Delhi is a city dotted with scores of lush parks. And nothing deters dilliwalas from lounging in these green spaces. Come hail or high water, you will always find families, couples and those seeking solitude, snatching moments of fun and tranquility in these gardens.

Nehru Park
This is one park that doesn’t boast of tombs, ruins or monuments. Here, you can look at enjoying uninterrupted greenery and plenty of trees that provide shade during summery evenings. Don’t forget to take a light sheet to spread on the grass though. And if hunger pangs strike, just request the vendors selling chips and namkeen and they will gladly get you tea or coffee as often as you need and also burgers from the Nirula's nearby! What’s more they will even double up as photographers, as long as you tell them how to use your camera!

Deer Park
Adjoined to the `couples filled’ Rose garden, is the Deer park (Chanakyapuri) which is safe bet when accompanied by kids. The animals here, keep the kids’ thrill quotient high. Nothing beats the bewilderment in their eyes as they watch the grazing deer and the rabbits in huge enclosures. As for the greenery, there isn’t plenty of grass around but the park makes up for it beautifully with lots of trees and shrubs. And if you haven’t packed yourself a hamper, a must visit is the multicuisine Park Baluchi Restaurant that’s great for family and romantic meal.

Lodhi Garden
You can spend a good part of the visit, walking through the great tombs and ruins within this huge park. If seeking solitude, the quite spots are aplenty which also provide the perfect excuse for you to enjoy those groovy bites that you brought along. But just watch out for those birds and their droppings… Lodhi Gardens is a premier spot for bird watching! The Lodhi Garden Restaurant within the park rates high on the "romantic meal" index in south Delhi.

India Gate lawns
This picnic spot near Rashtrapati Bhavan needs no introduction. The lawns are choc-a-block when the weather is good. From joint families to lazy loners, you’ll find them all here, with their sheets, blankets and hampers of goodies. Add to that the baloonwalas, channa vendors, ice cream kiosks, and you could look forward to a lot of excitement.

Not in the mood for these parks? Try the Badhkal Lake in Sohna, Gurgaon or the Tughlaqabad ruins on the way to Surajkund which are high on adventure and fun!

So, if you too are planning to soak in the soothing calm of these getaways, better arm yourself with a delicious picnic hamper and a book. But keep in mind that these public parks restrict picnics in summer to the evening hours from 4.30 pm to 7 pm and 11 am to 4 pm, in winters.

Go on, make the best of the fresh air and warm sun.