Are you troubled by Delhi’s congestion? Spend moments of peace in these 5 secret and quiet places, you will forget India Gate and Connaught Place.

On hearing the name of the country’s capital Delhi, the first picture that comes to mind is heavy traffic, noise of vehicles, huge concrete forests, historical buildings and crowded malls. When people plan to travel on weekends or holidays, they often head to famous and crowded places like India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort or Hauz Khas Village. But the truth is that these popular places are so crowded these days that a person who goes there in search of solace finds only jostling and noise. If you really want to spend some quiet moments in the lap of nature, away from the noise of the city, then now is the time to leave those famous and worn out places of Delhi. There are some amazing and hidden gems in and around the capital about which very few people know. At these secret places, you will not only get peace of mind, but will also get such a unique experience amidst the flowing water, chirping of birds and greenery spread all around, which will make you feel like a hill station.

First hideout: Sanjay Vihar / Sanjay Van and its peaceful forest

‘Sanjay Forest’, spread right between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli in Delhi, is one of the largest and beautiful secret forests of the city. Generally people think that Delhi has only paved roads and buildings, but this huge forest is a living proof that nature is still breathing in the heart of the city. This place of dense trees, unpaved roads and birds of different species is no less than a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pleasure of strolling here in the morning and evening cannot be compared with any other park in the city. Here you will get to see dozens of types of peacocks, local and foreign birds and ancient ruins which further increase the mystery and beauty of this place. If you want to sit in solitude and read a book without any noise or listen to the whispers of nature, then Sanjay Van should be on the top of your list.

Second destination: Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary and the lush green expanse of Tughlakabad

‘Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary’, located on the edge of South Delhi, is such a protected natural area where seeing the greenery and silent atmosphere, you will not believe that you are standing in the busiest capital of the country. This place is perfect for those who are fond of wildlife, natural trails and adventure. While roaming in the peaceful environment here, you will feel as if you have come to a remote reserve forest, hundreds of kilometers away from Delhi. The blue water collected in the ancient lakes located around it and the rocks spread around it provide an excellent background for photography. Although this area is a bit rugged and dense, hence it is necessary to follow the rules of the forest department before going here, but the mental peace and pure air found here is enough to provide relief from the suffocating climate of the city.

Third and Fourth Destination: Sunder Nursery and the tranquil shores of Sanjay Lake

Although many people have now come to know about Sundar Nursery, it is still one of the most peaceful and beautiful green spaces of Delhi which is situated right near Humayun’s Tomb. The atmosphere here is very magical amidst the Mughal era architecture, fountains, hundreds of species of trees and flowers. People come here to have picnics with their families, bask in the sun and walk barefoot on the grass. Apart from this, ‘Sanjay Lake’ located in East Delhi is also one such hidden corner where you can spend a quiet evening sitting on the banks of the water. The parks built around this lake provide a very peaceful environment for children to play and elders to walk. When you come here, you get a long and relaxing break from the hectic pace of Delhi, where time seems to stop.

Fifth destination: History and greenery of Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Despite being located right next to Qutub Minar, ‘Mehrauli Archaeological Park’ is a place where the crowd of tourists is very less and there is a lot of silence. Spread over about 200 acres, this park is such a wonderful confluence of historical monuments, old stepwells, tombs and huge trees where the fragrance of history is felt at every step. Sitting amidst the greenery here, you can spend hours in solitude without anyone interrupting. The beauty of these five hidden places of Delhi is that they take you away from the modern glamor of the city and bring you closer to nature and history. So this time on weekends, instead of going to old and crowded places, explore these hidden corners of Delhi, it will definitely make your day and you will feel real mental peace.