The Rain Gods have blessed the otherwise sweltering capital, and with the mercury dipping to pleasant levels, nothing beats a long boat ride in this dreamy weather. Amidst concrete skyscrapers and busy streets, Delhi surprisingly has quite a few oases where you can go boating with family and friends. Here’s a list to get you started.
Damdama Lake
One of the biggest natural lakes in Haryana, Damdama is only a two-hour drive from Delhi. Against the backdrop of the picturesque Aravalli hills, the lake is an ideal weekend boating spot. You can take your pick from row boats, paddle boats or motor boats as you cruise through the idyllic lake on a laidback weekend.
Where: Delhi-Alwar Highway, Gurgaon
Tickets: Rs 50 onwards
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Sanjay Lake
Spread over 170 acres, this artificial lake was built by the Delhi Development Authority and it continues to be a popular tourist spot for more reasons than one. Attracting many migratory and indigenous birds, it’s the ideal place to paddle and find some peace. You can opt for either a pedal boat or a raft and enjoy your outing.
Where: Mayur Vihar
Entry: Rs 50 onwards
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Boat Club
The iconic India Gate has been Delhi’s favourite hangout spot forever. Be it for a Sunday afternoon drive, after dinner ice cream or even a winter picnic to soak in some sun – the war memorial has it all. What is demanding our attention this rainy season, however, is the Boat Club at India Gate. Lush green lawns, fountains and canals adorn the club area. You can choose from options of paddle and row boats. The historic monument in the background combined with sprawling greens and a spot of boating makes it a sought after escape from the city’s hustle bustle.
Where: India Gate
Entry: Rs 50 and Rs 100
Timings: 7 pm to 9.30 pm
Purana Qila
Take a walk through the rich history of the capital and enjoy a peaceful boat ride within the fort just like the royals did. Purana Qila or the Old Fort makes for a spectacular landscape with haunting ruins and a peaceful lake situated adjacent to the fort. The gorgeous setting is the most popular boating spot in Delhi, with options of regular paddle boats alongside water scooters and even a luxuriant Shikara ride.
Where: The Old Fort of Delhi
Entry: Rs 100 onwards
Timings: Noon to 7 pm
The Rain Gods have blessed the otherwise sweltering capital, and with the mercury dipping to pleasant levels, nothing beats a long boat ride in this dreamy weather. Amidst concrete skyscrapers and busy streets, Delhi surprisingly has quite a few oases where you can go boating with family and friends. Here’s a list to get you started.
Damdama Lake
One of the biggest natural lakes in Haryana, Damdama is only a two-hour drive from Delhi. Against the backdrop of the picturesque Aravalli hills, the lake is an ideal weekend boating spot. You can take your pick from row boats, paddle boats or motor boats as you cruise through the idyllic lake on a laidback weekend.
Where: Delhi-Alwar Highway, Gurgaon
Tickets: Rs 50 onwards
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm
Sanjay Lake
Spread over 170 acres, this artificial lake was built by the Delhi Development Authority and it continues to be a popular tourist spot for more reasons than one. Attracting many migratory and indigenous birds, it’s the ideal place to paddle and find some peace. You can opt for either a pedal boat or a raft and enjoy your outing.
Where: Mayur Vihar
Entry: Rs 50 onwards
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Boat Club
The iconic India Gate has been Delhi’s favourite hangout spot forever. Be it for a Sunday afternoon drive, after dinner ice cream or even a winter picnic to soak in some sun – the war memorial has it all. What is demanding our attention this rainy season, however, is the Boat Club at India Gate. Lush green lawns, fountains and canals adorn the club area. You can choose from options of paddle and row boats. The historic monument in the background combined with sprawling greens and a spot of boating makes it a sought after escape from the city’s hustle bustle.
Where: India Gate
Entry: Rs 50 and Rs 100
Timings: 7 pm to 9.30 pm
Purana Qila
Take a walk through the rich history of the capital and enjoy a peaceful boat ride within the fort just like the royals did. Purana Qila or the Old Fort makes for a spectacular landscape with haunting ruins and a peaceful lake situated adjacent to the fort. The gorgeous setting is the most popular boating spot in Delhi, with options of regular paddle boats alongside water scooters and even a luxuriant Shikara ride.
Where: The Old Fort of Delhi
Entry: Rs 100 onwards
Timings: Noon to 7 pm