Again its time for the Udyanotsav (the Festival of Gardens), when the President of India opens up the gorgeous gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the public view. This year’s edition of the festival, will commence from 6th February to 10th of March 2019. With 159 varieties of roses, over 100 types of bougainvillaea and hundreds of other beatiful blossoms that will bloom across the seven different gardens at the Presidential palace, including the renowned Mughal Gardens, the big flower-show will serve as a perfect visual opulence for its onlookers.
About The Mughal Garden:
Sprawling over 15 acers of land, The ‘Mughal Gardens’ is famed to be one among the country’s iconic zones. Designed by Rashtrapati Bhavan’s own architecture, Sir Edward Lutyens, the Mughal Gardens represent both English and Mughal-style architectural and horticultural traditions. The appearance of the gardens owe much into the gardens of Jammu and Kashmir and the Taj Mahal in Agra, as well.
What’s There Inside The Garden :
Visitors can find here as many as 159 varieties of roses like Adora, Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Modern Art, Scentimental, Oklahoma (black rose), Belami, Black Lady, Paradise, Blue Moon, Lady X… etc. Apart from the roses some other flowers like Tulips, Asiatic lilies, Daffodils, Hyacinth and over 70 different types of seasonal flowers will also enhance the elegance of the Presidential gardens immensely. Besides these flower plants, 50 varieties of trees, from moulsiri to golden rain and nearly 101 different types of bougainvillaea again add to the charm of the garden.
Considering the enormity of the garden, no wonder then, 300 permanent and temporary employees are at service to maintain and develop the gardens here.
Some More Floral Abundances:
The Mughal Gardens are not the only one at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. There are many others like it inside the campus of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. They are :
*Rectangular Garden: The garden with its sandstone fountains, moulsiri trees, two canals and a gazebo. This is the place where the President meets other dignitaries and diplomats.
* Long Garden : Nearly 16 popular varieties of roses such as rose iceberg, rose summer snow and more, the beds are interspersed with dahlia, marigold and salvia varieties of flowers here.
* Circular Garden : It has 30 different varieties of seasonal flowers and tulips are the latest addition to this garden. A fountain is located in the centre of this garden.
* Herbal Garden: It is inspired by former President APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision to promote natural remedies. Ashvaghandha and bramhi, among many other herbs, can be found over here, which are known to treat conditions such as memory loss and epilepsy.
* Musical Garden: It is the most attractive one of the lot. Colours, lights and music that synchronise with tunes of ‘Vande Mataram’ and the ‘shehnai’ make the experience magical here.
* Spiritual Garden: It hosts trees associated with different religions from India.
Visitors can access the historical garden without any entry fee and it opens for the public from 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. But it remains closed on Monday, as it is the maintenance day of the garden. The bookings for Udyanotsav 2019 are set to open soon. Visitors can track the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s website for details.
