Lodhi Gardens a great spot for a winter outing

Lodhi Gardens is having more than its usual share of visitors these days. It has been named Asia’s best garden by the international news magazine, Time, recently.

The garden, which means different things to different people – a historical site, a natural gym and a children’s park, has been crowned Asia’s Best Urban Oasis.

About three kilometres to the west of Humayun’s tomb and adjoining the India International Centre, the Lodhi Gardens is laid out around four monuments – Mohammad Shah’s tomb, Sikander Lodhi’s tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad.

Initially known as the Lady Willingdon Park when it was laid out in 1936, it was renamed Lodhi Garden after India’s Independence in 1947. The garden was landscaped again in 1968.

Today, the gardens with its green and serene surroundings have overtaken the tombs and have become a primary attraction for visitors.

The garden is very popular with joggers and walkers and is now a favourite picnic spot for those looking for a place away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For most regulars, the garden inspires a feeling of community service. They not only take interest in all aspects of the place but also prevent any kind of commercial activity taking place in the premises.

The garden provides plenty of opportunity for social activities. Tuesday mornings are reserved for tea parties for senior citizens who, with sticks in hand, walk about discussing with gusto their good old days in the city and the present life in the fast lane.

Noted writer, historian and landlord Khushwant Singh has a soft corner for Lodhi Gardens. “Since childhood I used to go there every day but have become too old now to go for a regular stroll. Although a lot has changed over the years, the place has maintained its charm and pleasant feel,” he says.

Singh recalled the time when birds of different species were found in the place and hare ran around. The place is such a beautiful mix of nature, wildlife and history, he said.

Udit Gupta has been a visitor for the past 20 years. “A beautiful feeling grips you as you enter the garden,” he says. It is the clean air that attracts him to the place.

“It allows me to be on my own and meditate. A great spot, especially for a winter outing, the surroundings help me to keep my mind away from work, home and tensions in life,” he added.

People visiting the park for decades are now making efforts to revitalise the lake and the lily pond at the gardens.

“Until about a decade ago, many birds used to visit the lake, but stopped coming when it dried up,” said a caretaker. “We are making efforts to revive the water bodies, and already 60 water lilies and some fish have been introduced,” he said.

An official of Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, however, felt that a lot more could be added to the gardens. “It has the potential of becoming a world heritage site,” he said.