The G20 closure led me to the park closest to me, Deer Park. I visited it after tens of years and was delighted with the nostalgia which ensued in the beautiful space that it still is. It was looking more manicured in places but overgrown greenery, its crowning glory , still lends to it an untouched look in spots so it is in fact a delight to walk around whether at a fast pace or a slower , more peaceful one ideal for a morning holiday jaunt. The entire length of the Hauz Khas Village Road is dotted with monuments all the way up to the Hauz Khas monument. These are Delhi’s wonders awaiting our protective embrace. I photographed two within the Deer Park , one them a wall mosque. I walked leisurely along the Deer Park path, the grills covered , perhaps to protect the deer from being fed as I was told. However, the cover had been removed in one patch and what a delight to see deer once again ! They came up quite close, nonchalantly looking for and munching edibles. I hope the question of re-settling them has been dropped. What would our Deer Park be without the deer? There was a time when there were hundreds of rabbits scurrying around in a specially carved out area for them but they were perhaps removed many years ago. I spied a peacock bending its beautiful long neck to peck at grain left behind on a rock. It gazed at me but generously allowed me to take photographs and nonchalantly strutted away leaving me to admire its receding back. It really is a beautiful bird even when its feathers are not dancing in the rain. Fortunately the Deer Park is connected to the wonderful District Park from where you can gaze upon the beauty of the Hauz Khas monument and the tank. I remember discovering the monument quite by chance one day in 1978, as I was walking around with a cousin. We literally stumbled upon it as explorers , not knowing what it was and never able to find it again till I discovered Hauz Khas Village and solved the mystery. I will certainly go back again for the sake of nostalgia, yes, but also to revel in its beauty enhanced as it is during the monsoon season.
