Delhi can be chaotic, but it also holds surprising pockets of peace, beauty, and inspiration. From lush gardens and historic ruins to cultural hubs and quiet lakesides, Delhi offers a variety of walking trails as a perfect way to enjoy the city. Whether you’re looking to relax, reflect, or simply recharge, leave the urban cacophony behind and head on to these best walks in Delhi, promising a refreshing experience.
1. Lodhi Garden (Lodhi Road)
Spanning 90 acres, this verdant space has been a prominent city landmark since the 15th century. Established during the Lodhi era, this gorgeous garden makes for memorable walks in Delhi. As you pass through colourful blooms, fluttering butterflies, and old trees, take a moment to admire the Indo-Islamic architecture of the Sikandar Lodi and Mohammed Shah tombs. Don’t miss the soul-soothing sound of water fountains and the twitter of pretty birds as you soak in the area’s peace.
2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park (Anuvrat Marg)
If you are into historic walking trails, this unique park in the heart of South Delhi is sure to win your heart. A sprawling 200-acre affair, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is next to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Qutub Minar. A stroll through the park can take you past over 50 significant monuments, each telling a story from across a hundred years of history. Learn first-hand about the marks left by several dynasties, from the Khaljis and Tughlaqs to the British Raj. The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Rajon Ki Baoli, Dargah of Qutab Sahib, and Jahaz Mahal, in particular, offer a glimpse into Delhi’s cultural, social, and architectural evolution over time.
3. Old Delhi
Do not let the usually busy, noisy lanes of Old Delhi stop you from taking an eye-opening walk around the place during the early morning hours. Catch the rising sun as it lights up the majestic Red Fort (Chandni Chowk), soak in the tranquil aura of Jama Masjid, and admire the elegant dome and stained-glass windows of St. James’ Church (Kashmere Gate). Depending on the area or road you focus on, keep your eyes peeled for historical gems like Humayun’s Tomb (Nizamuddin), Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib (Chandni Chowk), Naughara Gali (Chandni Chowk) and Haveli Mirza Ghalib (Chandni Chowk). Walk down the famous Khari Baoli Road to fill your lungs with the intoxicating aroma of herbs and spices.
4. Hauz Khas Lake & Deer Park
Built during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the picturesque Hauz Khas Lake makes for a delightful walk in Delhi. A part of the Hauz Khas Complex, this artificial beauty in South Delhi is surrounded by lush gardens and is a great place to spot aquatic plants, exotic birds, and different kinds of fish. Deer Park, located next to the lake, offers a serene atmosphere and is home to many graceful and gentle deer. If you are a history buff, check out the 13th-century Hauz Khas Fort nearby. You can also walk down the lanes of Hauz Khas Village to admire or shop for antiques and artworks.
5. Aravalli Biodiversity Park (Vasant Vihar)
This park, spread over a staggering 692 acres, offers some of the most picture-perfect walking trails in the capital. Navigate forests, grasslands, shrublands, and seasonal water bodies while you cherish the peace here and breathe in fresh(ish) air. Visit the butterfly conservatory and catch over a hundred vibrant species fluttering around. The park also features other conservatories dedicated to exotic orchids, medicinal plants, and ferns. Spot birds like cuckoos, babblers, parakeets, woodpeckers, and drongos on your walk, and feel free to bring your furry friends along.
6. Sanjay Van (near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli)
Boasting 784 acres of dense woods, Sanjay Van promises rejuvenating and refreshing walks in Delhi. There are numerous dirt paths and jungle trails for nature enthusiasts. You can climb the machan to soak in panoramic views of the forest and Qutub Minar. You will spot many native trees here, such as Khair, Ber, Khejdi, Amaltas, Neem, Peepal, and Gular. Thorny acacias also grow in abundance here. Watch out for wild animals like monitor lizards, jackals, and hyenas. Sanjay Van is further home to birds like purple herons, sparrow hawks, peacocks, and paradise flycatchers.
7. JNU Ring Road
This charming walking trail will take you in and around the 1000-acre Jawaharlal Nehru University campus. From the quaint red-brick buildings housing lecture halls and student accommodations to the colourful, abundant bougainvillaea creepers embracing the campus walls, plenty of sights to soothe your gadget-sore eyes. Watch out for stunning peacocks when you stroll on a bright, chilly morning or lazy evening. Or you might just hear their piercing cries! On the way to the famed Parthasarthy rocks, you might spot jackals, nilgais, or civets.