A historical look

In 1911, the British administration shifted its capital from Calcutta to Delhi, necessitating the creation of spaces for top officials. The Viceroy’s House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) emerged on Raisina Hill, and a grand garden became a vital component.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the eminent British architect, in collaboration with William R. Mustoe, Delhi’s Superintendent of Horticulture Operations, during the 1920s and 1930s, these gardens are a sight to behold. Sir Lutyens, a key figure in the city-planning process, skillfully incorporated elements of both Indian landscaping and the British architectural style into the gardens. Influenced by the grandeur of Persian gardens, the Mughal Gardens feature symmetrical layouts, flowing water channels, and meticulously manicured lawns.

The Char Bagh symphony

Amrit Udyan showcases the classic Char Bagh design, a signature element of Mughal garden architecture, by dividing the space into four distinct quadrants. Each quadrant offers a unique visual and sensory experience: the Rectangular Garden features a central fountain encircled by vibrant flowerbeds; the Long Garden presents a narrow stretch with a central water channel flanked by colorful blooms; the Circular Garden creates a round oasis centered on a fountain; and the Sunken Garden, set at a lower level, incorporates water channels amidst additional flowerbeds. This thoughtful layout creates a harmonious symphony of water, flora, and geometric design, embodying the essence of traditional Mughal landscaping.