Stunning Forests In & Around Delhi to Get Away from the Hustles of City Life

Delhi has been much famous about high levels of pollution, crowd and dust, but very less are acquainted with the fact that it is the same city which is a proud owner of several green landscapes and lush green forests. These forests are home to different kind of animals and plants. To come across a different side of Delhi, we bring you some of the famous forests where you may forget about the daily toil of the city.

Sanjay Van

Location: Vasant Kunj-Mehrauli

Located  near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli and stretched over 783 acres of land, Sanjay Van is densely wooded and one of the famous green places in Delhi.  The area is perfect for all the bird enthusiasts as one can easily get to witness here variety of birds’ species. From Asian Koel, Brahminy starling and purple sunbird to Indian silverbill and the grey-breasted prinia, you will come across many unbelievably beautiful birds.

Southern Ridge Forest/ Tughlaqabad Ridge Forest

Location: Sardar Patel Marg

Southern Ridge Forest is a lush green expanse of 6,200 hectares, which is not only home to the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary but also features 193 bird species and several plant species. Away from the noises of the city, this region helps you attaining that much needed peace. While exploring the forests, one can easily get close to nature, spot various types of butterflies and animals including, blackbuck, porcupine, jackals and naped hare.

Jahanpanah City Forest

Location: Chirag Delhi

Extended over an area of 435 acres and offering  breath of fresh air, this is the perfect escape to have some peaceful time around the nature. On one hand, you get to witness Neelgai walking in and out between the trees and on the other hand, people laughing for their laughter club exercises. Inside the forests, there happens to be a deeper trail, leading to the dense side of the forests, which can be explored. You should be alert while exploring this forest as you may lose your way among the trees.

Rajokri Protected Forest

Location: Rajokri

Intermingling with small fields and villages, Rajokri is a protected forest, depicting a different side of the crowded and polluted Delhi. When you want to experience some peace and tranquility, the region could become your escape as the greenery and the chirping of the birds, pacifies your soul.

Old Delhi/Northern Ridge

Location: Adjacent to North Campus

Situated adjacent to the North Campus, Northern Ridge Forest is a protected region since 1915. Today, the forest area has become to 87 hectares. The Kamala Nehru ridge, which is a part of Northern ridge, offers thick vegetation and more than 60 species of birds. There it also has a 80- feet deep pond which has a tragic story to it.

Mangar Bani Forest

Location: Faridabad-Gurgaon highway

Surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli hills, Delhi has a lush green Mangar forest along the Faridabad –Gurgaon highway. This old forest has a story which says there was once a hermit by the name of Gudariya Baba, whom the villagers held a great respect.  He used to be very strict about preserving the forest and not letting livestock graze in the forest. So, because of that even today the villagers still guard the forest and refuse to let anyone cut the trees there.