Beautiful Forests of Delhi

Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world finding its mention in the ancient epic Mahabharata. Delhi’s forests are a unique form of monsoon forests – that sprout leaves during the monsoon. A hike in the early morning through these forests can tell you a lot about the trees in them and the trees of Delhi will tell you stories of Delhi’s past – about indigenous and invasive species. You will learn the uses of the various trees and will be able to recognise trees from their leaf structure. 

Sanjay Van is a respite from the concrete jungle of the city. Densely wooded and sprawling over 783 acres, it is a part of Mehrauli South Central ridge and lies near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli.Purple sunbird, Asian koel, Brahminy starling, Indian silverbill and the Grey-breasted prinia are a few from the vast range of birds you can gaze at.

Southern Ridge forest is A green expanse of 6,200 hectares, it includes the Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary which is home to 193 species of birds and a vast range of plants. With more than 80 species of butterflies fluttering around, this peaceful getaway has animals like the blue bull, blackbuck, black-naped hare, porcupine, civets, jackals and jungle cats living there.

The Jahanpana City forest is spread over 435 acres of land and offers a breath of fresh air for people who come in for early morning walks. Neelgais flit in and out between the trees, while people hoping to boost their flagging health, roar in laughter clubs. However, the trail leads deeper into the forest which offers more seclusion and it is easy to lose your way among the trees.

Rajokri Protected Forest is an alternative side to the mad rush of Delhi and is covered in thorny shrubs and waving trees. With a variety of birds chirping, you can sit by the lake inside the forest to soak in the peace and quiet.

The Northern ridge is adjacent to the North Campus and is mostly hilly. This part is the smallest fragment of the ridge and 170 hectares of it was declared as a reserved forest in 1915. Today the forest area is less than 87 hectares. The Kamala Nehru ridge, a part of the Northern ridge boasts of thick vegetation and 70 species of birds. You'll find the Khooni Jheel, an 80-feet deep pond which has a tragic story attached to it. 

The lush green Mangar Bani forest along the Faridabad-Gurgaon highway is the last patch of virgin forest left in the Delhi-NCR region. Fringed by the scenic Aravalli hills, the 100 hectare area of forest has a story behind it. There was once a hermit by the name of Gudariya Baba whom they worship as their myth suggests.