Delhi’s Rashtrapati Bhavan has thrown open its gates to the public for Udyan Utsav 2023, with President Droupadi Murmu inaugurating the event on Sunday. Amrit Udyan, (formerly Mughal Gardens), will remain open from 31 January to 26 March. The sprawling 15 acres of greenery feature herbal plants, decades-old bonsais and patches full of fresh blooms in myriad colours and varieties. 👉 What’s new at Amrit Udyan Originally, the gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan included East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden. Gradually, more sections such as Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Bonsai Garden and Arogya Vanam have been added. While the gardens usually opened for a month till now, this year the Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden, Central Lawn, Long Garden and Circular Garden will remain open to the public for two months. This year, the event will also welcome a higher capacity of visitors per slot, and offer on-the-spot bookings. The gardens will display 12 varieties of specially cultivated tulips and 120 varieties of roses. This is apart from the rows and rows of hyacinth, marigold, dahlias and other flowers. Expect floral carpets, musical fountains and vertical gardens. The highlight of the display is a 200-year-old sheesham tree, and there’s also a dedicated garden for decades-old bonsais. While you’re there, don’t forget to scan the QR code to find out more about a particular tree or plant. 👉 Visiting Amrit Udyan: dates and timings
Amrit Udyan, which encompasses the cluster of gardens that were earlier called Mughal Gardens, will remain open from 31 January to 26 March for the general public and from 28 March to 31 March only for the following special groups:• 28 March: Farmers
• 29 March: Differently abled and visually challenged persons
• 30 March: Defence and paramilitary forces and police
• 31 March: Women and tribal women’s SHGs
All visitors will get an hour-long slot to tour the place. The gardens will be open from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. But viewing will remain closed on the following days:
• All Mondays, for maintenance
• On 1 and 2 March on account of G-20 meetings
• On 8 March 2023 due to Holi
👉 How to book tickets for Amrit Udyan There are no charges for visiting the gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan during Udyan Ustav, but you will need to book a slot beforehand. Bookings can be made online at the President of India website or at visitor registration kiosks on the spot. Online booking slots open 10 days in advance from the date of visit. Cre: cntraveller