The Mughal Gardens, contiguous to the main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan, cover an area of 15 acres comprising three parts:
The first is the Rectangular Garden adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building. Two channels running North to South and two running East to West divide this Garden into a grid of squares. There are fountains at the crossings of these channels. In the channels at appropriate times of the day reflections of the imposing building and flowers can be seen. The Central Lawn is covered by the "Doob" grass. When it was originally laid, it had been brought from the Belvedere Estate, in Kolkata. Today, it still maintains its sheen and has witnessed numerous receptions and 'At Homes' hosted by the Presidents of India. In the evenings, Peacocks can be seen moving around. Parrots, Mynahs, Doves and Pigeons are also seen in the Gardens. This eco-friendly garden derives its evergreen texture from Moulsri, Putranjva roxburghii, Cypresus and China Orange and Climbers. This Rectangular Garden has several winter seasonal bulbous and flowering beds, with the prominence of varieties of roses with names such as; Mrinalini, Taj Mahal, Modern Art, Oklahoma, John F. Kennedy, Mr. Lincoln and Folklore. In addition to this, Dahlias, Tulips, Asiatic Lilies, and other seasonal flowers suitably incorporated, add beauty to this part of the garden.
The second is the Long Garden, which is located to the West of the main garden and runs along on either sides of the central pavement which goes to the Circular Garden. Enclosed in walls of about 12 feet, this is predominantly a rose garden in 16 square rose beds encased in low hedges. It has some prominent and popular roses with names such as Christian Dior, Queen Elizabeth, Iceberg, Pasadena, Montezuma, Summer Snow, First Prize, Century Two, Amalia and Bush Rose, besides, a row of Dahlia, Merigold, Salvia, Gazania and Oxalis. There is a sandstone pergola in the centre over the central pavement. The walls are covered with creepers like Bignonia Vanista, Tecoma, Grandiflora, Adenoclym. Along the walls are planted ornamental China Orange trees.
The third is the Circular ('Pearl' or Butter Fly' or 'Sunken') Garden at the Western most portion of the Mughal Gardens. A delight to behold, it is planted with varieties such as Phlox of different colours, Marigold, Stock, Violas and Pansies, in different colours. As many as 30 varieties of seasonal flowers are at bloom to welcome guests. A bubble fountain in the middle of this bowl surrounded with greens, enhances the grandeur of the place.
Other attractions of the Mughal Gardens
The Mughal Garden has three Musical Fountains. They dance to the tune of music and are a perfect blend of music, light and water with the help of modern technical know-how. An excellent landscape has been created all around these fountains.
The Biodiversity Park, which has deer, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, turtles, parakeets, rabbits and migratory birds and also peacocks, is another attraction for visitors.
The Herbal Garden has 33 important medicinal and aromatic plants and their uses are also displayed. Some such varieties are the bio-diesel producing plant Jatropha; Stevia which provides safe sugar for diabetics, Isabgol (Plantago), Damask Rose, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mint, Tulsi, and Geranium. In the Spiritual Garden, plants cutting across their religious connectivity co-exist conveying a message of harmony in diversity.
Special attraction of Udyanotsav 2012
The annual opening of Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan, called the Udyanotsav, since 2011 will have some new features. This year the attractions will be Floral Carpets, the Cactus Corner and Bonsais. A new concept of making of floral carpets on lawns has been introduced for the first time to delight garden lovers. A new Bonsai Garden has also been established, to enrich the variety of collections and styles, with about 200 Bonsai plants. A cactus corner has also been created.
Self Help Groups (SHGs) members under the Roshni Programme, a green innovative concept introduced by the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, to make the President's Estate an eco-friendly sustainable urban habitat through environment management and empowerment of residents, will put up a stall for sale of vermi-compost and organic compost manure. There will also be a curio shop with different variety of Rashtrapati Bhavan souvenirs for sale. Organically grown winter season vegetables will also be on display.
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