Introduction

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding, the lovely Mughal Garden spreads out over six hectares of the Rashtrapati Bhawan complex. A sophisticated blend of Mughal aesthetics and British garden designs, this sprawling garden is like an exotic panting of flowering shrubs, multi-level terraces, canals (in Mughal style), and flowerbeds, lawns and hedges. The garden is categorized into three parts; you can begin from the ‘Rectangular Garden’, just behind the main building, continue to ‘Long Garden’ and finally explore the ‘Circular Garden’. Along the way, you will see four waterways, colorful flowerbeds interspersed with lush lawns, and romantically crafted fountains at the intersections.

You will be struck by the suddenness of the bright pink bougainvillea creepers in the Long Garden. The pergola on which bougainvillea creepers are grown, the bed of roses in a riot of colors and the well-manicured green hedges, make some wonderful photographs. If you want to spot colorful butterflies, stroll across to the Circular Garden, also known as Pearl Garden or Butterfly Garden. It has segmented, tiered flowerbeds around a sparkling pool that attracts hundreds of unique butterflies. Other than butterflies, you can look out for its collection of roses, Viscaria, Teptosyne, Sweet William, Oxalis, dahlia, marigold, bougainvillea and an array of seasonal flowers.

The garden is said to have some 250 varieties of rose in one place, 60 kinds of bougainvillea, the largest collection of Indian marigold, and dahlias in 13 different colors – as unique as peppermint green, and undoubtedly, one of the finest collections of bonsai in the country. If you are visiting Delhi between February and March, do take some time out to explore this immaculately landscaped garden offering a complete sensory experience.

Special Attributes

It has one of the largest collections of bonsai in the country, and houses about 250 varieties of rose.

Nuisance

Part of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the garden is very peaceful and there is absolutely no trespassing.

Dressing restrictions

Wear anything you are comfortable in.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky the whole while. The temperatures are mild during February and March (operational months), and you can enjoy the light sunshine.

Avoidable Season

April to january

Facilities

You are in the heart of Delhi and can plan a sightseeing tour around after exploring the garden.

Things Not Allowed

Eatables, water bottles, briefcases, handbags, cameras, radios, cell phone and umbrella.

Tip

Take a couple of hours in hand to explore this beautiful garden.

Type of site

An exclusive garden within the President's estate