Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to hundreds of species of wildlife, the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary provides a great view of nature, up close and personal. The Conservation Education Centre conducts daily guided walks through the forest, year round. Wildlife that can be spotted include nilgai (deer), porcupines, black bucks (a protected species), jackals and many smaller animals. The walk is about 90 minutes and for Rs 50 a person, the price really can’t be beat. The walk winds its way through a small area of the 6,874 acres of forest land that comprise the sanctuary. Kids not only learn about the animals that roam the sanctuary, but also get insights on why ant hills are formed, learn about good moss and bad moss on trees and different kinds of plants and shrubs. And the giggle fits will start when the conversation turns to what kind of animal poo is on the path. An environmentalist conducts the walks. There’s a film on vultures afterwards that is quite interesting. Pack a few sandwiches and juice boxes as there’s nothing on sale for eating. Clean toilet facilities can be found close to the centre. Call ahead to book a guided tour.
>Conservation Education Centre, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Near Karni Singh Shooting Range, Tughlaqabad
Tel: 011 2604 2010
Timings: Daily 9:30 am to sunset
Entry: Rs 50 for adults, Rs 35 for children
Delhi National Zoological Park
Established in 1959, Delhi National Zoological Park lies near the famous Old Fort. The zoo also has some historical monuments including the Kos Minar, built by Sher Shah Suri. The Delhi Zoo occupies land that once formed part of the Mughal road to Agra. One of the best zoos in Asia, it provides an almost natural habitat for the flora and fauna that is housed there. It is an ideal picnic spot, especially in winters, and is spread over an area of 214 acres. The National Zoological Gardens of New Delhi house more than 2,000 species of animals and birds, including the royal Bengal tiger and the white tiger.
In addition to the wildlife, the zoo also houses a library (on whose stairs the Mughal Emperor Humayun fell to his death) that provides a bounty of information on animals, birds, plants and rare zoological species in India. Animals of note include chimpanzees, hippopotami, spider monkeys, elephants and African wild buffalo. The various water bodies inside the zoo are home to a number of migratory birds. There’s also an underground reptile complex for nocturnal animals like king cobras, pythons and a number of other species.
The walk around the zoo will be quite a trek for little ones so it’s probably best to rent a trolley to go between the sights or bring a push chair. There are concession stands throughout for buying water, juices and ice cream. Eatables are forbidden as they don’t want you to feed the animals. The sign boards are in Hindi but there are photos of the animals to guide you along. Beware of stray monkeys. If you have anything in your hand that remotely looks like food, they will try to take it from you. Toilets are located at the entrance and throughout the park. The toilets are Indian style, not Western style and not very clean, even if you’re the first ones in there in the early morning. Within the park, toilets can be found near the black bear enclosure; canteen; white tiger enclosure; near the swamp deer enclosure; close to the giraffe area; and near the Indian hornbill enclosure. They are free to use. Outside the park, concession stands sell freshly prepared chaat, chips, water, soda and juices. There’s a picnic area with tables and chairs and lots of benches for sitting.
>Mathura Road
Tel: 011 2388 1585
Timings: Daily 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (April to Oct); 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Oct to March); closed Fri
Nearest railway station: Nizamuddin Railway Station
Nearest Metro: Central Secretariat
Entry: Adults Rs 10, foreigners Rs 50 (includes guide map); children (5–12 years) Rs 5, children below 5 years free
Trolley: Rs 35 per adult; Rs 20 per child ages 5–12; children under 5 free; school groups get a Rs 50 discount on the trolley and can pay a flat rate of Rs 450 for a 14-seater and Rs 400 for a 12-seater
Photography charges: Video camera: Self Rs 50; Commercial Rs 500
Nearby sights: Walking distance: Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb; Within 3 km: India Gate, Ashokan Rock Edict, Nizamuddin’s Shrine, Khairul Manzil Masjid
Nearby places to eat: Sweet Corner, Nathu’s (both in Sunder Nagar Market), Hotel Oberoi, Flavors of Defence Colony, India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Road, Karim’s at Nizamuddin and many roadside food stalls
Delhi Ridge
The Delhi Ridge is an extension of the Aravalli Range, located southeast of Tughlaqabad near the Bhatti mines. It is made up of quartzite rocks that cover almost 35 kilometres until it narrows where it meets the Yamuna river. The ridge attracts many birds.
>Tughlaqabad
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk Station
Timings: Daily 10 am to 4 pm
Eco-farming camp
It’s not enough to tell children to turn off running taps to conserve water and protect the environment by not wasting energy and littering. The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI’s) Deragreen Ecotourism camp at Mukteshwar (near Nainital, Uttarakhand) offers a 4-day camp that lets children experience nature by exposing them to farming techniques, biodiversity, understanding herbs, the problems farmers face with climate changes and generally, about life in a small farming village. The children share a 3-camper (separated by sex) solar-powered tent, work with scientists and alongside farmers. The group size is of about 60, with 20 children, experts, and support staff. All meals are provided. Parents cannot accompany the child as the scientists want children to get the maximum exposure to nature through their own instincts and the guidance of the teachers. For children ages 10 to 18.
>India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
Tel: Amit Kumar Thakur at 011 4150 4900; 98119 90879
Timings: Year round except July through Sept and Dec through Jan
Entry: Rs 5,000 per child all inclusive
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located on the Yamuna River between New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, at the southeastern end of New Delhi. It came into existence in the 1950s with the construction of the Okhla Barrage in the late 1950s and 1960s. Each year, hundreds of birds, including endangered ducks, waders and raptors migrate from as far away as Siberia and China and make the sanctuary their winter home. More than 330 species have been at the sanctuary. A large lake in the sanctuary was created by damming the river, which lies sandwiched between Okhla village toward the west and Gautambudh Nagar toward the east.
>Between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Daily sunrise to sunset
Boating
Delhi Tourism has provided pedal boats on various bodies of water in the heart of the city. These include the lakes near India Gate, Purana Qila Prasad Nagar Lake and Naini Lake in Model Town. A variety of fibreglass boats have been acquired by the corporation and can be hired at reasonable rates. Special training programmes in kayaking and canoeing can be organized, too.
Badhkal Lake
Located 32 km from Delhi, the man-made lake is set in the middle of the Aravalli Hills and is bordered by scenic gardens. Badhkal Lake is very famous for its water sports like boating, canoeing, kayaking, etc. The lake is also a good place to watch migratory birds during the winters. Situated near Faridabad, this place is also a favourite picnic spot. Although the lake dries up in summer, the mid monsoon season is the best time to visit. Camel rides and horse-back riding is also available and there is a children’s park the kids will really enjoy. The state government-run rest house is the most logical choice for an overnight stay, but with such a short distance from Delhi, a day trip is quite doable. It also has facilities for boating and fishing which is certainly worth a try. Lakeside tents are available on request, though not a great idea if the kids are squeamish about bugs. Numerous other facilities offered near the lake include a deluxe bath complex complete with swimming pool and sauna. Snacks can be bought from kiosks and a sit-down meal can be had at an onsite res
taurant. Excursions can be booked through the Indian tourism office. (See Day Trippin’, p.120)
>Haryana Government Tourist Bureau 36, Janpath, Chanderlok Building
Tel: 011 2332 4910/11
Web: http://haryanatourism.com/destinations/r_badkhal.asp
Bhalswa Lake
Bhalswa Lake located in northeast Delhi is also home to a multi-sport and leisure complex. There are facilities for boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and speed boats. It is located about 20 km from India Gate and will take nearly an hour by car. (See Dudes, pp.38–9.)
>Adventure Tourism Division 10th Flr, Mayur Bhavan, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2341 4011; 011 2341 3256
India Gate
(See If You Have to be a Tourist, pp.100–101.)
>Timings: From 9 am
Entry: Rs 30 for 15 minutes
Purana Qila Prasad Nagar Lake
Located on the eastern side of India Gate and north of Humayun’s tomb, the Purana Qila occupies the ancient mound, which perhaps conceals the ruins of the city of Indraprastha from the Indian epic the Mahabharata. Purana Qila offers a spectacular view of the Red Fort in the background. Boating/shikara rides/water scooter rides are available at the Prasad Nagar Lake adjacent to the Qila. It has a separate entry just before the main entrance of Purana Qila if you are coming from the Pragati Maidan exhibition grounds. (See If You Have to be a Tourist, pp.106–7.)
>Timings: Noon to 7 pm during summer; 11 am to 6 pm in winter
Entry: Rs 40 for 30 minutes;
Rs 100 for 2 rounds
Tilyar Lake
Situated 70 km from New Delhi in Rohtak district, the Tilyar Lake is a favourite excursion for tourists in New Delhi. The lake offers facilities for boating, accommodation, restaurants, bar, a children’s park and a mini zoo.
>Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation Ltd.
Coffee Home, 1, Baba Kharak Singh Marg
Tel: 011 2336 3607; 011 2336 5358
Gardens
Mughal Gardens
Sprawled across 15 acres of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home of the presidential palace, the famous Mughal Gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding are open to visitors every year for a little over a month. These gardens combine the formal Mughal style with British garden designs. There is a musical garden, spiritual garden, herb garden and a bio-diversity park within the complex. Boasting more than 250 varieties of roses, the gardens hold the distinction of having the best and largest collection of Indian marigolds. The grounds include a butterfly garden, Moulsari trees and a bonsai. A fleet of over 150 gardeners is said to maintain the garden daily. Note, you are not allowed to take ANYTHING inside. Everything, including mobiles and bags has to be left at the entry at your own risk. However, when inside, there are several sitting areas labelled ‘lounges’ where you can take a rest and water stations where free water is handed out in Styrofoam cups. The walk at a steady pace will take about 45 minutes, so bear that in mind if you have small kids. Push chairs are allowed and the paths are paved. There are no toilets in the garden so do the needful before the walk. There are lots of roaming vendors hawking sandwiches, chaat and other snacks in the parking lot directly outside. There is no admission fee.
>Enter from Gate No. 35, North Avenue, Church Road
Timings: Tue to Sun 10 am to 5 pm, Feb to March
Tel: 011 2301 2960 ext 4229
for school and group visits
National Rose Garden
The National Rose Garden at Chanakyapuri in Delhi is a garden exclusively for roses, famous for the large variety of roses from all over the world. At the Delhi Rose Garden you can see some of the rarest of rare and imported varieties of roses. The best season to visit the rose garden is between December and January when the flowers are in full bloom. (Lodhi Garden also has a rose garden that boasts to have at least 200 varieties of roses.)
>Chanakyapuri At the intersection of Satya Marg and Shanti Path
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Roshanara Garden
Once one of the most beautiful Mughal gardens in the city, Roshanara Garden still attracts tourists to the tomb of Roshanara which is located in the middle of the garden. Built in 1650, the garden is named for the youngest daughter of Shah Jahan Roshanara. Roshanara helped dethrone Shah Jahan and helped her brother Aurangzeb rise to power. She was later poisoned on the order of her brother. In 1923, a club was built in the garden, and it is still one of the most prestigious clubs in the city that requires membership for entry. It is a nice place to picnic or just take a walk around admiring the grounds.
>North Delhi, near Northern Ridge
Nearest Metro: Delhi University Metro Station
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Horse Riding
Beeya’s Riding Facility
Beeya’s Riding Facility has 25 horses, both big and small on site. It’s open to the public so kids who haven’t experienced horse riding before, can get a start here.
>Munirka Farms, off Green
Avenue
Vasant Kunj
Tel: 98100 62736
Timings: Mon to Sat
Cost: Rs 250 for 30 minutes
The Children’s Riding Club
The Children’s Riding Club which is part of the Delhi Riding Club usually holds classes in the afternoon, for kids 4 and above while evenings are mainly reserved for adults. At a membership charge of Rs 1,700 (including other miscellaneous payments), you can look forward to classes twice a week, of one hour each. Getting membership is worth it if you’re a frequent visitor to Delhi or staying for a while. The price is quite reasonable.
>Safdarjung Road, Safdarjung Enclave
Tel: 011 2301 1891; 98106 79090
The Delhi Horse Show
The Delhi Horse Show, one of India’s premier horse riding events, is held annually in February or March. The 2-day sporting event draws competitors from all over India to take part in show jumping, dressage events and tent-pegging. Competitors who participate in the show include civilian riders, teams and participants from the services, the police, the paramilitary forces, colleges and schools. The Delhi Horse Show is the only show in the country which is conducted under bright artificial lights. Over 500 horses and riders, including children, compete in the meet. The best of equestrian talent from across the country can be seen in action. For dates of the event, contact the Army Polo and Riding Club.
>B Squadron 61 Cavalry, Cariappa Marg (Cantonment)
Tel: 011 2569 9444; 2569 9555; 2569 9666,
Web: www.armypoloclub.com/index.html
DDA Saket Sports Complex
The DDA Saket Sports Complex stables horses for children and adults. Membership is required but one can get a temporary membership in under 20 minutes if all you’re after is one afternoon of riding.
>J Block, Saket
Tel: 011 2956 1742
Timings: Tue to Sun
Entry: Temporary membership at Rs 120 per hour
Picnic Spots
There’s nothing better than people watching when you’ve got a picnic basket stocked with goodies and a blanket big enough to sprawl out on when you want to really enjoy a nice Delhi day. Many parks around the city fill the need.
Ajmal Khan Park
Located near Karol Bagh, Ajmal Khan Park is spread over an area of 5 acres and has musical fountains. The musical fountain operates for 2 hours every day after sunset except on Tuesdays. For this reason, the park is very popular with children who delight in the music and lights.
>Karol Bagh
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Buddha Jayanti Park
Buddha Jayanti Park was founded on the 2500th anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha’s attainment of nirvana. The park covers the major portion of the Southern Ridge and can be reached either through the Ridge Road or Sardar Patel Marg, opposite Assam House. This park is special because a sapling of the Bodhi Tree was brought from Sri Lanka and was planted here. In the third century BC, Emperor Ash
oka’s daughter took a sapling from the original Bodhi Tree under which Buddha meditated and obtained enlightenment at Bodhgaya in Bihar, to Sri Lanka. The park is full of flowers, greenery and paved walkways. It has a forest-like atmosphere and is ideal for a picnic. Buddhist organizations host programmes in the park frequently. Indeed, another great picnic spot.
>Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan (Central Delhi)
Timings: Daily 5 am to 7 pm
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Nearby sights: Talkatora Gardens, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir
Central Park
One of the busiest shopping centres in the city also sports one of the most beautiful and serene parks. Central Park is situated above the Rajiv Chowk Metro station. Spread over 39,000 square metres, the park has a green area of 27,000 square metres, including 10,000 square metres of paved walkways for morning joggers. Central Park also has four water bodies and 21 fountains, besides a water cascade. However, the main attraction, just above the Metro station, is a quarter-arc shaped amphitheatre that can seat about 500 people. Numerous cultural events are held there, so it’s likely the family can enjoy concerts and other entertainment. Check out Time Out Delhi for listings. The parking nearest to the park is the Palika parking across the road. The main entrance to the park is opposite Palika Gate No. 2.
>Inner Circle, Connaught Place
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Nearest Metro: Rajiv Chowk
Nearby sights: Connaught Place, Janpath, India Gate
Children’s Park
The Children’s Park near India Gate is a little slice of heaven. Replete with swings, slides and an aquarium, the park has large well maintained lawns that provide good sitting grounds. At night, the lights come on and various snacks and toys (likely to break before you even make it to the car) can be purchased from the many vendors. Adults are not allowed if not accompanied with a child.
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