“Different birds, dancing peacocks, hyenas, nilgai and a snake, we have seen them all in this park”, narrate Tvisha and Alysha, young, enthusiastic kids of Vasant Kunj, who come often to the Biodiversity Park for a stroll in the evenings.
Nestled cosily at the far end of Vasant Kunj Institutional Area, is another gem, Aravali Biodiversity Park. Not many residents of Vasant Kunj have got a chance yet to explore this natural beauty which boasts of a large variety of flora and fauna. Spread across 692 acres on the South-Central Ridge, the park boasts of the coexistence of wilderness and well-maintained gardens within its boundary walls.
If you have not visited this place till now, March is an ideal month to do so. The flowering trees and plants are in full bloom these days. The park has rows of mesmerizing bougainvillea in pink, orange and white adorning the area. At the same time, there are kadamb flowers, a number of rose shrubs of varied colours, marigolds and many other flowers. There are more than 100 species of butterflies and bird varieties in the park. Bird enthusiasts come here to spot some of the rare birds in this park.
Apurva Chawla, a bird enthusiast, who comes to the park all the way from Faridabad, says,
“There is not much of man-made structures and very less human intervention here. Therefore, you can spot birds like Peacocks, Muniyas, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Bee-eaters, Cuckoos, Bulbuls, Drongos, Flycatchers, Parakeets and many more in the park. If you come here around February and November, you can spot many of these birds. You need to carry binoculars or cameras for a better view. There is a pit kind of area inside, where you can spot many peacocks. Once you enter the park, you can feel the cool temperature and better quality of air. These are the reasons why I love this place and come here often with my camera”
Dr Anju Bhasin, a resident of Sector D7, is a regular visitor of the park. She loves the park when the Bougainvillea are in full bloom. She says, “It is a very peaceful place to go. It’s a very natural environment to walk in. The entrance is beautiful. There is a place for people to practice Yoga. When the flowers are in full bloom, it is heavenly. It is the best place to walk. Only downside is the path is rocky. So, it is not very suitable for senior citizens.”
There is a lot to explore and spot inside the park. Various conservatories and mini gardens, the walking pavements and if you are lucky, a peacock dance too could be waiting to welcome you. Do not forget to look for a small temple inside, around which a sacred grove comprising of plants and shrubs of religious importance, has been made.
So, now you have enough reasons to put on your walking shoes and head towards the beautiful Aravali Park in the morning or evening, whatever suits you.
Address: Near Madhyanchal, Vasant Kunj Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj. Hours: 6–11/ am, 4–6:30/ pm.
by Swati Sinha (9971128884)
