
India Gate picnic ban? here are 7 chill picnic spots in Delhi you can still visit
So, India Gate said no more picnics — sad, we know. The iconic lawns that once saw chholey bhature feasts, badminton rackets, and families chilling under fairy lights are now picnic-free zones.
Thanks to crowd control and security concerns, the Delhi Police has officially banned picnic gatherings there. But don't worry, your weekend vibes don't have to die just yet. From lush gardens to lakeside views, the capital still has plenty of chill spots where you can stretch out a mat, snack on momos, and vibe in peace. Let's dive into the best picnic spots in Delhi that are still open and waiting. Whether you're a nature lover, a history nerd, or just here for the aesthetic reels — there's a spot in this city for everyone.
Best picnic spots in Delhi after the India Gate ban
Lodhi Garden
Source: lodhigarden.com
Location: Lodhi Estate
This iconic garden blends lush greenery with Mughal-era tombs, making it perfect for a picnic and a casual photo shoot. With well-maintained lawns and a peaceful vibe even on weekends, Lodhi Garden is perfect for a laid-back day out. Plus, it's pet-friendly, so bring your floof along.
Sunder Nursery
Source:Wikipedia
Location: Next to Humayun's Tomb
Think of this as Delhi's version of Central Park — minus the rats. Sunder Nursery is a gorgeous blend of Mughal gardens, water bodies, rare plant species, and heritage monuments. There's even a café nearby in case your picnic turns into a brunch date. Entry fee applies, but it's worth every rupee.
Garden of Five Senses
Source: Delhi Tourism
Location: Saidulajab, near Saket
It's not just a park — it's an experience. Sculptures, flower lanes, food stalls, and cute corners for that perfect picnic aesthetic. Whether you're there for a solo mental health reset or a chaotic friend picnic, this spot's got the vibe.
Nehru Park
Source: Incredible India
Location: Chanakyapuri
Popular with joggers and yoga groups in the morning, and families in the afternoon — Nehru Park is vast, peaceful, and great for large groups. There are enough trees for shade and enough space to not hear the uncleji blasting Honey Singh on his Bluetooth speaker.
Deer Park
Source: Wikipedia
Location: Hauz Khas
If you want your picnic with a side of wildlife, Deer Park has you covered. You can spot actual deer (yes, real ones), swans, peacocks, and rabbits. Plus, it connects to the Hauz Khas ruins and lake — perfect for post-picnic strolls and sunsets.
Sanjay Van
Source: WWF India
Location: Near Vasant Kunj
For the adventurous picnic crowd. Sanjay Van is more forest than park — it's massive, wild, and honestly underrated. Great if you want to escape the crowd and breathe real oxygen for a change. Carry mosquito spray and good shoes.
Japanese Park (Swarn Jayanti Park)
Location: Rohini Sector 10
North Delhi fam, this one's for you. Japanese Park is huge, clean, and ideal for family outings, kite flying, and endless snacks. It's got lakes, walking trails, and even ducks. Bonus: You're close to malls and metro stations if you want to bounce post-picnic.
India Gate might be out, but these
Delhi picnic spots
still have your back
Sure, India Gate banning picnics is a bit of a bummer. But let's be honest — you deserve more than fighting for mat space between screaming toddlers and unclejis with harmoniums. Delhi has way better picnic spots where you can actually enjoy your food and your sanity. Pack those sandwiches, grab your speaker, and explore a new patch of grass this weekend.
Also read|
UNESCO names 26 new World Heritage Sites including Maratha Military Landscapes from India

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
India resumes tourist visas for Chinese: First time since 2020 border clash; Beijing welcomes move
NEW DELHI: India will restart issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, its embassy in China announced on Wednesday, marking the first such move in five years, as both countries take steps to repair a relationship strained by border clashes and trade tensions, reported Reuters. The decision follows a period of deep freeze in diplomatic and people-to-people ties after the 2020 Galwan clashes. In the aftermath, India had imposed sweeping restrictions on Chinese investments, banned hundreds of Chinese apps, and curtailed passenger traffic. While China resumed issuing visas for Indian students and business travellers in 2022 after lifting Covid-era curbs, tourist visas for Chinese nationals remained suspended until now. The reopening follows a March agreement between the two nations to resume direct air connectivity. China welcomed India's move. 'China is ready to maintain communication and consultation with India and constantly improve the level of personal exchanges,' foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday. Signs of a diplomatic thaw have been building. Last year, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Russia, and both sides have continued high-level meetings to address friction points. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Still, the core issue, the 3,800 km (2,400-mile) disputed border, remains unresolved. India's foreign minister recently reiterated to his Chinese counterpart the need to resolve the military standoff, pull back troops, and move past trade restrictions to fully normalize ties.


New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Kanwar Yatra rush slows Capital down
NEW DELHI: As the annual Kanwar Yatra enters its final stretch, lakhs of saffron-clad pilgrims carrying sacred Ganga water continue to pass through Delhi, leaving the city grappling with chaos, noise and civic disruptions. What is a spiritual journey for many has turned into a daily struggle for residents, as public infrastructure is overwhelmed and basic urban services are stretched thin. In neighbourhoods across east, central and south Delhi, makeshift camps have been set up on footpaths and sidewalks, many spilling onto busy roads. These camps, often erected without warning, have blocked pedestrian access in several areas, forcing people to walk on the roads amid ongoing traffic. 'The footpaths are completely taken over by the camps,' said Neha Mehra, a schoolteacher in Ashok Vihar. 'You have to walk in the middle of the road with vehicles whizzing by. It's unsafe, especially for children and elderly people.' Traffic congestion has worsened significantly due to the partial or complete closure of key roads by the Delhi Police. With routes like GT Road, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, and parts of Ring Road restricted to accommodate the pilgrims, daily commutes have become nightmares. Heavy rain have added to the misery, turning narrow lanes into slushy bottlenecks. 'It takes me twice as long to reach work now. The detours are ridiculous and there's no coordination between traffic police and civic agencies,' said Varun Joshi, a Noida resident. But for many, the most unbearable aspect has been the relentless noise. Loudspeakers mounted on Kanwar vehicles blare devotional songs at all hours, often well past midnight. 'Our windows literally rattle,' said Gaurav Bhardwaj, an IT professional. 'I have a six-month-old daughter who hasn't slept properly in days. Even earplugs don't help.' Many residents say their complaints to the police about noise violations have gone unanswered. According to police officials, over 200 complaints related to noise and traffic snarls were received in the past weekend alone, with enforcement teams deployed in sensitive zones. But ground-level enforcement remains spotty. Waste accumulation is another major concern. With a sharp increase in footfall along pilgrim routes, garbage, especially plastic bottles, food wrappers, and discarded clothing, has piled up near the camps.


India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Harry Potter Vibes? These Darjeeling Legends Feel Straight Out Of A Fantasy Movie
When the first light of dawn touches the rolling hills of Darjeeling, something ancient stirs. The lush tea gardens glow emerald, the toy train's whistle carries on the crisp air, and if you listen closely, you might hear stories whispered by the wind—tales of yogis, warriors, and even creatures that hide beyond snow-capped peaks. Most visitors flock to Tiger Hill for sunrise or ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. But Darjeeling's true magic lies in its myths—those hidden stories woven into every corner of this hill station. Let's step off the beaten path and follow the trails where legends still live. What makes Darjeeling more than just a view of Kanchenjunga? It's not just the height or the scent of first-flush tea. It's the collision of cultures—Tibetan monasteries and colonial bungalows, Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas. It's a place where British-era rail tracks cross ancient mountain passes, where every stone seems to hold a secret. Unlike busy markets or crowded viewpoints, Darjeeling's legends unfold in silence, in moments between train whistles and clinking teacups. Here, the mundane slips away, and the border between history and myth grows thin. 1. Ghoom Monastery – Home of the Snow Lion Perched just above Darjeeling, the Yiga Choeling Gompa is said to guard the pass with the roar of the mythical Snow Lion. Monks whisper that at dawn you can glimpse its shadow dancing on prayer flags. Inside, the giant Maitreya Buddha smiles as if he knows the monastery's oldest secret: centuries ago, a lama tamed a malevolent spirit of the mountains and bound it here forever. 2. Batasia Loop – Where Love Echoes in the Wind This spiral rail track offers panoramic views of Darjeeling town and Kanchenjunga. But locals say it also holds a tragic love story. Two young train drivers, divided by caste, worked here in the 1920s. Forbidden to marry, they vowed their love at midnight beneath the loop's arch. It is said that on clear nights, if you listen closely, you can hear their laughter mingling with the steam whistle. 3. Observatory Hill – The Seat of the Mahakal Above the Mall lies a cluster of shrines dedicated to Shiva as Mahakal, the Lord of Time. This site was once the stronghold of the Lepcha people, who called it 'Dorje Ling' or 'Thunderbolt Commune.' Legend tells of a Lepcha priest who vanquished a demon that shook the very hills with its tantrums. Today, pilgrims light butter lamps in honor of that ancient victory. 4. Lloyd's Botanical Gardens – The Whispering Ferns These manicured gardens were established by the British botanist William Lloyd. What most tourists miss are the stone markers deep among rhododendrons. They commemorate local healers who once foraged rare plants here. An old tale claims that anyone who gathers the ghost orchid at twilight will be granted a single healing wish—if they can find their way back without a guide. 5. Cab Ride to Mirik – The Lake of Tears Mirik Lake, framed by pines and cardamom farms, seems serene. Yet, its name translates to 'mirror of tears.' Centuries ago, a queen wept here for her lost lover, a prince who vanished on a dragon's back. Even now, some say the water shimmers red at dusk, as though soaked by her sorrow. 6. Tinchuley – The Valley of the Invisible Yeti A two-hour drive north lies the hamlet of Tinchuley, where trekking paths wind through bamboo forests. Local guides speak of footprints in the mist—hulking, three-toed tracks that vanish at creek crossings. They say the Yeti is a guardian of the forest, appearing only to those who respect the land. 7. Happy Valley Tea Estate – The Ghost of the Planter This estate dates back to 1854. Workers claim that at moonrise, the ghost of the original British planter strolls the rows of tea bushes, inspecting the leaves. Some say he's still searching for the 'perfect harvest' that was lost when he vanished without a trace during a storm. Why follow Darjeeling's myths instead of just its landmarks? Because these stories give the hills a heartbeat. They remind us that travel is more than photos—it's a conversation with time itself. Each legend you uncover connects you to the people who have called these mountains home for centuries. Practical Tips: How to Discover Darjeeling's Legends Rise before sunrise. Catch the toy train at Darjeeling Railway Station and ride to Ghoom. The early hours are when whispers feel loudest. Talk to locals. Taxi drivers, tea pickers, and monastery caretakers each have a favorite tale. They'll share it best over a cup of masala chai. Pack light layers. Hill weather changes fast. A warm scarf and a flashlight help you explore gardens and shrines as dusk falls. Respect sacred spaces. Remove shoes at temples, heed monks' requests, and walk softly—these places are alive with reverence. The Hidden Economy of Legends: Why This Journey Matters When you explore beyond the Mall Road and Tiger Hill, you support family-run homestays in Beltangadi, roadside stalls in Lebong, and tea estates in Happy Valley. You ease pressure on crowded spots like Chowrasta and give value to villages that preserve these stories. In short, your footsteps ensure that Darjeeling's myths continue to live, whispered by every leaf and stone. So what's holding you back? A winding hillside? That's part of the charm. A forgotten shrine? That's where the magic hides. Darjeeling doesn't just offer tea or mountain views. It invites you into its legends. And while the toy train puffs through emerald hills, somewhere not far off, an old monk chants a blessing over a hidden shrine. A breeze stirs the prayer flags, and a story waits to be heard. Not for a selfie. Not for a for the journey. Final Thought Don't just visit Darjeeling. Wander into its stories. The next time you see the Kanchenjunga glow at dawn, don't just snap a picture—pause, breathe, and listen. Because history doesn't shout. It whispers. And here, in these mist-kissed hills, every whisper is a door to another time.