Britishers
and Mughals have left a common legacy in Delhi known as the Mughal
Gardens. The garden was made and commissioned by Britishers but the
design is totally Mughal / Persian. This striking 'mini-paradise' exalts
the beauty of Rashtrapati Bhawan, the presidential home. The Mogul
garden was originally commissioned by Lady Hardinge to beautify the
Rashtrapati Bhawan to Sir Edwin Lutyens. The garden occupies an area of
13 acres, divided into three sections, sporting a blend of Mughal
Planning with British Design. The garden is open to public only in
February-March every year.Location
Mughal Garden is situated within the presidential estate flanking the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Entrance is from gate number 35, North Avenue, Church Road.
Interesting Fact
Once, President APJ Abdul Kalam gave a sapling of Bhrahmi (Bacopa monnieri) to every garden visitor for promoting knowledge of medicinal plants in India.
The Garden Layout
The garden is basically divided into five parts, categorizing each with a theme. Lutyens combined the soft English borders, small flower beds and lawns to produce a virtual paradise. For this, horticulturist W R Mustoe was specially recruited in 1929 who converted the place into an oasis.
The Main Garden has two water channels each running north to south and east to west with six lotus shaped fountains magnifying its splendor, reflecting the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The lawns have Doob Grass, Moulsri, Putranjiva Roxburgi, Cypress, Thuja Orientalis and China Orange trees overlooking the channels.
The Terrace Garden has same plants and trees growing as the main garden but it is situated at higher than ground level. They form the northern and southern boundary on the either side of the main garden.
The Purda Garden is also known as Long Garden and is enclosed with 12 ft high walls. Located on the west of main garden, it is basically a rose garden. It has 16 square rose beds encased in low hedges. Along with the roses, it also has Jasmine creepers, Adenoclyma and some China Orange trees.
The Circular Garden is also known as the sunken or butterfly garden. The centre of the attraction is the sunken pond with a fountain with circular rows of flowers around it. Since a large population of different butterflies can be seen fluttering, it was named butterfly garden.
The Herbal Garden is a very recent addition. It has medicinal herbs from different countries and is truly a sight to watch. It has herbs like Ashwagandha, Bhumy Amalaki, Bergamot Mint, Bramhi and Citronella.