At first glance, Delhi is a hellish place for people who love nature. On summer weekends, most people head for the air conditioned sanctuary of a mall, multiplex or a gym, even. Those who fancy a bit of park life are forced to suffer picnicking crowds or trip over furtive lovebirds in any of the main parks. But Delhi is also a city of well-kept secrets. There are pockets of total wilderness hidden amongst all the hustle and bustle, places that are more jungle than parkland.
There’s one such area on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, five minutes from the Qutab Minar, right opposite the entrance to the Mehrauli Archeological Park. There are no signs outside, just a little board that says ‘Canine Elite’ (?). Turn in there, and fifty meters on you find yourself in a sprawling Acacia forest full of monuments, peacocks, Neelgai antelope, exotic insects and raggedy donkeys.

You can still hear the horns on M.G. Road, but the jungle quickly envelopes you. Concentric paths make navigation tricky and generally add to the Blair Witch vibe. It’s a great place to go running or walking with kids and dogs - however, since this is Delhi, women are advised not to hang around here alone (very few loiterers here though, which is unusual). Points of interest include a very deep well and an odd stone tower perched on a huge rock (pictured).

So if you ever find yourself bitching and moaning about Delhi’s cement-clad dullness, remember that the city offers solace to those who seek it.