Exploring The Delhi Ridge

[HIraeth]

I recently moved to Delhi for my masters education and to be honest, I was quite surprised at how green this "one of the most polluted cities of India" was. Even more surprised to find the expansive forest that sprawls across North Delhi, popularly known as the Ridge. I was told this was under the Reserved Forests of India category and most of it is barred from public entry.

However, close to my university, there is a part of this forest that open to public visitations. On my first month here, I went with a couple of friends to explore this forest land in Dilli and was surprised to find old ruins, something that looked like it might have once been used as a shelter for prisoners. We even came across a watch tower that gave us a beautiful view of the place. There are little sitting arrangements with stand alone eateries and snack sellers scattered around the place for you to lounge at if you get tired, only up to a certain area though, beyond which the forest just goes on with its formidable tangles and undulating ground.

These are not attractions that you will find on any tourist map. But if you are a nature lover and love the thrill of a possible adventure, I highly suggest a visit to the Ridge. (Winter would definitely be the best time.)

 

[briannagodess]

I read that most of the forest is really close for public visits but you are extremely lucky to have visited the parts that are open for viewing. I didn't know that there was a watch tower in the ridge. That certainly sparked up my interest. And that there are also eateries around the area. I imagined it being secluded without any commercial stalls. It's good that they allowed food tenants to venture into the area. I hope to visit the ridge one day. It seems like a nice place to relax and lounge in with nature.

 

[HIraeth]

I read that most of the forest is really close for public visits but you are extremely lucky to have visited the parts that are open for viewing. I didn't know that there was a watch tower in the ridge. That certainly sparked up my interest. And that there are also eateries around the area. I imagined it being secluded without any commercial stalls. It's good that they allowed food tenants to venture into the area. I hope to visit the ridge one day. It seems like a nice place to relax and lounge in with nature.

Oh you absolutely must! If you happen to visit Delhi, come to the Delhi University area and ask anyone (particularly a student) for directions to the Ridge and they will tell you. The area I speak of is open to the public but not as an attraction, so I wouldn't say that it's a commercial spot with commercial eateries. And that's the best part. Early in the morning, you will find people out for morning walks and exercises along the roads running through the Ridge. The eateries I speak of are mostly vendors who take advantage of this crowd and sell snacks and drinks during these specific hours. At any rate, none of this has compromised the serenity of the place. It's as pristine as you would expect a forest to be. I do hope you visit here when you're in the city!

 

[amelia88]

I liked that you said winter would be the best time to visit. Sometimes when I'm looking for things to do on travels that are 'outdoorsy', a lot of them are limited by winter and poor weather. It makes me happy to know that as a nature lover, if I was to head to India in the winter I could still have my fix of outdoor beauty by going there.

 

[briannagodess]

Oh you absolutely must! If you happen to visit Delhi, come to the Delhi University area and ask anyone (particularly a student) for directions to the Ridge and they will tell you. The area I speak of is open to the public but not as an attraction, so I wouldn't say that it's a commercial spot with commercial eateries. And that's the best part. Early in the morning, you will find people out for morning walks and exercises along the roads running through the Ridge. The eateries I speak of are mostly vendors who take advantage of this crowd and sell snacks and drinks during these specific hours. At any rate, none of this has compromised the serenity of the place. It's as pristine as you would expect a forest to be. I do hope you visit here when you're in the city!

I sure do hope to visit that place! We are planning our first trip abroad as a family and India is on the list. Let's hope I convince my husband to go to India. I think my son would especially love the Ridge. He enjoys nature, birds, trees and flowers. We always try to go the nearby park from our house everyday. So I'm pretty sure he will enjoy the Ridge. Is the place kid friendly though? Is it okay to bring kids around there?

 

[HIraeth]

I sure do hope to visit that place! We are planning our first trip abroad as a family and India is on the list. Let's hope I convince my husband to go to India. I think my son would especially love the Ridge. He enjoys nature, birds, trees and flowers. We always try to go the nearby park from our house everyday. So I'm pretty sure he will enjoy the Ridge. Is the place kid friendly though? Is it okay to bring kids around there?

The place is safe for children, yes, as long as you stick to the areas along the main road and the sitting areas. It would be best if you didn't wander to deep in or away from the main path. The forest gets pretty thick and there is no knowing what insects and creatures may be lurking in the vegetation there. But otherwise, many parents bring their kids to walk and jog in the mornings to the Ridge so that's not an issue at all. It gets pretty cold in winter so i would suggest you to keep that in mind.

 

[RajaApull]

I read that most of the forest is authentically close for public visits but you are profoundly fortuitous to have visited the components that are open for viewing. I didn't ken that there was a time exhibiter tower in the ridge. That certainly sparked up my interest. And that there are withal eateries around the area. I imagined it being secluded without any commercial stalls. It's good that they sanctioned pabulum tenants to venture into the area. I hope to visit the ridge one day. It seems akin to a nice place to relax and lounge in with nature.

 

[artyarson]

I love being in the forest. So, I'd definitely put this onto my shortlist (not that short actually) of places to visit!

 

[Shivangi]

The Delhi Ridge is truly a hidden gem for nature lovers, history buffs, and birdwatchers. As the northern extension of the Aravalli Hills, this rugged terrain offers a unique escape from the city's hustle and bustle while being steeped in history.

Sections of the Delhi Ridge​

The Ridge is divided into four main zones:

1. Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge)
   
   • Located near Delhi University (North Campus).
   • Significant landmarks: Flagstaff Tower, Mutiny Memorial, and the Khooni Jheel (Bloody Lake) from the 1857 revolt.
   • Ideal for morning walks and history exploration.
2. Central Ridge
   
   • Covers the area near Sadar Bazaar and Delhi Cantonment.
   • Densely forested but not as accessible for visitors.
3. South-Central Ridge
   
   • Houses the Buddha Jayanti Park and the Tughlaqabad Fort ruins.
   • Good for hiking and spotting peacocks, nilgai (blue bulls), and jackals.
4. Southern Ridge
   
   • Includes the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birds, leopards (rare sightings), and the beautiful Bhardwaj Lake.
   • Popular for trekking and birdwatching.

Things to Do in the Delhi Ridge​

• Birdwatching: Spot parakeets, owls, barbets, and peafowls, especially in the early mornings.
• Heritage Walks: Explore the historical structures dating back to the Mughal and British eras.
• Photography: The rocky terrain and lush greenery offer some stunning landscapes.
• Hiking & Nature Walks: Trails in the Northern Ridge and Asola Bhatti Sanctuary are ideal for short treks.

Best Time to Visit​

• Early mornings (before 9 AM) or late afternoons (after 4 PM) are ideal.
• Winter (October – February) is the best season due to pleasant weather.

Entry Fees & Accessibility​

• Most sections are free to enter. However, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary has a small entry fee (~₹50 for Indian citizens).
• Nearest Metro Stations: Vishwavidyalaya (Yellow Line) for the Northern Ridge and Tughlaqabad (Violet Line) for the Southern Ridge.

FAQs​

Q: Is it safe to visit the Ridge alone?
A: Some sections like Kamla Nehru Ridge are well-patrolled, but it's best to visit in groups, especially in the deeper forested areas.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, organizations like Delhi Walks and INTACH conduct heritage and nature walks in the Delhi Ridge.

Q: Can I take my car inside the Ridge?
A: No, vehicles are not allowed in most areas to preserve the ecosystem.

For those looking to explore Delhi beyond its monuments, the Ridge is a must-visit! ️