If you are living in a metropolis like New Delhi then weekends can turn out to be quite predictable with the usual visit to the nearby parks, Sunday brunch, malls, movie theatres, lunch dates and shopping sprees. Try something different with a relaxing day out at a lakeside or a picnic in a beautiful forest. If you thought Nehru Park and Lodhi Garden were your only picnic options in Delhi, think again! Our lovely city has a few well-kept secrets that could be right up your alley. Check out the 5 best picnic spots in Delhi in summer for an interesting weekend trip.
1. Garden of Five Senses, Said-ul-Ajab
Amidst the rushing vehicles and the busy schedule of the metro life, don’t we sometimes need to unwind a bit? I guess we really do need to socialize more because it really does help people to get in touch with each other. Well, a metro city like Delhi does have its rush, but it also keeps safe haven for all those who want to get away from the madness of the city. A prestigious project of Delhi Tourism, Garden of Five senses stands high with pride and would tease your five senses all at once with its beautifully crafted scenic abundance. It is, no doubt the Garden of Five senses is one of the perfect picnic spots in Delhi and a gateway to escape from the hectic rush of life.
Image Courtesy: Travelogy India
Famous for: Floral arrangements, nature, photography
Entrance Fee: 30- Adult, Rs.10- Children and Senior Citizens
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM
Visit Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Nearby Attractions: Purana Qila, Qutub Complex, Mehrauli Pillar Inscription, Lal Quila, Akshardham, The India Gate, Raj Ghat, Mughal Gardens, Rashtrapathi Bhavan
Nearby Restaurants: FIO’s, The Mansion, Pind Balluchi, The Nest
2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli
One of the best-kept secrets in South Delhi, this park is where monuments were grown. Popularly known as the "Jamali Kamali", Archaeological Park in Mehrauli boasts of some historical monuments like Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Rajon ki Baoli, Tomb of Balban, and many more interesting ruins, bearing the archeological brilliance that flourished and prospered during the time of Tughlaq, Tomara, Khalji, and Lodhi Dynasty, Mughal Empire and British imperialism. Beautifully settled around a 200-acres of land, this place allows visitors to see these relics and know about the bygone periods. Most tourists take pictures of Qutub Minar and speed away to the next big ticket attraction, leaving this gem blissfully empty. Be it a family picnic, or a picnic with friends, this is a hit place to go picnic in Delhi.
Image Courtesy: Lonely Planet
Famous for: The remains of Delhi, Wonderland of ruins, a serene spot full of tombs
Entrance Fee: No Entry Fee
Visiting Time: 5 AM to 6:30 PM
Visit Duration: Not Limited
Nearby Attractions: Qutub Minar, Qutub Khan's Tomb, Iron Pillar of Delhi, Garden of 5 Senses
Nearby Restaurants: Feng Shuii, Barista Lavazza, Blue Pearl The Claremont
3. Hauz Khas Complex, South Delhi
Hauz Khas got its name from two Farsi words, “Hauz” meaning lake and “Khas” meaning royal tank. Once a claimant part of Allauddin Khilji Dynasty, this place now displays ruins of a citadel, a mosque, a water tank along with Firoz Shah’s Tomb. The architectural style of the façade and interior of the constructions give testimony of Indo-Islamic style. Take a long walk through the lanes and feel the easeful air. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend a day with family or friends in this historical place?
Image Courtesy: Telegraph India
Famous for: Indo-Islamic architecture, Ruins, Mosque, Firoz Shah’s Tomb
Entrance Fee: No Entry Fee
Visiting Time: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Visit Duration: Not Limited
Nearby Attractions: Hauz Khas District Park, Qutb Minar, Tomb of Safdar Jang
Nearby Restaurants: Imperfecto, Auro Kitchen & Bar, Cosy Restaurant, Hauz Khas Social, Smoke House Deli
4. Camp Wild Dhauj
Situated in the foothills of Aravali in Mangar Village - Faridabad, Camp Wild Dhauj is One of the biggest adventure camps to be found near Delhi and the oldest ecosystem zone in the world. Camp Wild is a cheery place to spend your day off and unwind after a hectic week while having fun with your family or friends. It is an ideal retreat to interact with nature where you can indulge yourself watching exotic birds or experience the rural life with the nearby villages for a lovely weekend.
Image Courtesy: Whatshot
Famous for: Adventurous activities such as Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Flying fox, and River crossing
Entrance Fee: Overnight Package: Per Couple Cost: Rs. 7500 /- + GST tax.
Visiting Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Visit Duration: Not Limited
Nearby Attractions: Dhauj Lake
Nearby Restaurants: Indian Grill Room, Asia Alive, Impromptu, Sweet Obsession, Throttle Shrottle, Zizo
5. Damdama Lake
Endowed with one of the best lakes near Delhi, this place is an unmatched delight to nature lovers and adventure seekers. In addition to being a wonderful break from the honking crowd and chaos of the capital, Damdama Lake is one of the most famous picnic spots in Delhi noted for its various thrilling water sporting activities such as kayaking, parasailing, motorboating, and paddle as well as row boats. Moreover, to keep the visitors entertained and engaged other activities like rock climbing, valley crossing, cycling, and angling are also available at Damdama.
Image Courtesy: Holidify
Famous for: Water sports and adventurous activities
Entrance Fee: No Entry Fee
Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Visit Duration: Not Limited
Nearby Attractions: Dream Island, Dera Sacha Sauda
Nearby Restaurants: Buzz, Swirl
Besides aforementioned, you can have your own pick from Nehru Park, Lodhi Garden, India Gate, Central Park, Millenium Park, and National Rose Garden. And most important, keeping Swacch Bharat into prime concern make sure you leave your picnic spots cleaner than you found them. So what are you waiting for? Just pack your picnic basket and spend your time relaxing at one of these picnic spots in Delhi.