Mughal Gardens to Be Opened for Public Viewing From February 16th

The Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan including the Musical Garden, the Spiritual Garden, the Herbal Garden, the Biodiversity Park and the Nakshatra Gardens, are being opened for viewing by the general public from February 16th. The Gardens will be open to the general public on all days from 16th February to 24th March from 1000 hrs. to 1700 hrs. except on Mondays being maintenance days. Entry into the Gardens will close at 1600 hrs. The gardens shall also remain closed on March 21st and 22nd.

The Mughal Gardens, contiguous to the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan cover an area of 15 acres. They were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens inspired by the beautiful gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, the gardens around the Taj Mahal and Persian and Indian miniature paintings.

The Mughal Gardens comprise three parts: the first is the Rectangular Garden adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building, which is divided into four quarters, each with terraced gardens on either side. The Central Lawn is the venue of numerous receptions and 'At Homes' hosted by The President. The Rectangular Garden has several beds of Tulips. This garden will be the centre of attraction this year having 8 different varieties of Tulips. Tulips do not last long. Single colour Tulips are in full bloom now. One can enjoy their beauty upto 22nd February and Hybrid multicolour Tulips from Kashmir will be in full bloom approximately from 22nd to 2nd March 2008.

The second is the Long Garden, leading on to the third part, which is the Circular Garden. The Long Garden has several beds of roses with a dwarf-trimmed hedge, giving the effect of 'coloured knots on a vast carpet'. This year 7 different varieties of roses have been added. The Circular Garden, also known as the 'Pearl Garden' or the 'Butterfly Garden', presents a feast of colours, with each tier overflowing with annual flowers and separated from the next, by a patch of greens having a centrally located fountain. This year the flowering is delayed on account of adverse weather conditions.

The Garden derives its evergreen character from trees like Moulsiri, Putranjiva, Saru, Juniper, China Orange, Roses and varieties of Climbers etc.

The Garden has 135 varieties of roses this year like Sentimental, Memorial Day, Garden Party, Aishwarya, Welwyn Garden, Glory, Taj Mahal, Pasadena, Pusa Arjun etc. and Ink Spot, Black Baccara, Oklahoma, which is nearest to being black. In blues it has Rhapsodie in Blue, Fragrant Plum, Lady X as well as the Green Rose. Various annuals are grown in beds and formal borders according to their heights and colours to produce harmonious effect and provide longer period for the bed to be full of blooms.

Winter flowers like Calendula, Antirrhinum, Alyssum, Dimorphotheca, Eschscholzia, Larkspur, Gazania, Gerbera, Godetia, Lineria, Mesembryanthemum, Brachycome, Metucharia, Verbena, Viola, Pansy, Stock etc. grow well in flowerbeds. Dahlias, Carnations and Sweet Pea stand out because of their range of colours. Naturalizing effect is created by bulbous flowering plants like Crocus Narcissus, Hyacinth, Daffodils, Gladiolus, Lilies, Tulips and Iris. 55 Types of annuals are in bloom now. Sweet Pea an annual that covers the walls with flowers and is more beautiful than other annuals is eye catching.

The Long Garden or the 'Purdah' Garden, so called because of its shape is enclosed by high walls and lies to the West of the main garden. It has 16 square attractive rose beds hemmed in low hedges. Along the walls are lined the resplendent China Orange whose ornamental fruits outnumber the leaves.

The Circular ('Pearl' or 'Butter Fly' or 'Sunken') Garden at the Western edge is a huge terraced bowl lined with various fragrant and vibrant annuals. A bubble fountain in the middle of this bowl and the lotus beds enhance the grandeur of the place. Viola and Dahlia are in praiseworthy state along with other multicoloured attractive annuals separated by lush green grass. Honeybees are the happiest bees in the Mughal Gardens these days. They are regular visitors attracted by the fragrance of the flowers.

The main Mughal Garden is in bloom having annual flowers such as enlivening roses, lilies, tulips, double pansy flowers and eye catching velvet green lawns intercepted with lotus shaped fountains and blue base water canals. A Cactus Corner has been created for visitors in the main Mughal Garden.

The Musical Garden has three enthralling fountains, which dance to Shehnai music and Vandemataram. The Musical Fountains are a perfect blend of music, light and water with the help of modern technical know-how. An excellent landscape has been created all around the Musical Fountain.

Bonsai (dwarf plants), a variety of cactus plants, driftwood, potted plants, sparkling canal water and red stone paths add to the beauty of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Biodiversity Park, which has deer, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, turtles, parakeets, rabbits and migratory birds, is another attraction. This Park is also full of peacocks. Important medicinal and aromatic plants depicting their use can be seen in the educational-cum-conservation Herbal Garden. The biodiesel producing plant Jatropha; Stevia, which provides safe sugar for diabetics, Isabgol (plantago), Damask rose, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mints, Tulsi, Geranium and other 33 types of herbs can be seen in the Herbal Garden. Organically grown winter season vegetables are also on display. In Spiritual Garden, how plants cutting across their religious connectivity enjoying together requesting visitors to take a simple lesson from them. The Nakshatra Garden is the new addition where one can identify a tree linked to one's zodiac sign. How roadsides can add to the eco-environment one realises walking in Rashtrapati Bhavan Estate. Bonsai lovers can also enjoy a collection in Mughal Garden.

The entry and exit into the Gardens will be via Gate No. 35 of the President's Estate, which is located at the extreme end of Church Road, about 300 meters West of Cathedral Church.

Entry for physically challenged people using wheelchairs will be through the Rashtrapati Bhavan Reception. Such persons can arrive at Rashtrapati Bhavan through the Hukmi Mai Marg or Rajpath.

Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, cell phones, umbrellas, arms/ammunitions and eatables. Such articles, if any, will not be allowed to be carried into the Mughal Gardens and will have to be deposited at the entry point at the owner's risk.

Schools wishing to organize a visit for children below the age of 10 years to the Mughal Gardens during this period may contact Section Officer (Invitation Section), President's Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi 110 004 on telephone numbers 23012960 & 23015321 Extn.4229 and 4479 and Fax number 23013189, two days in advance so that their entry can be arranged on a priority basis.