Prepare to be spellbound! Sanjay Van, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Delhi, is a mystical sanctuary that effortlessly transports you into the embrace of Mother Nature herself. As I ventured into this enchanting forest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.
The moment I stepped onto the winding trails, a symphony of rustling leaves and birdsong greeted me, painting a vivid symphony of sounds. The air, infused with the scent of wildflowers and earthy goodness, awakened my senses and rejuvenated my spirit. It was as if time stood still, and the bustling city noise faded away, leaving behind a tranquil oasis of serenity.
Sanjay Van reveals its secrets slowly, enticing you to explore its nooks and crannies. With each step, I discovered hidden clearings adorned with vibrant flora, picturesque ponds reflecting the sunlight, and ancient trees, whispering tales of centuries past. The canopy of lush green foliage provided a soothing shade, making it a perfect escape from Delhi's scorching heat.
What sets Sanjay Van apart is its mystical aura. Legends and folklore intertwine with every step you take, making you feel like an adventurer on a sacred quest. Local tales speak of mystical creatures, benevolent spirits, and ancient rituals that have taken place within these mystical woods. Whether you believe in such legends or not, they add an element of intrigue and excitement to the experience.
Exploring Sanjay Van, you'll come across unexpected encounters with diverse wildlife. Beautiful butterflies flutter gracefully, and birds of all colors grace the treetops with their melodious songs. If you're lucky, you might even spot a deer majestically bounding through the undergrowth, reminding you of the incredible biodiversity that coexists within this urban oasis.
Sanjay Van is more than just a nature reserve; it's a sanctuary for reflection, meditation, and self-discovery. Find a secluded spot to sit, breathe in the crisp air, and let the enchantment of the surroundings wash over you. It's a haven for introspection and a reminder of the simple joys of life that often get lost in the chaos of the city.
However, it's important to note that Sanjay Van is a place to be respected and treated with care. As visitors, we have a responsibility to keep its pristine beauty intact by not littering or disturbing the natural habitat of its inhabitants.
In conclusion, Sanjay Van is a gateway to a realm where nature's magic unfolds before your very eyes. It's a place to reconnect with your inner self, find solace in the gentle embrace of the wilderness, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories whispered by the wind. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a seeker of tranquility, or simply looking for a unique adventure in the heart of Delhi, Sanjay Van will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
So, step into this captivating world, and let Sanjay Van weave its enchantment around you. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you leave, reminding you of the enduring beauty that lies just beyond the city's hustle and bustle.
Note: Remember to carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and respect the tranquility of this pristine sanctuary. Happy trails,...
Read moreSanjay van is a reserved forest, only outer part of the forest is allowed for visitors. Though there is no particular boundary or anyone to guard it, you must always follow the instructions or rules written on the boards there. Do not eat inside the jungle and do not pollute it.
If you want to get the feels of being amidst a forest, this is the place for you. You may get lest for a while inside it if you go in lesser travelled paths, but you'll soon find a way as this jungle is not that big.
There is a qilla or an old monument sort of building somewhere near the back gate. It has a mosque/masjid near one of the boundaries and also a shamshan like (as i saw 1-2 dead bodies covered with a white cloth) place near it ...it seems like some regious place for muslims they were seen doing some rituals near the old monument and the masjid
there's also a lake, i had to use google maps to find it.
you can find a bird sanctuary there.
If you're a nature lover, this is just the place you must visit. There are a lot of other interesting things and sites inside it but I couldn't visit all of them because of lack of directions and also because i was tired.
Some tips if you want to do some forest trekking or really want to learn and enjoy being in a forest:
wear full length jeans or trousers as you'll have to walk in between the bushes at some places and also to protect yourself from scratches or insect bites.( Though there are well constructed paths to walk on, if you're too keen, you might wanna try a different path or while walking on a narrow path, you'll need something that covers you legs fully)
wear sport shoes which are comfortable. You will get tired of walking or won't be able to walk wearing some uncomfortable footwear.
do not wear long dresses / overcoat as they might get entangled and tear when you walk beside a bush or a tree
wear a t shirt or a comfortable top (for girls) if it's summers and a shirt / short sweater/ sweatshirt that doesn't have any long extra clothing from the bottom
keep atleast a bottle of drinking water with you, there are no drinking water source, except a handpump which i found accidentally.
take your sunglasses with you if you're going during noon.
you may wanna take a good camera / camera phone to take pictures, it's one of the best places for photography.
if you go towards the masjid and find that old monument, try and climb on top of it, it's easy to climb on it via a path. The view when you reach on top is just amazing. I wanted to go on the bridge on the other side of it but my friend suggested against it so I didn't.
you may get the vibes of being alienated by the muslims there (on the masjid side). They stare the visitors very unwelcomingly, though they don't say/do anything to them, one of them even told us directions when we asked them. and i didn't see any other visitor on that side than me and my friend. In case you go there, be careful not to say anything rude)offensive and do not act weird because it's best to avoid any trouble. Also, there may be some slaughtering of chicken/goat near the masjid and you won't like to see it specially if you're a vegetarian or not used to...
Search ‘Sanjay Van’ on Google and you get endless stories that put the sprawling forest in the list of Delhi’s ‘most haunted’ places.
But visit the forest – spread over 784 acres along the picturesque Aravalli hills in south Delhi – and you will find the stories are misleading and how. The forest is all set to become a vibrant lush green urban landscape with newly formed water bodies attracting an abundance of birds. It has also, in the past two months, become popular among morning walkers, cyclists and bird watchers in south Delhi through a joint effort of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and a citizens’ group. month from now, more nature lovers will be able to enjoy a jungle safari-like experience, the newest attraction.
“Till recently, many ghost stories linked to the forest kept people away. Now you can see visitors at all times of the day. On weekends, we see over a 1,000 visitors in the morning,” said Air Vice Marshal (retd) Vinod Rawat, founder of the citizens group, Working With Nature (WWN).
The group is assisting DDA in the beautification drive that aims to counter paranormal stories linked to the forest.
As the ‘ghost’ stories go, someone lights candles in the night under trees and a saint walks along the illuminated path. Many say it is the spirit of 14th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Shahabuddin Ashiqallah whose mausoleum lies in the backyard of the forest in the middle of many other graves. The efforts to conserve, reintroduce and spread the forest cover -- part of the Mehrauli-South central ridge near the iconic Qutub Minar -- with native trees of Aravalli origin started in 2010 when the authority hired Air Vice Marshal (retd) Rawat, a botanist, and his team.
The idea is to eventually convert it into a bird sanctuary. But for now, visitors, after entering through the gate on Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, can watch birds, water bodies and rocks developed as selfie spots, apart from the vegetation and a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city’s landscape from a...
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