Beneath Delhi’s vibrant canopy lies a green lung. This is Azim bagh. Today, we explore the serene world of Sunder Nursery. It was formerly called Azim Bagh or Bagh-e-Azeem. The Mughals built it in the 16th century.
Azim bagh sits near Humayun’s Tomb. This makes it a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread across 90 acres it offers a peaceful retreat. Future plans aim to expand it into India’s largest park. It will cover 900 acres. Imagine that scale.
Originally, Azim bagh served as a Mughal-era garden. Later, the British used it as a nursery. They experimented with new plants here. The name Sunder Nursery comes from the Sunder Burj tomb. It stands within the park. After years of neglect, restoration began in 2007. The park reopened in 2018.
Now, Sunder Nursery is home to fifteen heritage monuments. Six of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Sundarwala Burj and Lakkarwala Burj. The Archaeological Survey of India protects them.
Enter Sunder Nursery. You will discover Delhi’s first arboretum. There are over 300 types of trees. See if you can spot the rare Pink Cedar. It is the only one in Delhi. You might also find Chukka and Carrotwood trees. These are unique to this nursery.
Bird watchers will rejoice. Over 80 bird species live here. Lucky visitors might spot the Ultramarine Flycatcher. This bird had not been seen in Delhi for years. Butterfly enthusiasts can find 36 different species. Look for Yellow Pansies and Common Mime butterflies.
Sunder Nursery reflects Delhi’s original landscape. It replicates four micro-habitat zones. These are Kohi ridge, Bangar alluvial, Khadar riverine, and Dabar marsh. These zones showcase Delhi’s ecological diversity.
The Aga Khan Trust led the restoration. They worked with the Archaeological Survey of India. Together, they transformed this space. They recreated classical Persian gardens. Fountains and water channels now enhance the landscape.
Lakkarwala Burj tomb sits in a new rose garden. The Sunderwala Burj tomb has been restored. It features orange sandstone and white lime mortar. Inside, recreated Quranic verses adorn the walls.
Sunder Nursery is more than a park. It is a living museum. It showcases Delhi’s rich history and natural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of heritage and nature. It makes Azim bagh a unique destination in Delhi. Let’s remember this revitalized space.