Nature Walks in Delhi: Hidden Local Trails

Early risers from Vasant Kunj and Munirka have shifted their morning routes to the eastern edge of Sanjay Van, where narrow paths wind through dense tree cover and avoid the flooded central clearings that draw larger groups.

The timing aligns with the clean eating push gaining ground near AIIMS and the approach of the winter running season that begins in late October, when humidity drops and more people resume outdoor training.

Walkers at Lodi Garden on Lodi Road stick to the lesser-used service lanes behind the Bara Gumbad, while groups from the Nehru Park yoga circle in Chanakyapuri use the service road behind the main lawns to reach quieter bamboo clusters that remain dry even after heavy rain.

Local routes away from the crowds

These paths connect to the Aravalli ridge spurs that run behind the IIT Delhi campus, giving residents a continuous stretch of shaded terrain without crossing the busy Aurobindo Marg. DDA records show that footfall at the 21 designated biodiversity parks rose 35 percent from 2024 to 2025, yet the smaller spurs inside Sanjay Van and the Mehrauli ridge extensions still record no entry fee and far lower numbers than the ticketed zones at Lodhi Garden.

Monsoon conditions make firm footing important, so locals check the daily DDA maintenance updates posted at the Vasant Vihar entrance before setting out. Shoes with grip and a light rain jacket suffice for the one-hour loops that start at 6 a.m. and finish before the heavier showers arrive after 9 a.m.

Anyone new to the area can join the weekly Saturday community walk that leaves from the AIIMS metro gate at 6:30 a.m. and follows the same ridge line, with participants encouraged to carry water and check with a local physician before increasing distance.