Hauz Khas Deer Park

Thought you might like to see the Deer Park right on our doorstep-it is stunning! A huge park with many different areas to explore, the entrance is just at the end of our road in Green Park, and leads into a section with several pathways, covered by trees. These paths wind a mazy way through the undergrowth, and every so often you come across a tomb as below, rising up through the greenery:



All of a sudden the trees dissipate and a fence runs the length of the wide expanse that opens out in front of you, what could this house I wonder? Of course I failed to think the clue could be in the name of the park- DEER!


Over bridges, through more foliage, past the award-winning Belucchi Park restaurant, and the park surprises you again, for as you look left something shimmering catches your eye, the calm, peaceful waters of the enormous reservoir that dominates this section.


Built during the Murghal dynasty in the 14th Century to provide water to the second city of Delhi, called Siri Fort, over 5 kms away (you can still see the ruins of this fort, I see them every day as I work nearby). There are 8 incarnations of Delhi in total (New Delhi bring the last), and the reservoir marks an impressive feat of engineering, especially as it is still standing and teeming with water, wildlife and trees!


Take a stroll round the 'tank' as it is known, past the Indian kids and many courting couples who secretly come to hide underneath the bushes around the reservoir, and you soon spy the ruins rising up from across the water. This is my favourite part of the park-what used to be a mosque, learning centre and tombs of the great leaders who built Hauz Khas.



Nothing is closed off, meaning you can explore every dark passageway, alcove or flight of steps. This would truly make the ultimate paintball setting, as it is the locals bring picnics and prayer mats, a slightly more civilised appreciation of the history around them.





Sitting in one of the many archways with your legs swinging over the edge of a sheer 40 ft drop, looking out over the reservoir at this little slice of paradise, as bright green parrots squawk past and yellow-brown striped squirrels scamper amongst the ruins with consummate ease, it is hard to imagine you are in the capital of India, frantic, chaotic, Delhi. Here, nature and the past have combined to create the perfect haven-Hauz Khas Deer Park.