The Garden of Five Senses: Indian Insight Into Architecture and Nature
The garden of five senses is a park nestled in a village called Said-ul-Ajaib, near Mehrauli, Delhi. While Delhi has numerous gardens and parks, this one is special, not just a public park. The Garden of Five senses has been a very thoughtfully designed space where landscape architecture marries experiential art.
The garden was inaugurated in 2003 and is spread over a vast land area of over 20 acres. This place is more than a recreational space, walking around you can experience the architecture implied.
The garden was designed by Pradeep Sachdeva, a Delhi-based architect. This garden can be called to be a compelling case study in experiential and sensory architecture.
In this updated blog, I am also sharing quick facts, the latest ticket price, a full timeline and the new 2025–2026 updates about this garden. So let’s start, guys.
Garden of Five Senses: Quick Facts
Before we go deep, here is a quick look at the garden, guys. I have taken these details from the official Delhi Tourism page and other trusted sources.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Said-ul-Ajaib village, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, near Saket, New Delhi |
| Developed and managed by | Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) |
| Architect | Pradeep Sachdeva |
| Opened | February 2003 |
| Area | About 20 acres (DTTDC lists 20.5 acres) |
| Cost to build | About ₹9.5 crore (Rs 95 million), over three years |
| Plants | Almost 200 plant varieties introduced |
| Public art | About 25 sculptures and murals |
| Nearest metro | Saket (Yellow Line) |
| Entry fee | ₹50 adult, ₹20 child and senior citizen |
| Open | Daily |
Sources: Delhi Tourism, Gulf News, Wikipedia.
Honestly, I was surprised that the ticket is still this cheap for a 20 acre garden full of art.
Who Designed the Garden of Five Senses?
The man behind this garden is architect Pradeep Sachdeva. He was not just an architect, he also worked on furniture, streets and big public spaces. If you have ever visited Dilli Haat, then you already know his work, because he created that too (STIR).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Born | 1957 |
| Studied at | IIT Roorkee |
| Firm | PSDA (Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates), started in 1990 |
| Inspired by | Geoffrey Bawa and Laurie Baker |
| Famous works | Dilli Haat, Garden of Five Senses, Chandni Chowk redevelopment |
| Passed away | 31 May 2020 |
Source: STIR tribute to Pradeep Sachdeva.
According to Archnet, this was the first major public garden project in Delhi in almost fifty years. It also has one of India’s biggest public art commissions, with works from more then 25 artists. I think that is a huge thing for a city park.
Sadly, Pradeep Sachdeva passed away in 2020. But places like this garden keep his ideas alive for every visitor.
Take a journey through the Garden of Five Senses
Standing true to the name this garden stimulates all the five senses in your experience, sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. But you will not feel these sensory arouses to be accidental elevations. This space is very meticulously planned to activate your senses making visitors more conscious about the surroundings.
Here we are providing you a glimpse of that journey to tempting your senses for experiential beauty of the Garden of Five senses:
Jolly of Natural Topography
While generally gardens and recreational spaces are built on a plain land, this special garden plays with the natural undulating terrain of the Aravalli hills. Instead of leveling the place, the architecture decided to embrace the landscape in its original form, and use the elevations to create terraced spaces, viewing points, and secluded nooks.
You will enjoy the exploration of Stone pathways, rugged rock formations, and open courtyards which contributes to a spatial rhythm.
One more thing I really like here, guys. The builders did not clear all the old wild plants. Big parts of the site still have the local Kikar trees and thorny Ber bushes, just like before. Around them, almost 200 new plant varieties were added (Delhi Tourism).
Materiality and Texture
The garden shows you the rich earthly tones of Delhi’s architectural heritage by employing a rich palette of indigenous materials, including sandstone, granite, slate, and ceramic tiles. The materials used in the creation are not just known for the durability but also versatile textural quality. Visitors can explore the rough-hewn stone walls, smooth ceramic mosaics, and pebble paths, making the sense of touch an integral part of the experience.
Here is a fun fact for you. The big stone wall at the entrance was built by craftsmen from Rajasthan, using stone brought from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Dholpur (Gulf News). The garden also sits close to Qila Rai Pithora, the first city of Delhi. Its boundary walls and dome shaped office use stone in the same old style (Delhi Tourism).
I think this is a really smart way to connect a modern park with Delhi’s history. If you love old stone work, you can also read this blog on India’s architecture carved in stone.
Cultural and Artistic Influences
Traditional Indian architectural forms and motifs have also been put to use for you to experience the spectrum of architectural formations from different time periods, one can witness the beauty of fountains and stylish water channels form the Mughal period, and chhatris & Sculptural installations from Traditional temple styles. These added elements are not just for the decorations but also offers a functional space as shade, resting spots and visual appeal.
Some art pieces here are made by well known artists. The steel bird sculptures on slate pillars at the entrance are by sculptor Subodh Kerkar. The brass tree fountain at the Khas Bagh entrance is by John Bowman (Gulf News).
There is even a surprise from Mexico. In September 2013, a replica of Mexico’s Labná Arch was opened here as a goodwill gesture between India and Mexico. Indian stonecutters made it using stone from Rajasthan (Wikipedia). Honestly, I did not expect a Mayan arch inside a Delhi garden!
Thematic Areas
The gardens you find here are categorised into different zones each having their own special feature, for instance:
- Khas Bagh: As the name suggests is inspired by the Mughal gardens, featuring symmetrical layouts, flowing water, and floral scents.
- Herbal Garden and Bamboo Courts: These zones especially emphasize on fragrance and botanical learning, engaging both your smell and sight senses.
- Amphitheatre and Sculpture Court: These areas serve as performance and exhibition spaces, merging architecture with performing and visual arts.
Zoning the gardens enhances the architectural narrative, turning the garden into a sequence of sensory experiences rather than a homogenous botanical space.
To make it more easy for you, I have made a simple table of the main zones. These details come from the official Delhi Tourism description.
| Zone | What you will find |
|---|---|
| Entrance plaza | Steel birds on slate pillars and a group of stone elephants in a water bath |
| Khas Bagh | Mughal style garden with water channels and fountains, some lit by fibre-optic lights |
| Neel Bagh | A water lily pool with pergolas covered in climbing plants |
| Colour Gardens | Flowering shrubs and ground cover plants |
| Courts of Specimen Plants | Bamboo, cacti and herbs |
| Trail of Fragrance | A scented path to a rocky ridge with a pinwheel-style steel sculpture |
| Amphitheatre | Open air stage with sandstone block seats |
| Exhibition area | Open space for art shows and workshops |
| Food and shopping court | Terraces with seating, away from the main garden |
Source: Delhi Tourism.
Interactive Design
This garden follows a different approach than the traditional ones where in general the spaces are created with emphasis on the visual appeal, the Garden of five senses does not restrict your experience, this space is designed to be touched, heard and felt.
The water features and installations invite your interactions, making you experience more active and participating.
This idea was there from day one. Even a news report from the opening said that visitors here are encouraged to touch the rocks and displays, unlike most other gardens (Gulf News).
How does the Garden of Five Senses appeal to you?
The Garden of five senses is specially designed to engage all five senses of a human, sight, sound, smell, touch and taste, through the different architectural designs and natural elements to curate for you a wholesome experience.
Short on time? Here is my one-look table first, guys.
| Sense | Where you feel it most |
|---|---|
| Sight | Colour Gardens, Khas Bagh fountains and about 25 sculptures and murals |
| Sound | A huge bell chime, water channels and birds |
| Smell | Trail of Fragrance and the herb garden |
| Touch | Stone elephants, sandstone seats and rocky paths |
| Taste | Food and shopping court |
Here is a breakdown for how each sense is stimulated:
1. Sight (Visual Stimulation)
- Vibrant flower beds with seasonal blooms and colour-coordinated plantings.
- Sculptures and art installations throughout the garden offer visual interest and cultural storytelling.
- Architectural features like domed pavilions (chhatris), pergolas, and stone arches create rhythm and visual variety.
- Play of light and shadow through natural foliage and built structures adds depth to the visual experience.
- The layout leads visitors through contrasting zones — from open courtyards to secluded groves — keeping the visual narrative dynamic.
2. Smell (Olfactory Stimulation)
- Fragrant plants and herbs like jasmine, rosemary, and lemongrass are planted in designated zones.
- Seasonal flowers like roses, raat ki rani (night-blooming jasmine), and champa engage visitors with their natural perfumes.
- The Herbal Garden and fragrance trails are specifically designed to target the sense of smell.
3. Sound (Auditory Stimulation)
- The sounds of running water from fountains, streams, and water channels create a soothing ambiance.
- Birdsong is naturally encouraged by the presence of native trees and water bodies.
- Occasionally, the garden hosts live performances and musical events in the amphitheatre, enhancing the auditory experience with cultural elements.
- Wind passing through bamboo groves and trees creates gentle, natural soundscapes.
If you ask me, the coolest sound idea here is the bell chime. Delhi Tourism says the garden has a chime of 500 bells (Delhi Tourism). A news report from the opening also described a huge wind chime shaped like a tree, with hundreds of metal bells (Gulf News).
4. Touch (Tactile Stimulation)
- Textured pathways of gravel, stone, and grass encourage foot contact and different sensations.
- Visitors can touch rough rock walls, smooth ceramic tiles, and cool stone sculptures.
- Plant textures — from the soft leaves of lamb’s ear to the rough bark of old trees — are within reach in many areas.
- Tactile sculptures and art pieces invite physical interaction, unlike traditional “do not touch” museum environments.
5. Taste (Gustatory Stimulation)
- The garden includes food courts and open cafés that serve a variety of Indian and international cuisine.
- Events like food festivals or cultural fairs are sometimes hosted, offering regional tastes and street food.
- The presence of herbs and edible plants in the Herbal Garden also creates opportunities for culinary exploration and education.
A small history note here. In August 2005, DTTDC signed a 10-year deal with ITE India to run 31 food and craft outlets in the garden. Because of this deal, the park also got several restaurants (Wikipedia).
Environmental Sustainability in the Garden of Five Senses
Environment sustainability is much valued in the architectural designing of this place, through different steps. Few of them are:
Natural terrain has been preserved which helps maintain the native vegetation and prevents soil erosion, due to this rainwater percolates naturally, helping groundwater recharge.
Employment of Indigenous Plant Species is also considered, a large portion of plant palette includes native and drought-resistant species, requiring less water and maintenance.
The garden also promotes local biodiversity, which attracts birds, butterflies and bees creating a harmonious balance in an urban setting.
In traditional Indian architecture, water bodies were used to cool down spaces through evaporative cooling. The same methods have been applied here which helps in microclimate regulation within the garden, even during the peak summers of Delhi.
The garden emphasizes on the usage of the materials that are locally available instead of energy intensive materials like concrete and steel.
I also want to add some more green points here, guys.
- Solar Energy Park: The garden has a Solar Energy Park with solar exhibits like buses, cars and bicycles. It entered the Limca Book of Records in 2004 for this idea (Delhi Tourism). At the opening, the park had a 20 kilowatt solar power plant, and some food outlets used solar water heaters (Gulf News).
- Rainwater Pond: The present layout also has a Rainwater Pond zone, along with areas like Rang Bagh, Zen Garden and Rockridge (The CSR Journal).
- Green upgrades: In June 2022, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor reviewed a redevelopment plan with solar powered electric installations and a new water harvesting system. He also asked for a special herbal garden and a bee-keeping apiary (LG Delhi).
Honestly, a solar park inside a Delhi garden back in 2003 was a very forward thinking idea.
Garden of Five Senses Timeline (2003 to 2026)
I love a good timeline, so here is the full journey of this garden in one simple table.
| When | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| About 2000–2003 | DTTDC develops the garden over three years, at a cost of about ₹9.5 crore | Gulf News |
| February 2003 | Garden opens, inaugurated by then Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit. Adult ticket was just ₹10 | Delhi Tourism, Gulf News |
| 2004 | Solar Energy Park enters the Limca Book of Records | Delhi Tourism |
| August 2005 | DTTDC signs a 10-year deal with ITE India for 31 food and craft outlets | Wikipedia |
| September 2013 | Replica of Mexico’s Labná Arch is inaugurated in the garden | Wikipedia |
| May 2020 | Architect Pradeep Sachdeva passes away | STIR |
| June 2022 | Delhi LG reviews a redevelopment plan for the garden | LG Delhi |
| February 2023 | 35th Garden Tourism Festival with a G20 theme and 300+ plant varieties | India.com |
| July 2025 | Delhi Tourism invites a consultant to redesign the whole park | The CSR Journal |
| January 2026 | DTTDC plans ₹48.75 lakh of horticulture and landscaping work | The Patriot (PTI) |
If you ask me, 23 years is not a very long time. But this garden already has a big story.
Garden of Five Senses Entry Fee, Timings and How to Reach (2026)
Many websites still show old ticket prices like ₹30 or ₹35. But the official Delhi Tourism page now lists the rates below. So guys, please plan with these numbers.
| Visitor | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adult | ₹50 |
| Child | ₹20 |
| Senior citizen | ₹20 |
| Camera | ₹100 + GST |
Source: Delhi Tourism – Entry Ticket Rates.
Timings: Delhi Tourism says the garden is open daily, but its page does not show exact hours. Wikipedia lists 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter (Wikipedia). I suggest you reach at least one hour before closing, so you get enough time inside.
Address: Said-ul-Ajaib, Mehrauli-Badarpur (M.B.) Road, South of Saket, New Delhi.
| How to reach | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro | Saket station on the Yellow Line is the nearest, about 1 km away |
| Auto or e-rickshaw | Take one from Saket metro for the last stretch |
| From IGI Airport | About 14 km |
| From Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station | About 14 km |
Sources: Delhi Tourism, Spalba.
If you ask me, metro plus a short auto ride is the cheapest and easiest way to reach here.
Garden Tourism Festival and Other Events
If you want to see this garden at its best, go in February, guys. Every year the Delhi Government organises the Garden Tourism Festival here (Wikipedia).
It is a big flower show with theme gardens, potted plants, bonsai, cactus and plant sales. There are also fun things for kids like painting competitions and magic shows (Delhi Tourism).
For example, the 35th edition in February 2023 had a special G20 enclosure and over 300 plant varieties on display. Competitions were held in 32 categories, from dahlia to bonsai (India.com).
| Event | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Tourism Festival | Every February | Flower show, theme gardens, plant sales, kids’ competitions |
| Dandiya festival | Around Navratri | Dandiya nights with music and dance |
| Food festivals and melas | Different times of the year | Food stalls and cultural shows |
| Yoga camps and nature walks | Different times of the year | Health and nature activities |
Sources: Wikipedia, Delhi Tourism.
One small tip from me. Festival tickets can be different from normal days. In 2023 they were ₹40 on weekdays and ₹50 on weekends (India.com). So check Delhi Tourism’s social media pages before you go.
What’s New at the Garden of Five Senses? (2025–2026 Updates)
Now let me tell you the latest news, guys. In July 2025, the Delhi Tourism Department invited an Expression of Interest (EOI) to hire a consultant who will redesign the whole park (The CSR Journal).
As per the report, the new ideas include:
- An Ayurvedic wellness spa
- A library café and a craft café for local artisans
- A rock climbing area and a paintball ground
- New signage, art, furniture, parking, gates and rainwater harvesting
Officials also said the plan must not harm nature, because the garden is next to forest areas. Earlier, ideas like bungee jumping and rock climbing were stopped when the Forest Department did not give clearance (The CSR Journal).
Then in January 2026, DTTDC estimated ₹48.75 lakh for horticulture and landscaping at the garden. The plan includes planting flowers like dahlia, pansy, petunia and marigold, plus pruning and replacing dead plants (The Patriot / PTI).
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this. Fresh flowers and better upkeep are very welcome. But I hope they keep the calm, natural feel that makes this garden special in the first place.
Places to Visit Near the Garden of Five Senses
Since the garden is in the Mehrauli heritage area, you can easily plan a full day around it. Here are some places I suggest.
| Place | How far | Why visit |
|---|---|---|
| Qutb Minar | About 2 km | Delhi’s famous minaret and the Qutub complex monuments |
| Mehrauli Archaeological Park | Next to the Qutub complex | About 100 monuments over 200 acres, built across five centuries |
| Qila Rai Pithora walls | On the road to the garden | Old walls of the first city of Delhi |
| Chhatarpur Temple | In South Delhi | Big temple complex for a peaceful visit |
| Select Citywalk, Saket | About 3 km | Mall with a big food court |
Sources: Delhi Tourism, Delhi Tourism two-day itinerary.
And if you love heritage gardens, don’t miss Sunder Nursery near Humayun’s Tomb. It is a bit far from here, but I think it is totally worth it.
My Tips Before You Visit
Here are some simple tips from my side, guys:
- Pick the right season: October to March is the most comfortable time. February is special because of the Garden Tourism Festival.
- Go early or late: Morning or late afternoon is best, because the Delhi sun in the afternoon can be very strong.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The garden is built on rocky, up and down land with slopes and stone paths.
- Keep some cash: It is always handy for tickets and small stalls.
- Carrying a big camera? Remember the extra camera charge at the ticket counter.
- Respect the space: Touch the art and the rocks, but please do not pluck flowers or throw litter.
FAQs About the Garden of Five Senses
1. Who designed the Garden of Five Senses?
It was designed by Delhi architect Pradeep Sachdeva. It was developed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC).
2. What is the Garden of Five Senses entry fee in 2026?
As per the official Delhi Tourism page, it is ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children and senior citizens. A camera costs ₹100 + GST extra.
3. Is the Garden of Five Senses open every day?
Yes, it is open daily. It is usually open from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer and 9 AM to 6 PM in winter.
4. Which is the nearest metro station to the Garden of Five Senses?
Saket metro station on the Yellow Line is the nearest. The garden is about 1 km from the station.
5. What is the best time to visit the Garden of Five Senses?
October to March is the best time. If you can, go in February for the Garden Tourism Festival.
Final Words
Garden of Five senses is a wonderful place to visit, it gives you a glimpse of the traditional architectural insights for managing spaces and also appeals to your every sense making it a wholesome experience for both your body and soul.
So guys, this was all about the Garden of Five Senses. I have tried to cover its design, zones, ticket price, timeline and the latest updates in one place. Keep on visiting The Indian Architecture for more such blogs.
Also Read:
- Qutb Minar – History, Architecture & Facts | Iconic Delhi Monument
- Sunder Nursery: Delhi’s Emerald Heritage Garden | A Must-Visit Green Escape
- Explore the Grandeur of Chhatarpur Temple in Delhi
- A Thousand Years and Beyond: India’s Architecture Carved in Stone
- Ajanta Caves: The Architecture of Ancient India
Sources
- Delhi Tourism – Garden of Five Senses (official page)
- Delhi Tourism – Garden of Five Senses (entertainment page)
- Delhi Tourism – Garden Tourism Festival
- Delhi Tourism – Two Day Itinerary
- Wikipedia – Garden of Five Senses
- Archnet – Garden of Five Senses
- Gulf News – A perfectly conceptualised garden
- STIR – Tribute to Pradeep Sachdeva
- LG Delhi – Press release, 19 June 2022
- India.com – 35th Garden Tourism Festival
- The CSR Journal – Delhi government to redesign Garden of Five Senses
- The Patriot (PTI) – Delhi begins citywide beautification
- Spalba – Garden of Five Senses
Last Updated: October 20, 2026