The Garden of five senses is a breadth taking and enamoring experience.

It is not just a park - it is a space with a variety of activities, a seamless dialogue between the creations of man and nature that invites interaction and exploration. The project, developed by Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation, was conceptualized to answer to the city's need for leisure space for the public. Such spaces add atmosphere and life to a city and cater to all sections of the society.

True to the imagery suggested by its name and with its beautiful, lush green landscapes, the garden of five senses stimulates all the five senses in an evocative bouquet that awakens the mind to the beauty of life and invokes a grateful prayer for the gift of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste .

Visitors are encouraged to touch the rocks and displays,  the fragrance of flower for the nose,  beds stimulates the olfactory senses, the landscaping appeals to the eyes - the sight, the ceramic bells and the water falls create a soothing sound -pleasing to the ear  and the food courts serve a variety of cuisines - to please the tongue.

LOCATION-The garden is located at Said-ul-Aizab village , close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The garden is built on a large expanse of land, 20 acres to be precise. It was inaugurated in February 2003 by Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, coinciding with the beginning of the 16th garden festival which is showcasing seasonal flowers, hanging baskets and animal figures sculpted from the plants.The Garden, developed at a cost of Rs 10.5 crore over the last three years.

ATTRACTIONS-The garden has many unique features which makes it different from other parks. Not only is  its beauty marvelous, it also has a lot to offer in terms of education.

There is an abundant display of flora, with a vast congregation of about 200 special varieties of plants and flowers under one roof. There are large areas where the existing vegetation, consisting mostly of trees such as the local Kikar and thorny Ber bush, have been left untouched.

Soaring stainless-steel birds mounted on slate-clad pillars welcome you into the park. An expansive plaza, set on the natural slope of the site, invites you up the spiral walkway. Across, a troop of elephants, cut in stone, regaling in a water bath, tempts exploration.

The garden itself is divided into distinct areas. On one side of the spiral walkway is the Khas Bagh, a formal garden patterned on the lines of the Mughal Garden. Slow-moving water cascades in channels along its length, while flowering and fragrant shrubs and trees line its paths. The Central axis leads to a series of fountains, some of which are lit up by fibreoptic lighting systems. Encapsulating the expression here is the sculpture of 'A Fountain Tree".

An expensive plaza, set on the natural slope of the site, invites you up the spiral walkway. Across, a troop of elephants, cut in stone, regaling in a water bath, tempts exploration.

There are Colour Gardens - beautiful compositions of flowering shrubs and ground covers that have you looking at familiar plants with new eyes. The Courts of Specimen Plants display not so frequently seen species, namely, Kalpaka Vritch, Kadambaha, bamboo, cacti, teak, Rudraksh, Camphor, Arjun and other herbs.

Nestled amongst the natural slope of the site is the amplitheatre with blocks of sandstone serving as seating.

Secluded, away from the heart of the garden, on the other side of the walkway is the food and shopping court. A series of terraces provided with seating face the food court

ART DESTINATION-The garden is also an art lovers delight. About twenty-five different sculptures and murals were brought together for this project making it one of the largest commissions of public art in the country. The artists were selected as per norms, by a special committee set up for this purpose.

The sculptures created by master craftsmen are a symbol of modern art, yet the arches and domes of the building give the impression of a heady mix of traditional mughal period.

Amongst the innumerable marvelous pieces of architecture is a sculpture in stainless steel , on the lines of a pin-wheel , which flutters with every gush of wind and creates one in hearts too.

There has been an extensive use of terracotta pots and Rajasthani phad art, symbolizing our very own exquisite and traditional art forms.

An artists corner is also  created within the garden where visitors can interact with artists who have contributed to its design and landscaping.

FESTIVALS-The food festivals, organized every now and then are virtual gastronomical delights and drive even the severest of dyspeptics on a binge trip. There are also Sherbet melas to boot . Other festivals include Garden tourism festival, Dandia Masti festival etc.

THEME-The garden festivals theme this year is Decorative Accents in Landscaping. A competition will be held in 24 classes consisting over 175 sections. There will also be competitions in Dahlia varieties, display sections, the tray garden class and nursery stalls. Such similar competitions and shows would be held every year.

AMUSEMENT SECTION-To add more interest , are the toy solar cars imported from Taiwan for use in the amusement section of the Garden of Five Senses. Each solar car cost Rs 60,000 each.

During the garden festival, free battery bus rides up to the garden would be available from Qutab Minar and the deputy commissioners office near Anupam Apartments in Saket.

SOLAR ENERGY PARK-An integral part of the garden is the solar Park set up with the assistance of the Ministry of Non-conventional Renewable Energy sources. The aim is to promote awareness of renewable source of energy. A 20KW solar power plant is installed to meet the requirement of the park.

The exhibits include :
    Two solar-powered buses.
    Weighing machine
    Solar powered bicycles
    Solar powered cars for children
    Quiz computer
    Solar drum and slide
    A prototype of solar- powered home
    Exhibits on renewable sources

A  CULTURE VENUE-The Garden of five senses is the latest addition to Delhis cultural circuit. The unique area of the garden with all its natural and man made surrounding has added a new dimension to life in Delhi and caters to all sections of society.

To conclude, the five senses park is a great place to  visit and the whole ambience leaves a deeply entrenched feeling of satisfaction and beckons people to visit  the park again and again.

Features

Location : The Garden is situated near the Qutub heritage zone.
Area : 20.5 acre.
Special Attractions : Solar Energy Park, Art Objects & Varied species of plants and shrubs.
Entry Tickets : Adult Rs 15/- & Child/ Senior citizens Rs 10/-
Solar Rides : Rs 10/- each.
Timings : 8 A.M - 9 P.M (7 days)