We all long for green spaces to experience fresh air and vibrant visuals. Delhi amidst its busy life has many places where we can lounge on well-maintained green grass and breathe pure air. One such place is the Buddha Jayanti Park which is a well-manicured garden with lavish lawns and blossoming flowers. Over the years, the park has assumed the status of a popular hang-out place not just for couples and friends but also for families.
The garden was built to commemorate 2500 years of Nirvana which was attained by Buddha. The garden has many attractions but the chief among them being the sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha accomplished Nirvana. The sapling was brought from Sri Lanka and was planted here to give prominence to the purpose of the park. The sapling was planted by King Asoka's son in Sri Lanka. This must-visit soothing site also features a gleaming statue of Lord Buddha seated amid an artificial lake.
Location: The Park is located in the Prime-spot of Delhi. The complete address is Vandemataram Marg, New Delhi, Delhi – 110021
Timing: The Buddha Jayanti Park is opened from 5.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Price: There is no entry fee to come in the Park
Credits: Nick Salmond
We all long for green spaces to experience fresh air and vibrant visuals. Delhi amidst its busy life has many places where we can lounge on well-maintained green grass and breathe pure air. One such place is the Buddha Jayanti Park which is a well-manicured garden with lavish lawns and blossoming flowers. Over the years, the park has assumed the status of a popular hang-out place not just for couples and friends but also for families.
The garden was built to commemorate 2500 years of Nirvana which was attained by Buddha. The garden has many attractions but the chief among them being the sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha accomplished Nirvana. The sapling was brought from Sri Lanka and was planted here to give prominence to the purpose of the park. The sapling was planted by King Asoka's son in Sri Lanka. This must-visit soothing site also features a gleaming statue of Lord Buddha seated amid an artificial lake.
Summers are relaxing here especially under the Jamun and Keekar tree that provides the required shade and also fills with aromatic flavors. You will find several trees like Gulmohar, Amaltas, Babool and many more which adds to the beauty of the park. The presence of these trees also marks the arrival of several birds like woodpecker, peacocks, Barbets, Herons and many migratory birds.
The Park also celebrates all major festivals like Buddha Jayanti and Buddha Purnima where people can get the chance to learn more about the religion is considered to be the most peaceful of all. If you are interested to gather more about Buddhism as a religion, information is provided here. The Park sure is a great way to unwind by spending an evening under the shadow of protective trees amidst the chirps of the birds.History of Teen Murti Bhavan
An architectural marvel with incredible history attached, the splendid Teen Murti Bhavan was built in 1930 by a British Architect named Robert Torr Russell. He was also a British soldier and can be credited with the designing of Connaught place and Pataudi Palace. Initially, when the structure was built, it was used as a residential place of the then Commander-in-chief of the British Indian Army. Back then it was named the "Flagstaff House" and was also the winter headquarters of the Commander-In-Chief.
The Flagstaff house was later renamed as Teen Murti Bhavan after the three statues which were built by British designer Leonard Jennings. The statues were built to commemorate Jodhpur, Hyderabad and Mysore Lancers who gave their all in the fight against Syria and Palestine in the Second World War. After independence Teen Murti Bhavan became the residence of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru continued living there for 16 years until his death in 1964. After his death, the Mukti Bhavan was converted into a memorial dedicated to the Great leader.
Today the Bhavan houses a well-stocked library and a museum that has refurbished furniture when it was used back then by Nehru himself. In August 1968, the Union Cabinet decided to make this place as the abode for al Prime Ministers'. But amidst heated debates and controversies, Mukti Bhavan stands as a memorial place of Nehru.
The Architecture of Teen Murti Bhavan
The architecture of the Bhavan is a convergence of French and Victorian architecture built of stone and stucco. The 3 statues made of stone and bronze was created by Leonard Jennings and represents the brave soldiers who fought a tough battle against Syria and Palestine during the World War. he palatial property exudes colonial charm and an aristocratic distinction and appeal. The windows are slatted, some chairs resemble the ones sat by erstwhile kings and queens remind you of the majestic and regal colonial era. There are giant marble staircases made with superior quality marble which are intact even today.
The entire feel of the Bhavan is dreamlike and resembles the palaces that we see in fairy tales with huge portraits, fireplace, and frames that are intricately carved with images of the olden times.
Mukti Bhavan with its structure and design has put in awe thousands of people who land here to envision this charming beauty.
How To Reach
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Teen Murti Bhavan is during the winter. If you plan to visit in a non-winter month, then the best time will be February and March. So, to visit Teen Murti Bhavan and to enjoy the weather and the location, months between October and March are highly recommended. Owing to scorching heat conditions in summers, we advise you to refrain from visiting the Bhavan in the summer.
Other Essential Information
Location: The Park is located in the Prime-spot of Delhi. The complete address is Vandemataram Marg, New Delhi, Delhi – 110021
Timing: The Buddha Jayanti Park is opened from 5.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Price: There is no entry fee to come in the Park
Tips for Visiting Teen Murti Bhavan
1. If you plan to visit in the winter, then ensure you have multiple layers of clothing because Delhi’s winters can be brutal.2. Delhi Traffic is pretty infamous so we recommend you to leave earlier than usual if you want to make the best out of here.
3. The planetarium is unmissable and provides as one of the best experiences here.
4. Photography inside the library is strictly prohibited and silence is appreciated there.
5. Be sure to click many pictures of the premise for its sheer beauty and elegance.
About Nehru Memorial Museum
The Museum is a dedication to the architect of Modern India; Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who crafted the future of India. The museum houses a diverse collection of the personal belongings of Nehru. You will also find on display manuscripts, letters and articles related to the life of Nehru and of the Independence era. There is a remarkable gift gallery that has many memorable gifts on display which he received in his career and life. The study, living room and bedroom have been preserved as it is with a host of audio and visuals available to help us get a glimpse into his life.
About Nehru Memorial Library
Consisting of a rich repertoire of books, journals, and newspapers, the Nehru Memorial Library is a treasure trove of literature and research papers. The library boasts of more than 267,000 printed titles and about 200,000 photographs of the freedom struggle movement. There is also a specialized collection called 'Nehruana' which is a collector's item containing writings and memoirs of Nehru about his life and his thoughts as the leader of the nation. Like Nehruana there is also a collection containing stories about Mahatma Gandhi called ‘Gandhiana’ and ‘Indirana’ for Indira Gandhi.For those who are interested in researching the colonial and post-colonial era, then you will not find a better place to rest your curiosity. The Library is also open to legitimate researchers looking for rare books to enrich their report at a very nominal fee. The library has one of the most enviable collections of titles which are difficult to find elsewhere.
There are close to 500 journals and periodicals in a separate section in Hindi and other regional languages. The must-visit Photo division at the library is stocked with a huge collection of photographs taking us into a journey of pre and post-independence era. Spending time here especially for avid readers will be bliss and the aura surrounding the place also is hard to miss.
About Nehru Planetarium
Nehru was passionate about Astronomy which was why he set ahead with the task of building a Planetarium where people would love to come and explore the universal wonders. The sky theatre in the Planetarium is quite popular which is a dome-shaped avenue highlighting information on planets, constellations, and stars. With the help of illustrations. Animated clips, paintings, and special effects, the audiences are always spellbound by the sheer magnanimity of the presentation. More than 2 Lakh visitors come here every year and want to visit the spot again because of its aura and stupendous display.
Also one of the major attractions is the Soyuz T-10 which was used by the first cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma. His journey is well depicted in his bodysuit and mission journal with the finest details of his expedition. The “Definiti optical star projector “Megastar” in the planetarium is something you can look forward to for it gives you the vision of 2 million stars at the same time.
During eclipses, the planetarium is full of activities because it prepares for the safe viewing of the eclipse. It arranges for sufficient telescopes, solar filters, and projectors that will give the visitor a peek into the beauty of the eclipse.
For a better scientific understanding of the nuances of the world that is bigger than where we live, the planetarium is unmissable.
