In a city that’s always moving, the simple pleasure of a walk on an open green lawn can feel like a luxury. For Delhiites seeking a weekend escape, here are the parks where vast, verdant grounds are the main attraction for a refreshing stroll.
Lodhi Garden: History Amidst Green Expanse
Lodhi Garden
is more than just a park; it's a journey through Delhi's Sultanate era, set within 90 acres of beautifully maintained greenery. For those whose ideal weekend walk involves sprawling lawns punctuated by history, this is the perfect fit. The park is famous for its large, open grassy areas where families picnic, fitness enthusiasts jog, and friends gather. The paved and informal paths wind through mature trees and past the impressive 15th-century tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi. While the monuments provide a stunning historical backdrop, it is the sheer space and the well-manicured lawns that make Lodhi Garden a top choice for a leisurely walk. It offers a unique blend of serene nature and architectural grandeur, making every stroll feel like a discovery.
Sunder Nursery: A Heritage Park Reimagined
Right next to Humayun's Tomb, Sunder Nursery has transformed into one of Delhi’s most spectacular green spaces. Originally a 20th-century nursery for testing plants for New Delhi, it's now a 90-acre heritage park where meticulously restored Mughal-era monuments stand amidst lush landscapes. Its central axis, inspired by Persian carpet designs, features long water channels and marble fountains, flanked by generous lawns perfect for walking. The park contains several distinct zones, including a 'picnic park zone' and various lawns that can be booked for events, which speaks to their quality and size. With six UNESCO World Heritage monuments, over 300 tree species, and beautifully laid out pathways, Sunder Nursery offers an elevated walking experience that combines ecology, heritage, and pure relaxation on its open green grounds.
Nehru Park: The Diplomatic Enclave’s Green Lung
Located in the heart of Chanakyapuri's diplomatic enclave, Nehru Park is an 80-acre oasis known for its vast, rolling lawns and as a hub for cultural events. Established in 1969, its primary appeal lies in its spaciousness. Unlike more structured historical gardens, Nehru Park offers a more recreational feel, with ample room to spread out, walk, jog, or simply sit on the grass. The park's open lawns are a key feature, making it a popular spot for morning yoga, picnics, and even open-air music concerts like the 'Music in the Park' series. Its clean pathways and green-carpeted grounds provide a simple, uncluttered environment perfect for a long, peaceful weekend walk away from the city's chaos. Its location makes it a favourite retreat for locals, expatriates, and diplomats alike.
Garden of Five Senses: A Sculptural and Sensory Stroll
While not a traditional park with endless flat lawns, the Garden of Five Senses in Saket offers a unique walking experience spread over 20 acres. It is designed to engage all senses through its varied landscapes, which include a mix of formal gardens, rocky ridges, and sculptural installations. Visitors will find the Khas Bagh, patterned on Mughal gardens with water channels, and the Neel Bagh, a serene pool of water lilies. Though more structured, there are still beautiful grassy areas and stone-paved paths that wind through fragrant shrubs and colourful flowerbeds. It’s an ideal choice for those who prefer a more curated walk where every turn reveals a new sight, sound, or scent, from stainless steel sculptures to the gentle tinkling of hundreds of ceramic chimes.
