Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Impeccably manicured lawns and a host of colourful and rare varieties of flowers at the majestic Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan have always captured the visitor’s imagination. But some additions this year are attracting huge crowds as more than three lakh visitors have thronged the gardens since annual opening for the public Feb 15.

A vertical garden — a new concept of developing a floral wall, and the bonsai garden, which has 200 different varieties plants on display, including a cactus corner, have been added to the gardens and have become very popular among the visitors.

According to officials, to celebrate these new additions, a festival “Udyan Utsav” is being held at the gardens. Another major attraction is the curio shop selling Rashtrapati Bhavan souvenirs.

“A large number of visitors are buying a variety of souvenirs like silk scarves, t-shirts, photo frames, table lamps and coffee mugs. All of these picks will have the Rashtrapati Bhavan emblem etched on them,” said Archana Datta, officer on special duty to the president.

The gardens will remain open to the public till March 16 on all days except Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry is free and from gate number 35 of the President’s Estate, near North Avenue.

Spread over 15 acres with a wide variety of greens, a host of colourful flowers like roses, lilies and tulips, lotus-shaped fountains and blue water canals, the rectangular gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and are adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building.