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  Deer Park

  The Deer Park, located in Hauz Khas, is home to hundreds of birds, spotted deer, guinea pigs, peacocks and rabbits that the kids can feed. Situated in the Chanakyapuri area, it is easily accessible from Hauz Khas Village and Safdarjung Enclave. The ideal place to go for a picnic or take a walk, the Deer Park was intended to serve as a break from the hectic and stressful life of the city. The Deer Park has been beautifully landscaped with shady trees along a peaceful lake. The Deer Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise as its lake attracts a variety of birds. It also has a special play area for children, making it the perfect place to take children on an outing and also to bring them closer to nature. Park Baluchi restaurant is located inside the park. Hauz Khas Village also has many restaurants to choose from.

  >Hauz Khas Village

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Nearby sights: Hauz Khas Enclave, Kalkaji Temple, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin’s Shrine and Chirag Dehlvi’s Dargah

  Nearby places to eat: Many restaurants in Hauz Khas Village and Connaught Place

  Dhaula Kuan Complex

  The park has an artificial lake, hanging bridge, playground and waterfalls which can provide hours of fun.

  >Near Dhaula Kuan

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  Garden of Five Senses

  Located on the outskirts of the city, the Garden of Five Senses is a spectacular park which was designed to stimulate our five senses with its sights. It’s definitely a great place to picnic since the foot traffic is cut down exponentially. At the entrance of the park is a brass tree fountain, and the prime sights of the 20-acre park are the Khas Bagh (a beautiful garden), food and shopping court, Neel Bagh, Colour Gardens, the Courts of Specimen Plants, amazing sculptures and the Solar Energy Park. The garden houses art works by established as well as up and coming artists. Over 200 varieties of plants, numerous species of butterflies, pools of water lilies, many murals and sculptures (25 of which are unique to Indian art), wind chimes and an amphitheatre together make this a garden like no other.

  > Said-Ul-Azaib village, situated near Mahavirsthal on the Mehrauli–Badarpur Road

  Timings: Daily 6 am to 9 pm

  Nearby sights: Khirki Masjid, Kalkaji Temple, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin’s Shrine and Chirag Dehlvi’s Dargah

  Nearby places to eat: Food Court at the garden; McDonald’s; Nirula’s and many popular eateries in PVR Saket Complex and Malviya Nagar Market

  India Gate

  Built as a monument in memory of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I, India Gate’s lawns are bustling with locals and tourists from sunrise to sunset. In order to honour the numerous unknown gallant soldiers who died fighting for the country, an eternal flame or Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit under the arch of India Gate in 1971. Beautiful lawns encircle the monument, providing visitors with a lush clean and green place to take in the view of Lutyen’s Delhi. It is more popular in the evening when the sun is dipping in the sky. Ice cream, cold drinks and many kinds of small snacks are available from mobile vendors. (See If You Have to be a Tourist, pp.100–101.)

  >Eastern end of Rajpath

  Timings: Daily, sunrise to sunset

  Nearest Metro: Kendriya Terminal

  Nearby sights: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House where Indian leaders meet, the National Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art

  Jahanapanah city forest

  Bird lovers will find Jahanapanah an ideal place to bird watch. Frequented by nature enthusiasts and morning walkers alike, the city forest, which is spread over 20 colonies, is also a favourite picnic spot during winter months. The place occupies a magnificent 800 acres, has lots of trees, and is hence called a forest. It is located between Tughlaqabad and Chiragh Delhi and passes through Alaknanda and Greater Kailash Part II.

  The entrance is opposite Don Bosco School. A free toilet is right at the entrance and about 100 metres down the path to the left is a covered area with stone benches and a stone floor. It is great for relaxing with a book when the sun is too hot.

  >Enter from GK II (opposite Don Bosco School)

  Timings: Daily 4 am to 10 am; 4 pm to 6 pm

  Japanese Garden

  Developed and maintained by the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) the Japanese Garden in Rohini in Delhi is located at Sector 11. With a lake, woods, boating facilities and nature walks, the Japanese Garden is great for family outings. It is best to go during the week as there are long lines on the weekends. Pack a picnic or buy tikkis, samosas, kebabs or Chinese food from the various stalls. There are several drinks and ice cream vendors, too.

  >Rohini, near the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Sector 11

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  Nearest Metro: Rohini

  Kalindi Kunj

  Near the Haryana border, close to the Apollo hospital is a pretty park with fountains, lit in the evenings with colourful lights. Kalindi Kunj park is situated right on the banks of the Yamuna river. It has extensive manicured lawns and is another great spot for birdwatching. A large number of tourists come in the evening to enjoy the fountains. During September, thousands of migratory birds including shovellers, pintail, common teal, gadwall and blue winged teal visit the area.

  >Delhi–Noida border, Near Sarita Vihar and Apollo Hospital

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset; fountain is lit after sunset

  Leisure Valley Park

  The Leisure Valley Park spans an area of over 25 acres and is one of the best gardens located at the Sector 29 main road in Gurgaon. The park has a musical fountain which is lit at night. The Haryana Urban Development Authority has constructed a shopping complex and restaurant with a big parking space around the gardens. The kids will enjoy the variety of amusement park type rides within the park. One can also picnic here on the huge green lawn, walk or run on the jogging paths and see a variety of roses within the garden. A flower festival is held every spring within the park. There are lots of vendors outside the park selling balloons, chaat and ice cream.

  >DLF City, Sector 29, Gurgaon

  Timings: Daily 11am to 8 pm

  Lodhi Garden

  An impressive landscape with lots of shady trees, benches, flowers, fauna and jogging and walking trails, Lodhi Garden is probably the perfect place for a picnic every day of the year with the exception of the monsoon season. Numerous beautiful ancient tombs of the Sayyid and Lodhi sultans (who ruled north India in the 15th and 16th centuries) are dispersed all over the park. The designs of the tombs speak of the genius of Mughal architecture.

  The tombs are great for exploring. The structures within Lodhi Garden are:

  Muhammad Shah’s Tomb (the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty is located in the south-western part of the garden).

  Bara Gumbad and Masjid, a square tomb surmounted by a large dome, situated 300 metres northeast of Muhammad Shah’s tomb. The person buried inside is unidentified. It is assumed that he is a high-ranking officer because of the magnificent structure constructed for him.

  Bara Gumbad Masjid is situated on the western side of the tomb just next to it. It was built in 1494 AD.

  Sheesh Gumbad Tomb, also known as the ‘glazed dome’ because of the beautiful blue tile decoration, is a few metres north of Bara Gumbad.

  Lodhi Garden is 2 kilometres away from Humayun’s Tomb and is adjacent to India International Centre. The garden is sprawling with lush, green, manicured bushes and huge trees. They are extremely well-maintained and are particularly breathtaking in the evenings as the monuments are lit with halogen lights. There’s a relatively clean toilet near Gate 1 that charges Rs 2 per use. Ideal for a day out with the kids in the sun or the shade, whichever is preferred.

  >On the main Lodhi Road, about a kilometre east of Safdarjung’s Tomb

  Timings: Daily; sunrise to sunset

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Ugrasen-ki-Baoli, Moth-ki-Masjid, Lotus Tem
ple, Nizamuddin’s Shrine and Chirag Dehlvi’s Dargah

  Nearby places to eat: Eatopia at India Habitat Centre; Khan Market; Lodhi, the Garden Restaurant; Basil and Thyme at Santushti Shopping Complex; Race Course Road

  Mahavir Gardens

  Located on the Ridge it is named after the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir.

  Timings: Daily; sunrise to sunset

  Millennium Indraprastha Park

  Spread over 34 hectares, the Millennium Indraprastha Park is the largest landscaped garden in the city, and is popular among school kids, retirees and those looking to become one with nature. It houses a food court, Japanese rock garden, amphitheatre and lots of trees for shade from the summer sun. Humayun’s Tomb is a perfect backdrop and the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, a monument dedicated to peace and brotherhood, draws the requisite crowds.

  >Ring Road, near the Sarai Kale Khan bus terminal

  Timings: Daily sunrise to 10:30 pm

  Nearby sights: India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Lodhi Garden and Nehru Park

  NDMC Lake Park

  Has a musical fountain and is located near the Safdarjung Flyover in Lakshmibai Nagar.

  Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset

  Nehru Park

  Spread over 85 acres in what is considered diplomat’s row, Nehru Park has everything, including a swimming pool, snack park, an abundance of trees and open space to spread a blanket and bring out the picnic lunch. Rocks throughout are inscribed with the sayings of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Free open-air concerts and art events are held at the park regularly, mainly on Sunday mornings. There’s a toilet with just urinals near the entrance that is closest to the Australian Embassy.

  >Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave, Panchsheel Road

  Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset

  Entry: Free, but car parking is Rs 10

  Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat

  Nearby sights: National Rail Museum, Nehru Planetarium and Memorial Museum, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, Safdarjung’s Tomb and Dilli Haat

  Nearby places to eat: Hotel Ashok, Taj Palace, Maurya Sheraton, Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama Revolving Restaurant, Gaylord, El Rodeo, Bercos, Zen Restaurant, Delhi Darbar, Nizam’s Kathi Kebabs and Standard Restaurant. For snacks and fast foods: Connaught Place.

  Qudsia Bagh

  This garden was built by Qudsia Begum, the first mistress and then wife of Emperor Mohammad Shah (1719–1748). A huge part of the garden was destroyed to make way for the Inter State Bus Terminal and the adjacent tourist camp site. Many of the structures are now used by the Masonic Lodge. The gateway and the mosque were recently restored and efforts have been made to bring the garden back to its original beauty. Qudsia Bagh is still a wonderful spot in which to picnic, and more sightseeing can be done as it is close to the historic Kashmere Gate.

  >Shamnath Road, East Delhi

  Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset

  Rose Gardens

  The Rose Gardens are located opposite Safdarjang’s Tomb in Hauz Khas. The roses there seem to bloom all year round. There’s a nice fountain inside the park, toilets near the entrance by the parking lot and lots of paths and grassy areas for having a picnic.

  >Hauz Khas

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  Entry: Free, but there’s a car park in front that charges from Rs 10

  Shalimar Garden

  Enjoying a special place in history, Shalimar Garden was where Aurangzeb the Mughal king was crowned emperor in 1658. The pavilion in the centre, called Shish Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan and some of the original painting is still visible. It has also been said that this garden was the summer retreat of Sir David Ochterlony, the British Resident Commissioner of Delhi. The garden was used by Emperor Aurangzeb as his country house and is considered one of the most significant Mughal gardens of Delhi. It used to serve as the first-night staging post for the Mughals on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. The best time to visit the garden, situated near the northern ridge behind Delhi University, is in the spring, when the greenery is at its best. Even though most of the monuments are ruins, tourists still spend time exploring them. One of the best and possibly worst thing about Delhi is that most of these monuments are not roped off so kids can literally grab history by the crumbling bricks.

  >Near Badli Sarai; 10 km northwest of Old Delhi

  Timings: Sunrise to sunset

  Nearest Metro: Kashmere Gate

  Nearby places to eat: Good Indian restaurants in Shalimar Bagh Market and Pitampura Market; McDonald’s in Kamla Nagar and Model Town; Nirula’s; Grant Plaza in Model Town and many roadside dhabas.

  Talkatora Gardens

  A perfect picnic spot, these gardens provide all the beauty and serenity that help a person to relax. The Talkatora Gardens are built on what was once the venue of a battle in which the Mughals defeated the Marathas. Roller skating can be done at the Talkatora Skating Rink.

  >Main Willingdon Crescent Road

  Timings: Open all day. Preferred timings 3 pm to 6 pm

  Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk

  Nearby sights: Cathedral of Sacred Heart, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir

  Nearby places to eat: Many restaurants in Connaught Place

  Other Parks

  The following are worth a visit, but leave the blanket in the car.

  Mahatma Gandhi Park

  The Mahatma Gandhi Park is located behind the Town Hall building on the main Church Mission Road, near the Old Delhi Railway Station. The park is popular for its historical significance, not for of its great picnic spots which in fact are sorely lacking. Mahatma Gandhi Park was set up during the British period and was officially known as ‘Queen’s Park’. However, in later years, it came to be known as the ‘Company Bagh’. In the early part of the 19th century, Company Bagh was the outdoor club for Delhi’s posh set. The park took on its current name after India gained independence in 1947. It boasts of a number of big shady trees and a statue of Gandhi. It is one of the few green spaces left in the congested Chandni Chowk area.

  >Church Mission Road, near the Old Delhi Railway Station

  Nearest Metro: Delhi Main Station

  Nearby sights: Rajghat, Jama Masjid, St James Church, Chandni Chowk, Dara Shikoh Library, Salimgarh Fort, Lothian Cemetery, Kashmere Gate and Old Town Hall

  Nearby eats: Karim Hotel, Ghantewala Sweet Shop, food stalls near Jama Masjid, Paranthe Wali Gali, Moti Mahal Restaurant; many roadside food stalls

  Netaji Subhash Park

  Named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a great leader who formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British forces, Netaji Subhash Park is a small, but beautiful park that abuts Urdu Park. Situated on Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite Sunehri Masjid in the Old Delhi, the park is quite famous for malishwallahs (body masseurs) and most people go there to get a body massage from some highly skilled masseurs. The park also has a regal statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

  >Netaji Subhash Marg, opposite Sunehri Masjid, Old Delhi

  Timings: 6 am to 7 pm

  Nearby sights: Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Salimgarh Fort, St James Church and Rajghat

  Nearby places to eat: Karim Hotel, Ghantewala Sweet Shop, food stalls near Jama Masjid, Paranthe Wali Gali, Moti Mahal Restaurant; many roadside food stalls

  Parasailing

  Delhi Tourism Adventure division

  You can go parasailing at Kanwarshikha near Sohna in Haryana, about 60 kms from Delhi. Professional instructors are on hand to make sure you land in one piece. Make bookings through the Delhi Tourism Development Corporation. Gather relatives or friends as a minimum of 10 people is required. This is best for somewhat adventurous parents and slightly older children.

  >Central Reservation Office Baba Kharak Singh Marg

  Tel: 011 2336 3607

  Entry: Depend on group size and activity

  Web: www.delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/adv
enturelist.aspx

  Rock Climbing

  Adventure Club

  The Adventure Club is run by the Delhi government and offers climbing between October and March. Don’t let that scare you off. In this case, it’s actually a good thing. The natural rocks are located among lush, sprawling lawns and are adjacent to the Qutab Golf Course. They are 10 metres high and offer interesting routes for both experts and beginners.

  >Natural Rocks, Lado Sarai

  Tel: 011 2332 1238, 011 2332 1242

  Camp Wild at Dhauj

  Children 10 years and older can get an introduction to adventure sports through rock climbing. Camp Wild at Dhauj, 7 kilometres from the Chattarpur border, has day-long courses that teach kids how to tie knots, rapelling, river-crossing and different techniques of climbing. The younger kids aren’t left out, however. They can participate in their own adventure course which includes nature walks and other outdoor activities.

  >Holiday Moods 3/6 DB Gupta Road, Paharganj

  Tel: 011 4300 0800

  Timings: Oct to April

  Entry: Starts from Rs 850 per child

  Indian Mountaineering Foundation

  The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) has several artificial walls including a vertical wall with varying degrees of difficulty. More experienced climbers can choose a natural boulder wall or do some rapelling. Best for children ages 6 and older. The IMF also offers climbing for those who feel they are so good they should be teaching the teachers. The Tenzing Norgay Museum at the IMF exhibits pictures, panoramas and dioramas of various facets of the Himalayas and the history of Himalyan exploration.

  >6 Benito Jaurez Marg, Anand Niketan, Near Delhi University South Campus