5 forests you didn't know existed around Delhi
Life in Delhi might be full of chaos, where piercing car horns and congested city roads can sometimes feel too heavy. Although these five spots in Delhi are enclaves of untouched wilderness, they are places where you see how beautifully urbanity and nature intertwine. If you are curious by now, find out more about these places.
Northern RidgeThe northern ridge spans across 122.00 hectares near Delhi University, North Campus. This is a historic and ecological landmark, forming the northernmost part of the Aravalli ranges. It's home to rich flora and fauna; this forest area houses heritage buildings like the Flagstaff tower. Another interesting fact about this place is that this ridge served as a strategic location during the revolt of 1857. This park in North Delhi offers a natural escape and a walk through history.
Sanjay Van
Read more: Railways to run special Delhi-Katra train services to help stranded tourists; key details here
Located in the heart of Delhi near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli, it is one of the city’s largest and most serene places, spread across 443 acres. Sanjay van has a deep historical and cultural significance; its pathways are filled with ancient ruins, tombs, and old structures dating back to the Sultanate period. Although this park gives an old and creepy feel. Legends of haunting and spiritual stories are often shared by locals, adding to its mystical charm.
Asola-Bhatti wildlife sanctuary
Located near the Aravalli hills on the southern periphery of Delhi, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden ecological gem that offers tranquility and diversity amid urbanization. It is an integral part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor, which extends to parts of Haryana and spans an area of approximately 6,874 acres. Leopards, jackals, nilgais, blackbucks, monitor lizards, and over 200 species of birds can be present in the sanctuary, which serves as a bird lover's and nature enthusiast's paradise.
Tughlaqabad Ridge Forest
Tughlaqabad Ridge Forest, near the renowned Tughlaqabad Fort, is a lesser-known but historically and ecologically important part of Delhi's Southern Ridge. One of the city's most significant green areas, this forested area spreads across broad, rocky land and is a vital part of the ancient Aravalli hills. The forest is characterized by rough terrain, thorny scrub vegetation, and sparse native trees, such as dhak, babool, and khejri.
Read more: Best wildlife sanctuaries in India to spot sloth bears
Rajokri Protected Forest
Rajokri Protected Forest, in southwest Delhi just off the village of Rajokri, is one of the city's less famous but ecologically important green areas. Situated near the Delhi-Gurgaon border and part of the greater Aravalli hill range, this forest has an important role to play in balancing the environment of the fast-growing NCR area. Spread over a hilly terrain of rocky outcrops and arid scrubland, the forest is inhabited by indigenous vegetation like khejri, babool, dhak, and other desert-dwelling species. It harbors urban wildlife such as nilgais, jackals, porcupines, and peacocks.
Northern RidgeThe northern ridge spans across 122.00 hectares near Delhi University, North Campus. This is a historic and ecological landmark, forming the northernmost part of the Aravalli ranges. It's home to rich flora and fauna; this forest area houses heritage buildings like the Flagstaff tower. Another interesting fact about this place is that this ridge served as a strategic location during the revolt of 1857. This park in North Delhi offers a natural escape and a walk through history.
Sanjay Van
Read more: Railways to run special Delhi-Katra train services to help stranded tourists; key details here
Located in the heart of Delhi near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli, it is one of the city’s largest and most serene places, spread across 443 acres. Sanjay van has a deep historical and cultural significance; its pathways are filled with ancient ruins, tombs, and old structures dating back to the Sultanate period. Although this park gives an old and creepy feel. Legends of haunting and spiritual stories are often shared by locals, adding to its mystical charm.
Asola-Bhatti wildlife sanctuary
Located near the Aravalli hills on the southern periphery of Delhi, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden ecological gem that offers tranquility and diversity amid urbanization. It is an integral part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor, which extends to parts of Haryana and spans an area of approximately 6,874 acres. Leopards, jackals, nilgais, blackbucks, monitor lizards, and over 200 species of birds can be present in the sanctuary, which serves as a bird lover's and nature enthusiast's paradise.
Tughlaqabad Ridge Forest
Tughlaqabad Ridge Forest, near the renowned Tughlaqabad Fort, is a lesser-known but historically and ecologically important part of Delhi's Southern Ridge. One of the city's most significant green areas, this forested area spreads across broad, rocky land and is a vital part of the ancient Aravalli hills. The forest is characterized by rough terrain, thorny scrub vegetation, and sparse native trees, such as dhak, babool, and khejri.
Read more: Best wildlife sanctuaries in India to spot sloth bears
Rajokri Protected Forest
Rajokri Protected Forest, in southwest Delhi just off the village of Rajokri, is one of the city's less famous but ecologically important green areas. Situated near the Delhi-Gurgaon border and part of the greater Aravalli hill range, this forest has an important role to play in balancing the environment of the fast-growing NCR area. Spread over a hilly terrain of rocky outcrops and arid scrubland, the forest is inhabited by indigenous vegetation like khejri, babool, dhak, and other desert-dwelling species. It harbors urban wildlife such as nilgais, jackals, porcupines, and peacocks.
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