February- March is Garden time in Delhi - from the wonderful Presidential Gardens which are open to the public at this time to the various parks and gardens scattered around this lush green city.
The Garden of Five Senses located in MB road near Saket is worth a visit at this time. It is spread over 20 acres and the brochure says it is "a park designed to stimulate one's sensory responses to the environment.
As we were going in we saw a sign saying "maintain standards of decency" which we thought was a bit strange but all was revealed. As with all outdoor parks and places in Delhi whether archaeological or natural they are a haven for lovers and flirting couples. I love the fact that there is a courtship time for so many young people here but perhaps the reality is slightly less romantic and suggests a lack of freedom where they can openly meet and interact. Whichever case the park was packed with couples and my mother in law and I were a bit like the Odd Couple in their midst.We walked through the lovely entrance of stainless steel birds round to a pool (empty) with impressive elephants made out of red stone. Through the formal garden to enjoy the dahlias and the hollyhocks and daisies. Up to the hillside to admire the lovely sculptures representing the seasons and on to the tree of wind chimes. Sadly some of the water features were not in operation.We saw the various restaurants dotted along the far end of the park and walked past the amphitheatre and the park of colours.
Great! We haven't been yet .. but plan to at the end of the month. Excited to go!
ReplyDeleteAbout the courting couples - It's not even as complicated as "lack of freedom" to meet. In fact, it's simpler than that - it's lack of space and privacy. Most working class and many middle class Indians live in a one-room or two-room teeny-tiny apartment or house, bursting with family members and extended family and visitors. You have to go to a public place, ironically, to gain privacy.
ReplyDeleteThank you that is a valuable insight which perhaps I had not factored in though I have often wondered how the population is quite so large given the lack of privacy.I had not extended that thought to the courting couples. MM
ReplyDeleteNice pictures. The seven times destroyed capital city, Delhi speaks through its diverse ethnicity, culture and tradition, food and language. Political and business center of the country, Delhi boasts of being the perfect blend of history and modernity. Read more about Garden of five senses.
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