Saddi Dilli’s Mughal Gardens….

Saddi Dilli’s Mughal Gardens are located inside the official residence of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is built in an area of 354 acres excluding the buildings and roads. The open area covered by trees and lawns is about 320 acres and this open area includes over 6 hectares of the famous Mughal Gardens which are attached to the main building of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The famous Mughal Gardens were meticulously designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and interestingly, initially he wanted to lay down two separate gardens, one for the Viceroy and the other for the public. Eventually, after carefully studying the gardens at the Taj Mahal, Shalimar Gardens at Lahore and Srinagar, Lutyens combined the formal Mughal style with the design of a British Garden. The Mughal Garden is a beautiful blend of Mughal canals and terraces at different levels and flowering shrubs fuse with the European flowerbeds, lawns and privet hedges.

Two channels running North to South and two running East to West divide this garden into a grid of squares. There are six lotus shaped fountains at the crossings of these channels. Whereas the energetic fountains rising upto a height of 12 feet create soothing murmur that enthralls the visitor, the channels are so tranquil in their movement that they seem frozen. In the channels at appropriate times of day can be seen reflections of the imposing building and the proud flowers. There are wooden trays placed on stands in the center of the channels where grain is put for the birds to feed upon.

This garden derives its evergreen texture from Moulsri, Putranjiva Roxburgi, Cypress, Thuja Orientalis and China Orange trees, rose shrubs and a variety of climbers. Putranjiva Roxburgi are planted around the two gazebos located at the western ends of the two terrace gardens. Not more than a skeletal structure of stone beams these gazebos are unique by themselves and in combination with the shade of Putrnajiva Roxburgi create an inviting grove of peace and repose. Thuja Orientalis, a coniferous tree ornately hemmed in squares of well chiselled hedges of Golden Duranta presents a marvellous spectacle. This combination is placed along the periphery of the main garden and marks the various intersections and terminations in the pattern.

The Mughal Gardens are typically famous for Roses which are present here throughout the year. The prime bloom though is after they are pruned in October every year. Along with the evergreens mentioned so far, roses help in achieving the permanence in texture throughout the year. The garden has more than 250 celebrated varieties of roses, which makes it one of the best Rose Gardens in the world. The planting of seasonal flowers is done twice a year in preparation for the “At Homes” hosted by the President on the occasion of the Republic Day ( 26th  January) and the Independence Day (15th August) every year, which are hosted in the Central lawn.

The Mughal Gardens are open to the public in the month of February-March every year and specific dates, times are announced every year. Visitors are allowed entry to the garden on all days except Mondays. The gardens may remain closed on other days also in case of a function in the Mughal Gardens or during the visit of a VVIP during the said period. The dates are made known to the public through various media. The entry and exit into the gardens is regulated from Gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate, which is located near the North Avenue, at the western end of the Church Road.