gardens and semi-forested areas can provide a much-needed respite from the city&rsquos smoke-filled air. Here is a list of some places you can add to your &lsquomust-visit&rsquo places around the city. 

Sanjay Van

Located around the Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli area of southwest Delhi, Sanjay Van sprawls across 443 acres of land accommodating lush trees and plentiful wildlife. Many tree walks are being organised in Sanjay Van, a paradise for birdwatchers and morning walkers. The DDA, in collaboration with WWF India, has organised a lot of walks and workshops to have citizens more involved and aware. There has been a dragonfly walk, a butterfly walk and a tree walk. On 10th December, a &lsquoforest bathing walk&rsquo is set to take place, where an expert will guide participants to use their five senses to feel and understand nature. If you are lucky you might even spot some of the stray spirits that are supposed to be haunting the garden.

Location Entry gates at Qutub Institutional Area and Neela Hauz Bridge near Vasant Kunj.

Hours 6 am to 8 pm

Sunder Nursery

A beautiful heritage garden established in the 16th century, Sunder Nursery is a favourite among picnickers and nature enthusiasts. There are a lot of rare trees that you can only find in this nursery in Delhi. Morning walkers and eco-travellers frequent the gardens, and tree walks are organised regularly. 

Location Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Opposite Humayun Tomb Park, Nizamuddin, National Zoological Park, Sundar Nagar.

Hours 7 am to 10 pm

City Forest

Ghaziabad&rsquos City Forest is sprawled across 100 acres of forested area, some 25 km from Delhi. Take your kids for a nice nature walk in this park and play a game of spotting the trees. There are about 50,000 species of trees in this park, along with a cycling and jogging track, and a lake for boating.

Location Raj Nagar Extension Road, Ghaziabad.

Hours 5 am to 730 pm

Mangar Bani 

Faridabad's natural forest is an enthralling space for kids and adults to spend early mornings in. Visit during the monsoon season to witness the lush greenery coming alive. Take your family and friends along for an amazing day trip or a picnic in the lap of nature.

Location Drive on the Gurgaon-Faridabad highway stop until you pass by the forest. The park is in Faridabad on the border of Delhi and Haryana, next to Mangar village.

Hours Early morning to late evening