Shhh… 7 Secret Green Havens In Delhi Where You Can Picnic Without Any Prying Eyes!

The hordes of tourists at Sunder Nursery and Lodhi Gardens may not take away much from your picnic experience at these heritage sites, but we get it if the additional hustle-bustle of people might be uncomfortable for you. Luckily,(and surprisingly) Delhi has a couple of green patches in town that are yet to be discovered by the majority population. If your desire to de-stress at a park accentuates when there are lesser people around, then these underrated gems in town should be perfect for you!     

1. Aastha Kunj 

Picture Credits: basicallynabbo

Aastha Kunj is a massive 200-acre spread of greens that is sandwiched between the two magnificent temples of Delhi, ISKCON & Lotus Temple. Besides these two striking features, the sheer vastness of this green patch is an attraction in itself. With well-maintained lawns and mounds of grass giving the landscape a scenic element, Aastha Kunj becomes a perfect picnic and workout spot for you to unwind without worrying about the chaos of public interruptions. 

Where | Aastha Kunj - Sant Nagar, East of Kailash
Timings | 4 AM - 7 PM 

2. VC Lawns - North Campus 

Picture Credits: Sher Singh Khatri

This place is more than just the DU Vice Chancellor’s office, for its significance lies in the colonial influence that the city at some point witnessed. Firstly, the office building is an architectural wonder, featuring the elegant work of British architecture. This building was once inhabited by Viceroys of India and has witnessed historic events like the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin pact and the confinement of Shaheed Bhagat Singh within its dungeons. The sprawling lawns in front of this edifice add to the charm of this place, with students hanging out every morning and evening, along with a fair share of joggers and walkers. This hidden gem is a true haven for fitness-freaks, history buffs and students enthusiastic about bunking classes!

Where | VC Lawns - North Campus - Faculty of Science, University Enclave
Timings | 9 AM - 3 PM

3. Sanjay Jheel Park 

Picture Credit : Aditya Sharma

Sanjay Lake is a name that most East Delhi citizens would’ve heard, but not many have had the chance to visit. Situated beside a road that’s always buzzing with traffic, it’s easy to miss out on this marvellous natural landmark. Sanjay Lake houses tons of migratory birds, ducks and swans which makes the place a paradise for novice shutterbugs. You can also bask under the shade of the towering trees and have a relaxing picnic with your fam out here!

Where| Sanjay Jheel Park - Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg
Timings | 5 AM - 8 PM

4. Roshanara Garden 

Shah Jahan has gifted several famous architectural wonders to this city, but not many know of this beautiful garden that his daughter gifted to the city. Roshanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s daughter, who curated this splendid stretch of greens had also built an elegant edifice, which is here to this date and where her tomb now lies. The park is visited by fervent tourists on the lookout for hidden gems and some fitness freaks who can be seen indulging in workouts and playing around. The park also houses well-maintained shrubs, a rose garden and an acupressure walkway to enhance your de-stress experience.  

Where | Roshanara Garden - Roshanara Rd, Roshanara Garden, Old Delhi
Timings | 5 AM - 8 PM

5. Swarn Jayanti Park

Picture Credits: naturalclicks_vibes

Swarn Jayanti Park is a recent addition to the city’s roster of parks and gardens. If you’re living in its vicinity, then it’ll surely be worthwhile for you to visit this park. The immaculate walkways, green spreads and abundant floral displays coupled with boating facilities, playground, open gym and statues of eminent personalities make it a wonderful experience for visitors! 

Where| Swarn Jayanti Park - Niti Khand I, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad
Timings | 5 AM - 8 PM

6. Japanese Park 

Picture Credits: neverending_steps

This park is amazing for a casual hang with your squad. Although Japanese Park doesn’t feature any element inspired by Japanese culture other attractions like a fun playground, a fighter jet replica, a rose garden and a marvellous pond gives it the charm that you would expect from a serene garden. You can take your morning walks and go out here for a Yoga session under the shade of the towering trees.  

Where |  Japanese Park  - Swarn Jayanti Park, Sector 10, Rohini
Timings | 5 AM - 8 PM

7. India- Africa Friendship Rose Garden 

Inaugurated by our former External Affairs Minister, Late Smt Sushma Swaraj, this rose garden is not just a storehouse of exotic rose species. As the name suggests, this park signifies the amicable and empathetic bond between the two countries, owing to their common colonial history. The park is an aesthetic wonder, complete with ponds, patches of rose plantations featuring over 65 varieties and various trees lining up the plantations. Having a picnic here with your significant other on a pleasant spring evening would be a supremely romantic affair, so grab your picnic baskets and get going!  

Where | India- Africa Friendship Rose Garden - Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri
Timings | 9 AM - 10 PM

If the popular heritage parks of Delhi are getting too crowded for you, then these underrated nature spots scattered across town will be a much-needed respite for you!