Lyrical Muse

Each spring, the gardens within Rashtrapati Bhavan open to the public for a limited period, drawing steady interest across the capital.

This year, Amrit Udyan welcomed visitors from February 3 and will remain accessible until March 31, 2026, offering a structured look into one of Delhi’s most closely guarded estates.

Formerly known as the Mughal Gardens, Amrit Udyan now spans a cluster of spaces that extend beyond its original East, Central, Long and Circular Lawns.

With a layout that blends together Mughal symmetry and later landscaping influences, with canals, terraces and manicured rows guiding the movement through the grounds, additional sections such as the Herbal Gardens, Bonsai Garden and Arogya Vanam have broadened its landscape over time.

The 2026 edition presents more than 85 winter annuals alongside 12 varieties of tulips and upwards of 140 varieties of roses.

Beds of hyacinths, dahlias, marigolds and celosia line the pathways, while vertical gardens and patterned floral displays introduce contemporary elements.

A 200-year-old sheesham tree remains one of the estate’s oldest living markers, while the bonsai enclosure showcases specimens cultivated over decades.

A recently introduced water feature known as the “Babbling Brook” introduces a quieter visual pause within the larger layout.

“Delhi — sometimes it blooms, and when it truly blooms, it does so in the lap of the President, at Amrit Udyan,” says the first-time visitor Shreejeet Purwar, 23, from Agra, for whom the setting carried particular resonance.

“This was my very first visit and it felt especially peaceful and refreshing. The symmetry of the gardens against the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan felt particularly memorable,” he said.

Visuals from the ongoing flower show spotlights disciplined rows of roses unfolding against the sandstone façade of the presidential estate, fountains cutting through manicured lawns and the occasional peacock sightings, sitting around or moving across the garden paths.

The scale of the architecture frames the gardens rather than overwhelming it, allowing the seasonal bloom to hold attention in its own right.

One of the more accessible aspects of Amrit Udyan is that entry remains free, though advance online booking is required, with certain days reserved for specific groups, including senior citizens and members of the armed forces.

As Delhi settles into spring, Amrit Udyan continues to serve as a seasonal landmark within the President’s Estate, where horticulture, architecture and public access interset for a brief but anticipated annual interval.

Amrit Udyan will be open to receiving visitors till March 31, 2026

(Image courtesy of Shreejeet Purwar, Agra)

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