5,000 tulips main attraction at Mughal Gardens this year

Will remain open to public from February 16 to March 16

Red tulips adorn the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

President Pranab Mukherjee will declare open the annual ‘Udyanotsav’ at the world-famous Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 15. The Mughal Gardens will remain open to the public from February 16 to March 16. However, it will be closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Skill on display

This year’s main attraction will be 5,000 tulips in red, orange and yellow mixed with red and white in full bloom. Flower carpetswill also be on display at the central lawns showcasing the skill and craft of Rashtrapati Bhavan gardeners.

Soil-less farming

Other attractions include the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden, Bio-diversity Park and Musical Fountain. Yellow is the dominant colour scheme of this year’s ornamental flowers. Plant lovers will be able to see a new method of soil-less farming (aquaponic cultivation) of vegetables and house plants along a vertical wall. A small cactus corner will be part of the Mughal Gardens display as in previous years.

Exclusive visitors

The entry and exit for the general public will be from gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate. The Mughal Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For farmers, the Mughal Gardens will be open exclusively on March 18, while for the differently-abled it will be open on March 19. For defence and para-military personnel it will be open on March 20.

Entry for the differently-abled will be through the main reception of Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Herbal Garden (Tactile Garden) will be open for the visually impaired on March 19 from 2 p.m. to 4-30 p.m. Their entry will be from Gate No.12, situated on Church Road (opposite the North Avenue).