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Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Delhi
Aravalli Biodiversity Park is 692 acres of restored ridge forest between Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj, built on old mining pits that had been overrun by invasive vilayati kikar. Entry is free. Delhi Tourism lists two visiting windows, 6:00–11:00 and 16:30–18:30, and the nearest metro is Vasant Vihar on the Magenta Line.
Six hundred and ninety-two acres between Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj that were mining wasteland not long ago and are now native Aravalli forest, replanted species by species. Unpaved trails run through it, along with orchid and butterfly conservatories, and more than two hundred bird species have been counted. Entry is free and the gates open from about 5:00 to 19:00, though the forest is only really awake early and late. Naturalists lead walks on some days. This is where the city's runners and birdwatchers go.
Restored ridge forest where Delhi actually walks in the morning; free and rarely crowded
Timings and entry fee
Entry is free. Delhi Tourism, the city government's tourism department, gives the visiting hours as 6:00–11:00 and 16:30–18:30, with no visiting hours in between. The description in the box above says the gates are open from about 5:00 to 19:00; the official figures are narrower, so plan around them.
The two windows also suit the place: the forest is only really awake early and late.
The park's phone is 011 2615 2972; the Delhi Biodiversity Foundation website gives office hours of Monday to Saturday, 10:30–16:30. Call there to ask about walks or school programmes.
What to see inside
This is not a lawned city park. The land was clay-mining pits and scrub of vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora, an invasive tree), and the restoration has rebuilt the native Aravalli vegetation community by community: shrubland, tropical thorn forest, grassland and deciduous forest. Unpaved trails run through it, past seasonal water bodies.
Conservatories in the old pits
The small slopes of former mining pits now hold conservatories of medicinal plants (more than 240 species), ferns and orchids.
Butterfly conservatory
Over 100 species of butterflies and moths have been recorded here.
Grassland
A 150-acre rangeland. Early morning on the restored grassland is a good time for birds.
Birds
More than two hundred bird species have been counted in the park, and it is popular with birdwatchers.
Amphitheatre and camp
An amphitheatre is used for nature education, and school groups can camp as part of environmental programmes.
How to reach: metro and gates
The nearest metro station is Vasant Vihar on the Magenta Line.
The park has two entrances on different sides:
- Vasant Vihar gate on Poorvi Marg, near the Air India and RBI colonies. This is the address Delhi Tourism gives (433 Air India Colony, Vasant Vihar).
- Vasant Kunj institutional gate, about 1 km west of the Vasant Kunj malls.
The gates are not close to each other, so decide in advance where your car or taxi should wait.
✅ Before you go
- Come at opening — The morning window is when runners and birdwatchers come. Some seasonal species are best seen on warm mornings after the monsoon.
- Wear walking shoes — The trails are unpaved.
- Ask about a guided walk — Naturalists lead walks on some days; call the park office to check.
- Expect quiet — It is rarely crowded; most visitors are local walkers, runners and birdwatchers.
❓ FAQ
Is Aravalli Biodiversity Park free?
Yes, entry is free.
What are the Aravalli Biodiversity Park timings?
Delhi Tourism lists 6:00–11:00 and 16:30–18:30. The park is closed to visitors between the two windows.
Which metro station is near Aravalli Biodiversity Park?
Vasant Vihar on the Magenta Line.
Where is Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Delhi?
On the South Central Ridge between Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj, in south-west Delhi. One gate is on Poorvi Marg, Vasant Vihar; the other is on the Vasant Kunj side.
Is Aravalli Biodiversity Park worth visiting?
If you want forest, birds and quiet rather than monuments, yes. It is a restored native ecosystem with more than two hundred recorded bird species and butterfly, fern and orchid conservatories, and it is free.