In full bloom, Amrit Udyan open to public from today

Tribune News Service

Anshita Mehra

New Delhi, February 1

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday inaugurated ‘Udyan Utsav 2024’ at the Amrit Udyan, which will be opened to the public from Friday.

Key attractions

• A 225-year-old Sheesham tree, a floral clock and majestic banyans are among this year’s key attractions at the Amrit Udyan of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is set to open to the public from Friday.
• Constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1917, in the traditional Persian Charbagh style, the garden has a rich collection of lilies, orchids, daffodils, dahlias, marigolds, petunias, and the star of the garden, tulips

More than a mere tourist attraction, Amrit Udyan stands as a living testament to Delhi’s rich horticultural legacy, inviting both locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in its mesmerising landscapes.

Earlier known as Mughal Garden, it was renamed as Amrit Udyan (Garden of Nectar) in 2021. Crafted by visionary architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1917 during the British Raj, this garden gracefully weaves history with contemporary charm, creating a heavenly escape.

As one steps into Amrit Udyan, a visual spectacle unfolds – a kaleidoscope of roses in varying hues, lilies, orchids, daffodils, dahlias, marigolds, petunias, and the star of the garden, tulips. The flowers grace the garden in a stunning array of hues, with some exhibiting a captivating ombre effect.

Open to public from February 2 to March 31 during the Udyan Utsav Festival 2024, the garden remain closed on Mondays for maintenance, ensuring the flora’s ongoing vitality. Moreover, the garden has dedicated specific days for exclusive access, fostering inclusivity – February 22 for differently-abled and visually challenged individuals, February 23 for defense forces, paramilitary, and police, March 1 for women, tribal groups, and women self-help groups (SHGs), and March 5 for the laughter and joy of children from orphanages.

The festival unveils captivating features – the introduction of Majestic Banyans and a mesmerizing floral clock, crafted with an array of flowers, each petal contributing to a botanical timepiece. Amid these novel additions, Amrit Udyan proudly preserves timeless attractions such as the 225-year-old Sheesham tree, Bal Vatika featuring whimsical elements for children such as treehouses and nature classrooms, a theme garden showcasing pure tulips in a myriad of colours, a bonsai garden nurturing over 300 bonsai and musical fountains dancing to classical Indian melodies.

The central lawn, with its rare and exotic flowers set against the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan, unfolds a captivating panorama. While in harmony, the long garden, resembling an elongated rose garden adorned with hanging flowers, and the circular garden featuring a central fountain and meticulously arranged flowerbeds contribute to the tapestry of nature’s grandeur.

Building on the success of the previous year, Amrit Udyan not only delights the senses but also satisfies culinary cravings with its food courts. A considerate addition this year is the introduction of a shuttle bus service from the Central Secretariat metro station, improving accessibility for enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in this floral symphony.

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