I visited Amrit Udyan in February. I had forgotten that entry is absolutely free—it struck me only when I reached the gate. Despite long queues, entry was fast, though the crowd reminded me it might be very congested inside.
Photography with cameras or handheld cameras is not allowed, though mobile phones are permitted. You can deposit restricted items like cameras at the CISF counters free of charge.
The garden has narrow pathways (about 4-5 feet wide), and because of the crowd, it was difficult to stop and take photos. I almost decided to take a U-turn and exit, but the crowd control didn’t allow that. Despite the exotic flowers and greenery, I couldn’t take a single selfie or a well-composed photo due to the congestion.
What is Amrit Udyan and Why It’s Special
Amrit Udyan, formerly known as Mughal Gardens, is located inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan—the official residence of the President of India in New Delhi. The garden was originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1917 and completed in 1929. It reflects a blend of Mughal-style gardens and British landscaping, with terraced lawns, water channels, floral beds, and fountains.
The garden was renamed Amrit Udyan in 2023 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, symbolizing India’s heritage and progress.
What makes Amrit Udyan special:
It spans over 15 acres and features more than 150 varieties of roses, tulips, lilies, daffodils, seasonal blooms, herbal plants, and bonsais.
It opens to the public only once a year, during Udyan Utsav from February to March.
The garden has several sections, including the Rectangular Garden, Long Garden, Circular Garden, Herbal Garden, Tactile Garden, and Musical Garden.
It is maintained by expert horticulturists and reflects the best of Indian floral diversity and landscaping.
What’s Good:
The place is beautifully maintained with a wide variety of seasonal flowers and plants.
Several floral sections are organized and well-managed by florists and staff working round the clock.
A central fountain surrounded by greenery and the scent of fresh flowers adds charm.
The weather in February makes the visit even more pleasant.
Gallery
Important Things to Know:
Entry is free and both online bookings and walk-in entries are allowed. You have to scan a QR there and register/book your free entry.
The garden is open from early February to the end of March (in 2025, from Feb 2 to Mar 30). Generally around this same window it’s open to public every year.
Timings are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:15 PM), and it is closed on Mondays.
Some days are reserved for special groups like senior citizens, women SHGs, and defence personnel. Now because I have said enough about the crowd and congestion I read that there are some dedicated slot for specially abled, Seniors citizens, women and self help groups so make you check these days well in advance.
Entry is from Gate No. 35, North Avenue Road.
Nearest metro stations are Central Secretariat and Shivaji Stadium (free shuttle service available).
Prohibited items: cameras, large water bottles, handbags. Mobiles are allowed.
No toilets, drinking water, or seating areas inside the garden.
Parking four wheelers can be challenging though there is wide long lane but it’s already full of parked vehicles. Maybe if you wait few minutes you will get a slow. It’s just luck based thing. Though there are plenty of auto rickshaws.
The garden is not very friendly for kids, elderly, or wheelchair users due to crowd and limited accessibility.
Suggestions:
Visit on a weekday or during early hours to avoid heavy crowds.
Travel light and carry only essentials.
Stay hydrated but carry only a small water bottle.
Take photos quickly when there’s a chance, as the flow of visitors rarely stops.
Conclusion:
Amrit Udyan is a must-visit for nature and flower lovers, but a smooth experience requires careful planning. It’s not ideal for families with small children or elderly visitors due to high footfall and lack of basic facilities.
