Want to see the best of tulips and roses? Head over to the the Mughal Gardens at the President of India’s official residential quarters, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The sprawling Mughal Gardens will host its annual ‘Udyanotsav’ and will remain open to the public – from February 14 to March 15, on all days except Mondays, between 9.30am and 4pm. In addition, visitors will get an oppportunity to see the Spiritual Garden, the Herbal Garden, the Bonsai Garden and the Bio-diversity Park. The entry to the Mughal Gardens will be from Gate no. 35 (which is located near the North Avenue, at the western end of the Church Road). Nearest Metro station is Central Secretariat.
However, remember not to take any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, umbrellas, eatables etc. as these won’t be allowed inside. Also, check if the garden is open during Holi.
According to a press release, the main attraction of this year’s Udyanotsav are the tulips which have been in bloom since the last week of January, 2015. About 10,000 tulips in vivid colors of red, orange and yellow mixed with red, pink, purple and white are expected to bloom in phases up to March 10. Roses are central to the fame of the Mughal Gardens and a permanent feature throughout the year. The garden has more than 120 celebrated varieties of roses. The prime bloom is in February-March. Flower carpets in magnificent designs will also be on display in the Central Lawns, revealing the skill and craft of the gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The dominant color scheme of this year’s ornamental flowers is yellow, red and orange.
On March 16, the garden will be kept open exclusively for farmers, differently abled persons, defence, para-military forces and police personnel.Their entry will be from Gate No. 12.
What: Udyanotsav at Mughal Garden
Where: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
When: February 14 to March 15, between 9am and 4pm
Contact: www.presidentofindia.nic.in/mughal-gardens.htm