Sanjay Van: Delhi's City Forest on the Ridge
Sanjay Van is a sprawling city forest along the Aravalli Ridge between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli, one of the most thickly wooded stretches of Delhi's green lungs. Spread over 443 acres, it is where Delhiites come to disappear into birdsong and dry-leaf trails, and where peacocks cross the paths and crumbling tombs hide among the trees.
Yash raina · CC BY-SA 4.0In Hidden Gems in New Delhi · Mehrauli / Vasant Kunj · Last updated 2 June 2026
- A genuine 443-acre stretch of urban forest on the Aravalli Ridge
- Quiet walking and cycling trails through some of Delhi's thickest woodland
- Peacocks, rich birdlife and scattered ruins, an old wall, a small dargah and a lake
- Free to enter, and so large that many locals have not explored it fully
What is Sanjay Van
Sanjay Van is a sprawling city forest near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli, part of the Delhi Ridge that carries the Aravalli hills into the heart of the capital. It covers about 443 acres and is one of the most thickly wooded areas of the city's green lungs, a rare pocket of real forest inside a dense metropolis. Dry-leaf trails wind through the trees for walking and cycling, and the deeper you go the further the traffic and noise fall away.
This is not a manicured park. Peacocks cross the paths, birdsong replaces car horns, and crumbling tombs and an old boundary wall appear among the trees. Wander far enough and you reach a small dargah and a lake that reward those who keep going. It feels like a slice of wilderness that the city grew around rather than a garden the city laid out.
Why Sanjay Van stays a hidden gem
Delhi has famous green spaces such as Lodi Gardens and the ridge near the university, but Sanjay Van stays off most visitors' lists and even many locals have not explored it fully. Its size is part of the reason, the forest is large enough to swallow crowds, so a busy weekend morning still leaves long stretches of trail to yourself. Some Delhiites also know it for its ghost-story reputation, which only adds to its quiet, slightly wild atmosphere.
For anyone after slow walks, birdwatching and silence within the city, that obscurity is the appeal. Come early, pick a trail and let it lead you past ruins and thickets until the forest feels far bigger than any map suggests.
Getting to Sanjay Van and visiting
Sanjay Van lies between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli in south Delhi, with several entry gates around its edges. The Qutub Minar and Chhatarpur metro stations are the handiest jumping-off points, from where a short auto-rickshaw ride brings you to one of the forest gates. Because the trails are unpaved and can branch confusingly, it helps to note your entry gate and keep a rough sense of direction.
The forest is free to enter and open through the daylight hours. Mornings are best for birdlife and cool air, and it is wise to carry water, wear proper walking shoes and avoid the remoter paths alone late in the day. Peaceful and green, it is an easy escape from the noise of the city.
Know before you go
- Go early in the morning for the best birdwatching and the coolest walking.
- Carry water and wear proper shoes, the trails are unpaved and can be long.
- Note your entry gate and avoid the remoter paths alone late in the day.
Where Sanjay Van is
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Sanjay Van: frequently asked questions
What is Sanjay Van in Delhi?
Sanjay Van is a 443-acre city forest on the Aravalli Ridge between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli in Delhi. It is one of the most thickly wooded parts of the city, with walking trails, birdlife, peacocks and scattered ruins.
Are there Sanjay Van tickets or an entry fee?
No. Sanjay Van is free to enter, so there are no tickets. You simply walk in through one of the forest gates during the daylight hours.
What are the Sanjay Van opening hours?
The forest is generally open through the daylight hours, roughly from 6am to 7pm daily. Early morning is the best time for cool air and birdlife.
What can you do in Sanjay Van?
It is ideal for slow walks, cycling, birdwatching and quiet time in nature. Trails lead past dense woodland, peacocks, an old wall, crumbling tombs, a small dargah and a lake.
How do you get to Sanjay Van?
Sanjay Van sits between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli in south Delhi. The Qutub Minar and Chhatarpur metro stations are the closest, and a short auto-rickshaw ride brings you to one of the forest gates.
Is Sanjay Van safe to visit?
It is a popular spot for walkers and birdwatchers, and is best enjoyed in the morning. As with any large forest, carry water, wear proper shoes and avoid the remoter paths alone late in the day.
More hidden gems in New Delhi
Sources and further reading: Wikipedia: Sanjay Van.