Just imagine yourself in the
heart of the city, on green grass, tall dense trees around, chirping of birds,
sight of ducks floating in a lake, cool breeze, and off course a bunch of nice
people around. This site can be witnessed in real in one of the most popular
plush gardens in New delhi, named as Lodhi Gardens which is located in Lutyen’s
Delhi between Khan Market & Safdarjung Tomb on Lodhi Road.
Earlier, Lodhi Gardens was a
village with surrounding monuments surviving from the Lodhi & Sayyed
Dynasties. The garden went under the name of Lady Willingdon Park in the
British Colonial era & in 1947 after independence, it was renamed as Lodhi
Gardens. After that, it has become the most popular oasis of delhi,
attracting both residents and tourists in massive numbers. The archaeological
structures situated at various points in the garden make for an interesting
landscape. Among the various archaeological structures, the most notable one is
the oldest bridge in Delhi, the Athpula Bridge built in the 16th Century,
during Akbar's reign. Also, found here is the National Bonsai Park which has a
delightful collection of bonsai plants. The interesting mix of trees, plants,
birds & historic structures makes this garden a photographer’s delight.
I came to know about this
wonderful place long 5-6 years back, particularly when on one Sunday morning I
decided to explore a new place for a hangout. After finishing the delicious
lunch in khan market, I started to move ride thru past on lodhi road and this
is when I saw few parked vehicles outside this garden that made me curious to
explore the place. Finally I zeroed in inside the Lodhi Gardens. Although, I
heard of this place as a hideout for couples, but forgot about all those things
once I crossed the stone bridge to enter the place which is a curious mix of
history, landscaping and well, loneliness. From snobbish bureaucrats to
fretting Colonels, from cozy lovebirds to casual on-lookers, everybody flock to
this garden to spend quality time. In addition, the garden also has a dedicated
jogger’s track which is a favorite with all the fitness conscious locals of
Delhi.
Spread over 80 Acres of space,
this garden today is an eclectic mix of flora, fauna & the history of
Delhi. The garden is unique in itself, as you cannot find any other place with
astonishing landscapes, nature, historical monuments in the middle of the
garden, wide species of trees, flowers blooming all around the year. I have
been to this place for over 50 times as of now, and even now I always feel like
coming back here again and again, for the reason which I can only feel but not
explain in words. Whatever comes in my way tomorrow, I will always keep my date
with Lodhi Gardens forever.
