Tulips at Shanti Path a big draw with visitors

The verdant stretch around Shanti Path has become a spectacle

As the winter fades and spring winks in, the stretch of greenery running alongside the city’s Shanti Path has become a cynosure for commuters. Any time of the day, you could spot a few onlookers admiring the strips of tulips in full bloom.

Situated in Lutyens Delhi, amid embassy offices, you could see people taking a stroll in the precincts while parking their vehicles afar. For Deepak Kumar, a doctor at Lok Nayak Hospital, it has become a habit, though he has to travel from his residence at Janakpuri.

“I pass by this stretch while driving towards my workplace and I do bring my family here during spare time. Over the years, I have noticed some changes. This time I see brighter colours, like pink and orange tulips. It is a soothing sight and definitely worth the distance,” he said.

Like Mr. Kumar, people across various age groups flock here. Some are here to unwind , some to pose for pictures. At first Manoj Kumar, an autorickshaw driver, found it unusual. “I got curious after a couple of rides because the customers would not head to the embassies or high commission offices. They would head towards the roadside garden and just sit there. This has become a frequent activity as the tulips are not a common sight in the city,” he said.

While most said the flowers were a rare treat, some pointed out that the lack of parking facilities in the area has become a hassle.

Suraj, a city-based businessman, said some would stop randomly by the road. “Vehicles are not allowed to stop here and parking around the area can be tricky given that there are embassy offices on both sides. I agree that this is a beautiful location and it should be widely publicised, but the authorities should anticipate that the last mile connectivity will be a problem and many will cause trouble by stopping their vehicles close to the roadside garden,” he said.