One of the things that I like about living in Delhi is the wide choice of parks. We adopted a dog when we moved here, and that is why we started exploring parks in the Indian capital.
We went to dozens of parks and are sharing our favourite family and dog-friendly parks in Delhi below.
No particular order, but I start with my favorite- Lodi Park or Lodi Park or even Lodi Gardens. I usually spell Lodhi.
LODHI PARK
Before we went to Lodhi Park, our perception of Delhi was rather negative. It seemed to be a kind of visual pollution wherever we looked. However, Delhi is full of beautiful jewels, and Lodhi is one of them!
This sprawling green park located in the heart of Delhi is a marvelous place to spend some time in a historical setting. It houses the mausoleums of two Delhi Sultanate rulers.
In addition, there are other ancient structures and attractions like a National Bonsai Park, a pond, and a glasshouse.
It is beautiful with well maintained gardens and manicured green lawns. Luckily for us, Lodhi park is family and dog-friendly. It is super relaxing here, like an oasis in the city.
Thea loves jumping on the massive stones under beautiful trees, while our dog loves chasing super cute squirrels. Luckily they are way too fast for him.
Many street dogs spend their time in Lodhi Gardens. They usually don’t pose any risk to humans, but when we walk with our dog, they start approaching us in not a very friendly manner, which is a bit scary. Our driver accompanies us when we go to parks in Delhi, and he carries a long stick which he waves when street dogs start nearing.
Overall I highly recommend this park. It is free, clean, and green.
DEER PARK
Deers live in this park, hence the name. However, there is so much more to see than just deers. The park is beautiful! There is a gorgeous lake that we can walk around and feed the ducks, well-maintained pathways, manicured lawns and gardens, old banyan trees, and even a playground!
Although the park is dog-friendly, we have to keep ours on the leash in many areas, mainly because he is keen to play with the monkeys. Unfortunately for him, the feeling is not mutual.
As in most places in Delhi, wild dogs stay here as well. I find it that they are more aggressive here than in other parks.
There is a spacious playground with plenty of fun things to do in one corner of the park. Its equipped with slides, swings, climbing structures, and other fun things.
If your children love animals, you can take them to the rabbit enclosure. It is a relatively spacious cage with many cute rabbits and guinea pigs living there.
Just a stone’s throw away, you will find the fenced area with the deers. Although they seem to be unafraid of humans, I don’t think you can pet them. At least we didn’t see a place where that would be possible so far.
Overall it is indeed pleasant in the mornings and daytime. However, avoid going there late in the evenings as it gets way less safe in the dark.
Dog friendly. No entrance fee
SUNDER NURSERY
Sunder Nursery is a massive, recently renovated 16th-century heritage park complex adjacent to the Humayun’s Tomb. I highly recommend visiting both!
It is very family-friendly. There are multiple swings, tree houses, and even a big fenced playground for the little ones. It is clean, well maintained, has its toilets for children, and a decent place to wash hands.
Apparently, there are over 300 different types of trees in Sunder Nursery, making it Delhi’s first arboretum. Also, you can see 15 heritage monuments, of which 6 are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Overall it is a beautiful park that we will be returning to again.
Dog friendly. Small entrance fee.
NEHRU PARK
We enjoy going to Nehru park. It is located in the Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave. In general this is a nice and green district, home to a vast number of embassies, as well as some international schools. The park is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and is one of the best maintained public parks in the capital.
Moreover, it is one of the best parks for yoga enthusiasts and probably the best for joggers. There is a 3 km long, soft, synthetic track leading around the greenery and fountains. It’s just perfect for jogging and walking.
I am so glad that dogs are welcome here! However, they are not allowed to walk on this particular track. We didn’t know that and were stopped by one of the guards. Apparently dogs’ nails can scratch the surface of this synthetic surface. It is no big deal though as there is plenty of space in this park spread over an area of 80 acres.
The park is equipped with training machines in several places within the park, however I haven’t tried them (yet).
So, these are our favourite dog- friendly parks in Delhi that are clean, green and well maintained. If you know other parks here that you love, share in the comments below!
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3 Comments. Leave new
Hey.. thanks for putting this together with your little ones.!! Being a pet parent I really needed this….
Hi Mallika, thanks, I’m glad that you found it useful! Which park is your favourite?:)
Hi, thanks a lot for sharing it along with the pics, my lil one is v active but gets distracted in crowded place, have been looking for open spaces for her, will plan a picnic in one of these places soon.