Boating returns to Delhi's Purana Qila: Want to sail through monsoon blues? Know the price, timings at 5 spots in NCR
Relive '90s nostalgia at Purana Qila
Enjoy boating at Old Fort for just ₹250!(Photo: Sanchit Khanna/HT )
Soak in enchanting views of the Mughal-era Old Fort that mirrors in the water as you glide across the lake. The trial run continues through August, bringing back fond memories for many Delhiites. Writer and historian Rakhshanda Jalil, who has lived in the city for 58 years, recalls: 'As a kid, I went boating here a couple of times. I remember the colourful boats tethered at the sides. We'd stop by Purana Qila on our way to Delhi Zoo. We lived in Nizamuddin East, so this stretch of Mathura Road was always part of our route.'
When: Monday to Sunday
Timing: 8am to 7pm
Price: ₹250
Deep in a horseshoe-shaped lake at Bhalswa
Boating at Bhalswa Lake is closed on Mondays. (Photo: Sushil Kumar/HT (For representational purposes only))
Bhalswa Lake makes an ideal escape for a relaxed picnic and a peaceful boating session. This rain-fed, horseshoe-shaped water body along the Yamuna is perfect for scenic views and calm moments. 'Pedal boats are the most popular. Each fits up to four people,' shares Ravi from the management team, adding, 'Weekends get quite crowded, but people don't mind waiting since there's plenty of space for picnics.'
When: Tuesday to Sunday
Timing: Noon to 7pm
Entry: ₹130
Yamuna kinare, dil yeh pukare
The serenity of the Yamuna rives acquires a new meaning when experienced during a boating session here. (Photo: Sanjeev Verma/HT (For representational purposes only))
Few experiences in Delhi rival boating along the Yamuna ghats. 'The Yamuna has always been a favourite,' says Tushar, who runs boating services. 'During the monsoon, people come not just to pedal but also to row the traditional boats owned by locals. From photoshoots to wedding portraits, a lot happens here—because there's something magical about being on the Yamuna in the rain.'
When: Monday to Sunday
Timing: 6am to 6.30pm
Price: ₹100
Beauty and Serenity at Naini Lake
Naini Lake is located in North Delhi, near Model Town.(Photo: Mohd Zakir/HT)
For boating in North Delhi, Naini Lake is a charming choice with clear waters and well-maintained facilities. 'After school, we would rush to Naini Lake for a boat ride—it was our little escape,' says Pushpa Kumari, a Model Town resident. 'Even now, my friends and I go there to relive those growing years. Though there are pedal boats, my favourite is the Kashmir-style shikara where the whole gang can be together.'
When: Monday to Sunday
Timing: 11am to 6pm
Entry: ₹130 (30 mins, pedal boat); ₹250 (two rounds, motor boat)
Of Ducks and Tales at Sanjay Lake
Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar is a perfect spot for boating when in East Delhi.(Photo: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only))
In East Delhi, Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar is irresistible for a boating escape, especially with ducks and birds adding to the charm. 'My brother and I used to race pedal boats here, though we'd get tired in five minutes and our parents would end up pedalling,' laughs Ayushi Patel, a LSR student, 'Sanjay Lake has always been special. Even now, I sometimes come for boating here with college friends, soaking in the tranquillity and the laughter from other boats.'
When: Monday to Sunday
Timing: 10am to 7pm
Price: ₹130
Story by Isha Yadav
For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Countries that offer visa on arrival (VOA) with a UK Visa on an Indian Passport
1 2 For Indian passport holders, international travel often comes with long visa processes. But if you already have a valid UK multiple-entry visa, you've unlocked more than just the United Kingdom. A handful of countries now allow visa on arrival (VOA) or simplified entry, thanks to the credibility of a UK visa. This means you can bypass embassies, forms, and appointments—and just go. Here's a look at Visa on Arrival countries Indian travellers can enter with a UK visa, along with stay limits and key conditions. Antigua and Barbuda Indian travellers holding a valid UK multiple-entry visa can get access to Antigua and Barbuda on visa on arrival, with a permitted stay of up to 30 days. This Caribbean getaway is ideal for its sun-soaked beaches, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back island vibe. With the UK visa stamped in your passport, you can simply arrive and obtain a VOA at the airport—no prior visa application required. Armenia Indian citizens with a valid UK multiple-entry visa are eligible for visa on arrival in Armenia, allowing a stay of up to 120 days. The entry process won't be much of a hassle, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking a longer and culturally rich escape. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Nova Serrana (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo There are ancient monasteries perched on mountain cliffs to serene lakes and remnants of Soviet-era architecture, Armenia is all about a unique blend of history, nature, and affordability—perfect for an extended getaway. Oman Canv Indian passport holders with a valid UK multiple-entry visa that has been used at least once are even eligible for visa on arrival in Oman, with a stay of up to 14 days. This Middle Eastern gem offers a stunning mix of desert landscapes, rugged mountains, coastal beauty, and historic forts. The key condition is that the UK visa must have been previously used to enter the UK, adding a small but important step before your visit. Read more: Documents Every Traveler Should Carry (and Back Up Digitally) Saudi Arabia Indian travellers with a valid and previously used UK multiple-entry visa can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for a stay of up to 90 days, strictly for tourism purposes. As the Kingdom expands its tourism offerings, it's becoming easier for international visitors to explore its rich heritage and modern cities. From Riyadh's world-class museums and Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district to the breathtaking archaeological wonders of Al-Ula, travellers can now experience Saudi Arabia without the need for a pre-arranged visa. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Indian passport holders with a valid and previously used UK multiple-entry visa are eligible for a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing a stay of up to 14 days, which is extendable, strictly for tourism purposes. This makes quick getaways to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates more convenient than ever. Whether you're planning a stopover, a beach break, or a shopping spree, the VOA facility simplifies the process—no embassy visits, no paperwork, just land and exploration. Read more: 6 most colourful mountains on Earth and how they got their colour More Countries with E-Visa or Visa-Free Entry In addition to VOA, Indian passport holders with a UK visa also qualify for e-visas or visa-free entry in several other countries. These include: Turkey – E-visa available online with a valid UK visa Mexico – Visa-free entry for up to 180 days Qatar & Bahrain – E-visas available with minimal paperwork Always double-check rules with the respective country's immigration or embassy site before flying.
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Just Like That: Amid Delhi's chaos, birds sing through smog and stone
Outside my bedroom in Delhi is a platform on which water is kept in an earthen bowl for birds. To my surprise, a great many come to quench their thirst. Of course, the most common are the crows, pigeons and mynahs. But treepies come too, as do bulbuls—both the white-cheeked and red-vented variety—and flocks of parakeets. Among the more shy visitors is the elusive barbet, with the loudest call and least visibility, thanks to its scruffy rufous colour. On the higher branches of the peepal tree in front of my house, a pair of pariah kites—the common cheel—regularly build a nest every year. Green pigeons are often perched on the tree's lower branches. Delhi is among the greenest capitals in the world, with tree cover accounting for over 20% of its geographical area. (File photo) In a city that heaves under the weight of its own contradictions, Delhi is a paradox that continues to fascinate, frustrate, and confound. It is a city of emperors and encroachments, of Lutyens' grandeur and slum tenements, of Mughal mausoleums and metastasizing malls. But amidst this chaotic sprawl, a quieter, often unnoticed miracle unfolds every morning: the birds still sing in Delhi. That Delhi, a city choking on its own ambition and pollution, remains home to over 450 species of birds is not just a matter of ecological curiosity; it is, in fact, a testament to the fact that despite the dysfunction of governance, the apathy of its inhabitants, and the relentless concretisation of its spaces, Delhi is among the greenest capitals in the world, with tree cover accounting for over 20% of its geographical area. Also read: Summer survey for Delhi Bird Atlas adds 21 species Across the Ridge—which is the northernmost extension of the Aravalli range—green spaces like the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanjay Van, the Buddha Jayanti Park, the many sprawling parks—Lodhi Garden, Deer Park, the Aravali Biodiversity Park, and even the neglected Yamuna floodplains, offer corridors of refuge and sustenance to birds both common and rare. It is here, away from the ceaseless honking and the haze, that one finds the black drongo, the Indian grey hornbill, the shikra, and in winter and early spring, the Okhla Barrage is teeming with all kinds of ducks and migratory species. Delhi is not just a stopover for migratory birds; for many, it is a home. The city is located at the crossroads of two migratory flyways—the Central Asian and East Asian-Australasian—and this geographical coincidence is part of the reason it receives such a rich diversity of seasonal visitors. But it is the year-round residents that are even more fascinating. I am particularly happy that the ubiquitous house sparrow, once in decline due to mobile tower radiation and shrinking nesting spaces, has made a subtle comeback thanks to citizen-led conservation initiatives and increased awareness. The majestic peacock struts through colonies in South Delhi as if it were walking in the gardens of a forgotten raja. Also read: Bird sings along with human in the sweetest way possible. Watch In the tangle of wires, glass façades, and cemented balconies, birds like the tailorbird and the purple sunbird have found unlikely perches. The former stitches together its nest from leaves and spider silk, often camouflaged in a garden hedge, while the latter, metallic blue and iridescent, hovers like a jewel beside hibiscus blooms in gated societies. There is a quiet democracy in nature. Where the State often fails to deliver even the basics—clean air, potable water, liveable infrastructure—nature finds its own equilibrium. The birds of Delhi do not need permissions to gather, nor do they care for our zoning laws or property demarcations. Their only requirements are food, water, nesting space, and relative safety. And in this city, these can be found, sometimes in the most unlikely places: the neglected pond in a temple complex, a neem tree growing out of a railway platform, the thick shrubs that line the edges of a cremation ground. I have even found a lone cormorant living in an ugly concrete pond in Nehru Park. But let us not romanticise blindly. The threats are real, and they are growing. Delhi's air pollution is not merely a health hazard for humans—it affects birds too, compromising their respiratory systems and impacting migratory timings. Water bodies are disappearing or being poisoned with effluents. Illegal construction eats into wooded areas. Noise pollution disrupts communication and mating patterns in certain bird species. Also Read: Big bird day 2025 records 243 species across Delhi-NCR And yet, resilience persists, thanks in part to growing citizen engagement. Birding groups—once the preserve of a few eccentric naturalists—are now robust communities with thousands of participants. Walks in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and Aravalli Biodiversity Park attract people of all ages, eager to document and preserve what still survives. It is perhaps this reawakening of interest—however late—that gives some hope for the future. When a child learns to tell the difference between a koel and a crow, when a retired bureaucrat takes up photographing kingfishers, when a school installs nest boxes in its playgrounds—these are not minor gestures. They are acts of reclaiming a deeper connection to the land, of asserting that even in Delhi, a city of asphalt and ambition, there is space for birdsong, and that is the city's most enduring anthem.
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Boating returns to Delhi's Purana Qila: Want to sail through monsoon blues? Know the price, timings at 5 spots in NCR
After almost a decade, ripples will once again dance across the waters of Purana Qila (Old Fort), with boating set to return to this beloved spot in the city. Earlier this week, photos of the boating trial run at the lake sparked a wave of '90s nostalgia across social media. While the official reopening is slated for September, you don't have to wait that long — there are plenty of places across Delhi where you can make fresh memories under the monsoon skies Boating has returned to Purana Qila (Old Fort) after almost a decade, and will officially reopen for public in September this year.(Photos: Sanchit Khanna/HT) Relive '90s nostalgia at Purana Qila Enjoy boating at Old Fort for just ₹250!(Photo: Sanchit Khanna/HT ) Soak in enchanting views of the Mughal-era Old Fort that mirrors in the water as you glide across the lake. The trial run continues through August, bringing back fond memories for many Delhiites. Writer and historian Rakhshanda Jalil, who has lived in the city for 58 years, recalls: 'As a kid, I went boating here a couple of times. I remember the colourful boats tethered at the sides. We'd stop by Purana Qila on our way to Delhi Zoo. We lived in Nizamuddin East, so this stretch of Mathura Road was always part of our route.' When: Monday to Sunday Timing: 8am to 7pm Price: ₹250 Deep in a horseshoe-shaped lake at Bhalswa Boating at Bhalswa Lake is closed on Mondays. (Photo: Sushil Kumar/HT (For representational purposes only)) Bhalswa Lake makes an ideal escape for a relaxed picnic and a peaceful boating session. This rain-fed, horseshoe-shaped water body along the Yamuna is perfect for scenic views and calm moments. 'Pedal boats are the most popular. Each fits up to four people,' shares Ravi from the management team, adding, 'Weekends get quite crowded, but people don't mind waiting since there's plenty of space for picnics.' When: Tuesday to Sunday Timing: Noon to 7pm Entry: ₹130 Yamuna kinare, dil yeh pukare The serenity of the Yamuna rives acquires a new meaning when experienced during a boating session here. (Photo: Sanjeev Verma/HT (For representational purposes only)) Few experiences in Delhi rival boating along the Yamuna ghats. 'The Yamuna has always been a favourite,' says Tushar, who runs boating services. 'During the monsoon, people come not just to pedal but also to row the traditional boats owned by locals. From photoshoots to wedding portraits, a lot happens here—because there's something magical about being on the Yamuna in the rain.' When: Monday to Sunday Timing: 6am to 6.30pm Price: ₹100 Beauty and Serenity at Naini Lake Naini Lake is located in North Delhi, near Model Town.(Photo: Mohd Zakir/HT) For boating in North Delhi, Naini Lake is a charming choice with clear waters and well-maintained facilities. 'After school, we would rush to Naini Lake for a boat ride—it was our little escape,' says Pushpa Kumari, a Model Town resident. 'Even now, my friends and I go there to relive those growing years. Though there are pedal boats, my favourite is the Kashmir-style shikara where the whole gang can be together.' When: Monday to Sunday Timing: 11am to 6pm Entry: ₹130 (30 mins, pedal boat); ₹250 (two rounds, motor boat) Of Ducks and Tales at Sanjay Lake Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar is a perfect spot for boating when in East Delhi.(Photo: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)) In East Delhi, Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar is irresistible for a boating escape, especially with ducks and birds adding to the charm. 'My brother and I used to race pedal boats here, though we'd get tired in five minutes and our parents would end up pedalling,' laughs Ayushi Patel, a LSR student, 'Sanjay Lake has always been special. Even now, I sometimes come for boating here with college friends, soaking in the tranquillity and the laughter from other boats.' When: Monday to Sunday Timing: 10am to 7pm Price: ₹130 Story by Isha Yadav For more, follow HT City Delhi Junction
