From Forgotten Ruins To Global Gem: Sunder Nursery’s Remarkable Transformation

Located near Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin, the 90-acre park has become a cultural and ecological hub, attracting visitors from across the globe. It offers a unique mix of restored 16th-century monuments, landscaped gardens, and ecological habitats that showcase Delhi’s native flora and fauna.

Restoration And Heritage

The restoration project revived Mughal-era tombs, pavilions, and water features, integrating them into a carefully designed landscape. Conservation architect Ratish Nanda of AKTC emphasized that the initiative aimed to preserve Delhi’s forgotten ruins while creating a living heritage park accessible to all.

Ecological Transformation

Sunder Nursery is now home to Delhi’s four native habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Rare plants, butterflies, and bird species thrive here, making it a biodiversity hotspot. Portions of the park have been converted into microhabitat zones to replicate Delhi’s depleted landscape and encourage ecological balance.

Public Engagement

Beyond heritage and ecology, the park has become a vibrant public space for recreation, education, and cultural events. From school picnics to photography sessions, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional city parks. Its design encourages discovery, blending history with nature in an interactive environment.

Key Highlights

• Sunder Nursery transformed from ruins into global heritage park
• Restoration led by Aga Khan Trust for Culture with government support
• Revived Mughal-era monuments and water features
• Home to Delhi’s native habitats, rare plants, birds, and butterflies
• Popular public space for recreation, education, and cultural events

Sources: Mint, TravelTriangle, Sunder Nursery official site