10 beautiful spring blooms to experience at Delhi’s Mughal Garden

Mughal Garden, now known as Amrit Udyan, is opening its gates to the public for the annual Udyanotsav.
Image may contain Amrit Udyan Grass Nature Outdoors Park Plant Garden Architecture Fountain and Water
Getty Images

As spring arrives in Delhi, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by witnessing nature’s vibrant display in full bloom at Amrit Udyan, which translates to "nectar garden" in Sanskrit and was formerly known as the Mughal Garden. The garden was renamed to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and stands as a serene retreat behind Rashtrapati Bhavan. Spanning 15 acres, Amrit Udyan is a captivating green space in the heart of Delhi, featuring a harmonious blend of flowers, shrubs, lush greenery, and manicured lawns that create a mesmerizing floral spectacle. Originally inspired by the grand charbagh gardens of the Mughals, it was later redesigned by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Hardinge between 1928-29.

Mughal Garden opens its gates to the public for the annual Udyanotsav, which is taking place from February 2 to March 30, 2025. Its geometric layout, with terraced levels, water channels alongside the East Lawn, Central Lawn, Long Garden, and a Circular garden, and fountains, is home to nearly 85 varieties of seasonal flowers and blue peacocks that form an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours. Check out some of the best exquisite spring flowers in full bloom this season at Amrit Udyan, highlighted by a functional floral clock and meticulously arranged floral art displays.

50,000 Tulips Bulbs

Hindustan Times via Getty Images

The star attraction of Amrit Udyan is the spectacular display of tulips, blooming in a rich spectrum of colours, including red, yellow, pink, and purple. Nearly 50,000 tulip bulbs have been planted this season to create a floral spectacle that fascinates visitors with its beauty and delicate fragrance.

140 types of Roses

With more than 140 rose varieties, Amrit Udyan showcases a blend of indigenous and exotic species. The garden features the exquisite Grace de Monaco, the dark-hued Bonne Nuit, and Oklahoma or the Black Rose, blue-toned varieties like Blue Moon, and the elusive green rose. Many roses are named after famous figures and places, including Mother Teresa, Jawaharlal Nehru, Taj Mahal, and the Eiffel Tower, adding to the garden's rich floral diversity.

Rare and Exotic Lilies

Helen H. Richardson via Getty Images

The Central Lawn, set against the grand backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan flourishes with a stunning collection of rare and exotic flowers like Asiatic and Oriental lilies. These vibrant and fragrant blooms are thoughtfully arranged to create striking focal points, enriching the garden’s elegance and sensory appeal. Asiatic lilies showcase a broad range of colours, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, while the large, elegant blooms of Oriental lilies appear in shades of white, yellow, and pink.

Showering Marigolds

The Circular Garden is designed like an amphitheatre, with descending steps and rings of fragrant marigolds arranged around a circular water body with a bubble fountain. The vibrant orange and yellow marigolds bring warmth and brightness, their strong fragrance filling the air. This arrangement enhances the landscape, while the surrounding fountains add a refreshing touch, elevating the cheerful atmosphere of Amrit Udyan.

Soft Dahlias

Ray Fisher via Getty Images

Fully bloomed dahlias find their place in the Circular Garden, with their delicate, layered petals in a diverse colour palette, ranging from white, warm red, and yellow-red to soft pastels and deep burgundy. These oversized flowers add depth and texture to the garden’s floral display. Towering up to 8 feet along the Circular Garden’s wall, these blooms add grandeur and attract delicate butterflies.

Fragrant Hyacinths

Known for their sweet fragrance and vibrant blooms, hyacinths in Amrit Udyan grow in dense clusters, forming a striking visual display. Their varied colours bring a burst of vibrancy and fragrance, making them a standout feature in the garden.

Blossoming Daffodils

Dan Kitwood via Getty Images

Glowing with golden-yellow radiance the trumpet-shaped daffodils are also one of the highlights of Amrit Udyan’s Spring blooms. These fragrant perennials charm the garden’s floral display, creating a captivating spectacle during the annual Udyan Utsav.

Seasonal Coleus

The Circular Garden is home to coleus, a rare seasonal flower known for its vibrant blooms and striking colours that bring lively energy to the garden’s ambience. This flower is considered rare because it thrives only during specific seasons, flourishing in warmer months and requiring particular growing conditions. With their eye-catching foliage, coleus plants enhance the garden's visual and sensory appeal.

Delicate Pansies

Rodwell Harinangoni via Pexels

Pansies are a highlight of the Circular Garden with their velvety petals adorning the garden beds in a vibrant display. Thriving in February’s cooler climate, these delicate blooms, with a mix of colours and patterns, bring a charming and elegant aura to the garden.

Velvety Violas

Violas form a part of the Circular Garden with their vibrant colours and delicate appearance. These velvety blooms are scattered throughout the garden beds, and their presence contributes to the sensory experience and adds a charming touch to the garden’s ambience.

When to Visit

For the best experience of these blooms, it is highly recommended to visit the garden between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:15 PM, but note that it remains closed on Mondays for maintenance. Beyond the floral displays, Amrit Udyan features several thematic gardens, including the Herbal Garden, Banyan Grove, Bonsai Garden, Bal Vatika with a 225-year-old Sheesham tree, and Plumeria Garden, each offering a unique horticultural experience.

Also read: A Vastu-compliant ‘garden home’ in Mumbai with a 2,200-square-foot terrace

Also read: This restaurant in Chandigarh features matte black pods emerging out of a wild garden

Also read: At the Mahendra Doshi showroom in Mumbai, a 'Secret Garden’ emerged, filled with antiques