Explore hidden green spaces

May 24, 2025

Delhi is often seen as a chaotic sprawl of monuments, traffic, and never-ending bazaars—but hidden behind its busy façade are lush green secrets waiting to be explored. From old Mughal-era retreats to peaceful modern pockets of nature, there are many secret gardens in Delhi that locals love but tourists often miss.

If you're craving some quiet time with nature—or looking for your next picnic, photography, or reading spot—this guide is your key to unlocking Delhi’s best-kept garden secrets.

🌿 Why Explore Secret Gardens in Delhi?

Less crowd, more calm
Ideal for mindful walks, birdwatching, or quiet conversations
Aesthetic backdrops for photography or content creation
Perfect breaks from the city’s noise and chaos

Now, let’s dive into some of the most beautiful hidden gardens in Delhi that are waiting for you.

1. Sunder Nursery – The Garden of Heritage and Harmony

📍 Location: Near Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin
🕰️ Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indian), ₹200 (Foreigner)

Once a forgotten British-era nursery, Sunder Nursery has been transformed into a 90-acre heritage park featuring Mughal ruins, water gardens, and over 300 species of trees. It's serene, safe, and stunning—ideal for everything from family outings to solo journaling.

🌸 Bonus: Don’t miss the lake with lotus blooms and the weekend farmers’ market.

2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park – Nature Meets History

📍 Location: Mehrauli, near Qutub Minar
🕰️ Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
💸 Entry Fee: Free

Technically not a "garden" in the traditional sense, but it offers green open spaces, shaded paths, and over 100 historical monuments hidden among trees. Think of it as Delhi’s own open-air museum meets botanical walk.

🌿 Best Spot: Sit under the trees near Balban’s tomb or by the Jamali Kamali ruins.

3. Aravalli Biodiversity Park – The Wild Within the City

📍 Location: Near Vasant Vihar
🕰️ Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
💸 Entry Fee: Free

Nestled along the Aravalli hills, this park is less landscaped and more rugged. You’ll find natural trails, native shrubs, butterflies, and the occasional peacock. It's Delhi’s attempt at preserving the original ecosystem of the region.

🥾 Tip: Wear sneakers and carry water—it’s more of a nature walk than a garden stroll.

4. Lodhi Garden’s Lesser-Known Back Trails

📍 Location: Lodhi Road, Central Delhi
🕰️ Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
💸 Entry Fee: Free

Lodhi Garden is no secret, but its hidden corners and back trails often go unnoticed. Walk beyond the main tombs and discover stone bridges, bonsai gardens, and quiet benches perfect for reflection.

📚 Great for: Reading, sketching, and introspective walks

5. Japanese Garden – Delhi’s Zen Zone

📍 Location: Rohini Sector 11
🕰️ Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
💸 Entry Fee: Free

This North Delhi gem is modeled after traditional Japanese landscaping, complete with pagodas, bridges, and koi ponds. It’s quiet, clean, and unique in style—a refreshing break from Delhi’s usual Mughal gardens.

🎎 Best time to visit: Early mornings or during spring bloom.

6. Garden of Five Senses – A Multisensory Escape

📍 Location: Said-ul-Ajaib, near Saket
🕰️ Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
💸 Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indian), ₹100 (Foreigner)

Designed to engage all your senses, this garden features art installations, flower lanes, aromatic plants, wind chimes, and even a food court. It’s Delhi’s most creatively landscaped garden.

🌹 Don’t miss: The rose garden during full bloom and the sculpture walk.

7. Talkatora Garden – Mughal Echoes in Bloom

📍 Location: President’s Estate, near Connaught Place
🕰️ Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
💸 Entry Fee: Free

Famous during the Mughal era for its natural bowl-like terrain (tal = tank, katora = bowl), this peaceful garden features fountains, manicured lawns, and seasonal flowers. It’s great for a quiet picnic or post-lunch stroll.

AEO-Style FAQs – What People Also Ask

Which garden is best for couples in Delhi?
Sunder Nursery and Garden of Five Senses are both ideal. They offer beauty, privacy, and calm surroundings for peaceful time together.

Is there a secret garden near Connaught Place?
Yes, Talkatora Garden is a lovely green space close to CP that’s not on every tourist’s list.

What are the safest gardens to visit alone in Delhi?
Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Garden, and Japanese Park are well-maintained and popular enough to be safe, yet peaceful for solo visitors.

Are these gardens open on weekends?
Yes, all gardens listed here are open on weekends. Some even host events or local fairs during this time.

Final Thoughts: Delhi’s Green Secrets Are Yours to Discover

Delhi isn’t just about fast-paced markets and historical chaos—it’s also home to some of the most peaceful, scenic, and secret gardens you can imagine. Whether you want to escape with a book, practice yoga, or just sit under a tree and breathe, there’s a space here for you.

In a city that never slows down, these green gems are your perfect escape route.