Detailed History
Located near the Mehrauli Heritage Area in the Saidul Ajaib village of New Delhi, the ‘Garden of Five Senses‘ is not just an ordinary park, but a magnificent convergence of nature, art, and human consciousness. Spread across a vast area of approximately 20 acres, this unique garden was developed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). It was built at a cost of about ₹10.5 crores and was opened to the general public in February 2003 after three years of rigorous labor.
This beautiful park was designed by the renowned landscape architect of Delhi, Pradeep Sachdeva. The primary objective behind developing this space was to provide a serene and vibrant sanctuary in the midst of a bustling metropolis like Delhi, where people could escape their daily hustle and bustle. The garden was named the ‘Garden of Five Senses’ because it was crafted in a way that awakens and delights all five human senses—Sight, Smell, Touch, Sound, and Taste. Owing to its unique and eco-friendly architecture, the garden was also nominated for the prestigious ‘Aga Khan Award for Architecture’ in the year 2010.
Detailed Architecture
The architectural planning and landscape design of the Garden of Five Senses is an exceptional specimen of nature blended with contemporary art. The park is situated on a rocky, uneven hill terrain, and its natural contours have been beautifully integrated into the architecture without being destroyed. A fine balance between traditional sandstones and modern concrete can be observed throughout its construction.
Exterior Architecture
- Main Entrance Gate and Plaza :– As you reach the main entrance, you are welcomed by stainless steel birds in flight mounted on slate-clad pillars. Upon entering, a grand troop of stone elephants, meticulously carved by skilled artisans from Rajasthan, appears to be frolicking in the water.
- Khas Bagh :– This segment is completely designed on the lines of a traditional Mughal Garden, exhibiting a sharp geometric layout. It features slow-flowing water cascades and fountains decorated with a fiber-optic lighting system. It is surrounded by rows of fragrant and colorful flowering plants. A beautiful art installation named ‘A Fountain Tree’ is also positioned here.
- Neel Bagh :– This area features a beautiful pond filled with water lilies, surrounded by climbing pergolas covered in colorful vines. Hundreds of ceramic wind chimes are suspended overhead in this section, creating a deeply melodious and tranquil sound as they sway with the breeze.
Interior Architecture
- Pentagonal and Specialized Plant Courts :– Located in the inner and specific trails of the garden are specialized botanical zones such as the Bamboo Court, the Cacti and Succulent Court, the Herb Garden, and the Court of Palms.
- Public Art and Sculptures :– Around 25 different types of contemporary sculptures and murals are placed along the interior paths and curves of the park, making it one of the largest public art collections in the country. This includes a precise replica of the famous ‘Mayan Labná Arch’ built in collaboration with the Mexican government using Rajasthani stones.
Travel Guide & Routes
To make your journey to the Garden of Five Senses convenient and enjoyable, all the necessary details regarding tickets, timings, routes, and local food are provided below in a seamless sequence:
- Ticket (Entry Fee) :– The entry fee for the park is ₹35 per person for adults on weekdays and ₹40 per person on weekends. For children (5 to 12 years) and senior citizens, the ticket is priced at ₹15 per person. Entry is completely free for differently-abled individuals.
- Visiting Time :– The park remains open all seven days of the week. During the summer season (April to September), the operating hours are from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM, and during the winter season (October to March), it remains open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
- Photography Spots :– The majestic stone elephants at the entrance, the beautiful lily pond in Neel Bagh, the hanging ceramic wind chimes, the grand replica of the Mayan Labná Arch, and the picturesque open-air amphitheater are the most popular and beautiful photography spots.
- Local Food :– There are several beautiful cafes and restaurants situated within and just outside the park premises, where you can savor delicious North Indian, South Indian, and continental cuisines. Enjoying coffee and snacks during the quiet evenings here is highly popular among visitors.
- Nearby Markets :– For shopping enthusiasts, the famous and luxurious ‘Select Citywalk’ mall in Saket is located just a short distance from this park. Additionally, the traditional boutique markets of Mehrauli and designer clothing outlets are also very close by.
How to Reach :-
- By Metro :– The easiest and best mode of transport to reach here is the Delhi Metro. The nearest metro station is ‘Saket Metro Station’, located on the Yellow Line. The garden is approximately 2 kilometers away from the metro exit, from where you can easily take an e-rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw to reach the main gate within 10 minutes.
- By Road :– If you are traveling by a private vehicle, cab, or taxi, you can easily reach here by turning toward Saidul Ajaib village via the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road (MB Road). Adequate paid parking facilities for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers are available within the park premises.
- By Air :– The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is located at a distance of approximately 15 kilometers from the garden.
- By Rail :– The distance to this garden from the New Delhi Railway Station is about 16 kilometers, and it is around 14 kilometers away from the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
Nearby Attractions
- Qutub Minar :– Located just 3 kilometers away from the park, this is India’s most famous, tallest historical brick minaret and a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mehrauli Archaeological Park :– A vast historical site located next to the Qutub Minar complex, housing Balban’s tomb, the Jamali Kamali Mosque, and several ancient stepwells (baolis).
- Jahaz Mahal :– A beautiful historical structure from the Lodhi period located in Mehrauli, whose unique design resembles a floating ship in water.
- Ahimsa Sthal :– A serene and beautiful spot situated on a small hillock near the park, featuring a massive and majestic bronze statue of Lord Mahavira.
- Chhattarpur Temple :– Located about 5 kilometers away, this is one of the largest and most magnificent temple complexes in India, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani.
- Saket District Centre :– A prominent and modern commercial hub in South Delhi popular for entertainment, movie theaters, and world-class shopping experiences for youth and families.
Interesting Facts
- Sensory Amplification :– Every corner of this park is designed to stimulate human senses; the fragrance of the blossoms is meant for ‘Smell’, the tinkling of the wind chimes for ‘Sound’, the textures of the stone sculptures for ‘Touch’, and the scenic landscapes for ‘Sight’.
- Solar Energy Park :– A dedicated Solar Energy Park has been established inside the garden, displaying working exhibits and functions of solar-powered equipment to convey a strong message of environmental conservation.
- Cultural Festivals :– This garden serves as a premier cultural hub in Delhi. Every year in the month of February, it hosts the grand ‘Delhi Garden Tourism Festival’ (Annual Flower Show), showcasing rare species of plants and flowers brought from all over the country.
- Natural Rock Formations :– In the northern section of the park, the ancient and natural rock formations of the Aravalli mountain range have been preserved in their original form without any alterations, adding a rustic charm to the landscape.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:– Where is the Garden of Five Senses located and which is the nearest metro station?
Answer:– This garden is located in Saidul Ajaib village near the Mehrauli Heritage Area in New Delhi. Its nearest metro station is ‘Saket Metro Station’ on the Yellow Line.
Question 2:- Are commercial or pre-wedding shoots allowed in this park, and what are the charges?
Answer:– Yes, commercial photography, film shoots, and pre-wedding shoots are fully permitted here. For this, prior written permission must be obtained from the Delhi Tourism Department (DTTDC). The charges are approximately ₹1,05,888 for a full-day feature film shoot and around ₹52,944 for a half-day shoot.
Question 3:- When is the best time of the year to visit the Garden of Five Senses?
Answer:– The period from October to March (winter and spring seasons) is considered the best time to visit this place. The weather in Delhi remains pleasant during these months, and the flowers are in full bloom. Visiting in February allows you to experience the famous annual flower show.
Question 4:– Who designed this park and what was the main idea behind creating it?
Answer:– This park was designed by the acclaimed architect Pradeep Sachdeva. The main objective was to create a peaceful, interactive public space amidst the concrete jungle of Delhi that connects people with nature and offers tranquility to the human senses.
“A unique realm of art and sensibility cradled in the lap of nature, where every single feeling of life comes alive the moment you step in.”