Oo majhi re... Boating in Delhi’s summery days

Paddle to peace

At Model Town’s Naini Lake, the boating activity is open and will continue to remain available till September 30. Himani Dhingra, a Delhi-based homemaker, shares, “I have grown up going to India Gate for boating. Since that is closed for now, we often take our kids to Naini Lake, and they absolutely love it!” “Garmi bahut hai aur iske karan log subah mein aana avoid karte hain. But on Sundays, the sale of tickets for boating goes upto 5,000 or even 6,000. Shaam ko sale achhi hoti hai,” informs Jaipal Singh from Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), which is in-charge of this lake. “In winter, the timings for those who want to go for boating here, remains from 11am to 6pm... Of late, visitors are demanding motor boats, similar to those at Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. I have also written to my office, requesting the same,” adds Singh. The charges for boating here are ₹130 for 30 minutes.

Serene surroundings

Khushboo Wadhwa, a banker from Delhi says, “While visiting my relatives here in Delhi, I wanted to relive my childhood memories. So we made a quick pitstop at Sanjay Lake. It was such a lovely and calming experience.” Apporv Babbar, director of E-O-D Adventure Park at Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar, informs: “The summer timings are from 11am to 8pm, but the peak rush starts from 4pm onwards. In March, we definitely had more rush than now during the day. Now it’s holidays for kids, and parents come out much later in the day, and often for one specific activity. Although we have a range of activities, but boating is of course our USP! Entry for boating takes place through gate no 1 and 3, as per how we are operating. The charges are ₹75 per person.”

Four is company here!

Bhalswa Lake in northwest Delhi, is another option for those seeking the joy of this old fav summer activity of going for boat rides. “Our footfall is also mostly high in the evenings because of the harsh summers. Public shaam ko hi aati hai,” says Himanshu Yadav, from the administration, adding, “Humare yahan chaar jane baithte hain ek boat pe. Toh 100 log ek din ke ho hi jate hain. Din ki 10-12 boats chalti hain aajkal. The ticket is price is ₹130.”

Row it right in time!

- Naini Lake: 1pm to 8pm

- Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar: 11am to 8pm

- Bhalswa Lake: Noon to 7pm

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