Sanjay Van ride...Delhi's dense forest...bang in the middle of the city!!

Eager to try out my new bike on unpaved roads, I did some research for forest areas close to Delhi. I wasn't hoping for much, just some respite from the pollution and the constant noise of the rolling tyres that never seem to go away wherever you go in this city. So I picked up my bike early today and thought I'll explore Sanjay Van, a small forest reserve, near Qutub Institutional Area in South Delhi. I happen to live near to this place and once I was there, I cursed myself for having discovered this place so many months after I moved in.

To a beginner cyclist like me Sanjay Van offers 100 sq kims of dense forest, a choice of leveled and challenging forest trails and the experience of being almost completely isolated. Although the forest, which is one of the densest in Delhi does attract a few joggers and walkers in the morning, they are few and far between. In any case one always has the choice of exploring the narrower and bushier trails for a more "lost" experience.

One wide bordered trail that goes around the forest is leveled and covered with sand which slows you down a bit but offers the least possibility of a flat tyre.Peacocks and other birds are almost everywhere. Be prepared for punctured tyres though, as the forest is covered with thorny shrubs and trees, particularly on the narrower trails. Although no incidents seem to have been reported in the recent past, the park has been reportedly used for several criminal activities. The forest also houses a small park, a few temples and a spooky cremation ground.

All in all the park is a must for every cyclist who wants the experience of out of city riding in a short span of time. Thanks to several entry/exit points the park is reasonably well connected as well.

In case anyone needs further info, feel free to write to me or give me a call. I plan to post a few pics soon...Would also want to read experiences of others...

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