Journalism of Courage
With winters receding and spring arriving, the national capital has donned a festive look once again. And with people becoming accustomed to the pandemic protocols, safe travelling and exploring has started to happen with a renewed enthusiasm. According to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Thursday, Mughal Gardens is all set to welcome the public from February 13. In this photo gallery, we look at the history of this iconic landmark through the lens of Indian Express photographer Amit Mehra, who has captured its beauty. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Per the statement, visitors will be allowed in the premises from Saturday through advance online booking only, and it will remain open from 10 am to 5 pm during which, people will be able to explore the place and click a few pictures for posterity. The statement also mentioned that visitors will be allowed on all days, except for Monday. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Additionally, it will be President Ram Nath Kovind himself, who will open the annual 'Udyanotsav' of the Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 13. "The Mughal Gardens will remain open for the general public from February 13, 2021 to March 21, 2021 (except on Mondays which are maintenance days) between 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs," the statement read. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
About the place: The Mughal Gardens is spread over an expanse of 15 acres, and is often hailed and portrayed as the 'soul of the Presidential Palace'. The Rashtrapati Bhavan website mentions that the garden draws its inspiration from the Mughal Gardens of Jammu and Kashmir, the gardens around the Taj Mahal, and even miniature paintings of India and Persia. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
No wonder then that this place looks like a canvas in itself, which has been personally and delicately painted by nature. All sorts of flowers bloom here, ranging from roses to daisies and lilies. If you are a nature person and an avid photographer, this place will certainly become your muse. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
The beauty of the place is attached to its flowers, which are looked after and cared for. We love this bloom, don't you? (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
The website also mentions that it was Sir Edwin Lutyens who had finalised the designs of the Mughal Gardens in 1917. It was, however, only during the year 1928-1929 that the plantings were actually done. Additionally, Lutyens' collaborator was Director of Horticulture, William Mustoe. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Did you know: Just like how Rashtrapati Bhavan building has two styles of architecture -- Indian and western -- Sir Lutyens had also brought two horticulture traditions for the garden: the Mughal style and the English flower garden. In fact, Mughal canals, terraces and flowering shrubs are beautifully blended with European flowerbeds, lawns and private hedges here. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
In Christopher Hussey’s 'The Life of Sir Edwin Lutyens', his wife had called the garden a 'paradise'. "…flowers are set in such masses, producing a riot of colour and scents, that, when, with the fountains playing continually, there is not the least sense of stiffness. The round garden beyond beats everything for sheer beauty and is beyond words," she had added. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
A riot of colours it certainly is. Wherever the eyes stray, they land on a new kind of flower, a new variety, colour, bloom, and scent. This is what makes the garden unique and idyllic, and if you have not had the chance to visit it, now is the perfect opportunity for you to do it. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
More on the garden: Until now, the Mughal Gardens had opened for the public only during the annual festival, Udyanotsav, held in the months of February-March. The garden forms the third Circuit of Rashtrapati Bhavan tour. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
As mentioned earlier, there are many varieties of flowers here, but rose remains a key feature of the Mughal Gardens. It boasts of 159 varieties of roses which blossom primarily in the months of February and March. They include: Adora, Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Modern Art, Scentimental, Oklahoma (black rose), Belami, Black Lady, Paradise, Blue Moon and Lady X. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
The garden also features roses named after people: Mother Teresa, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Jawahar, Queen Elizabeth, Christian Dior, to name a few. Pandava brothers Arjuna and Bhima also find a place in the palace garden. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Besides roses, tulips, Asiatic lilies, daffodils, hyacinth and other seasonal flowers also adorn the garden and add to its appeal and beauty. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
More flowers: Per the official website, there are more than 70 varieties of seasonal flowers including exotic bulbous and winter flowering plants. The garden also grows 60 of the 101 known types of bougainvilleas! (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Nature's grace, and absolutely stunning, isn't it? (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
The Mughal Gardens also has almost 50 varieties of trees, shrubs and vines including the Moulsiri tree, Golden Rain tree, flower-bearing Torch Tree and others. (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
These flower bulbs look just like a painting! (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
Things to keep in mind: The pandemic is still raging, and visitors will have to exercise caution when touring the garden. The statement clarifies "each slot can accommodate a maximum of 100 people". "During the tour, visitors have to follow COVID-19 protocols such as wearing mask, maintaining social distancing. They will have to undergo thermal screening at the entry point. People vulnerable to COVID-19 are discouraged for the tour." (Express photo by Amit Mehra)
