The last time Delhi’s Purani Qila Lake witnessed vibrant boats, excited children tugging their families to glide along the lake, was 10 years ago. An entire decade later, Purana Qila Lake has resumed boating with paddle boats, a ticketing counter and scenic views, everything that seems like a deja vu for residents who missed the city’s recreational activity.
Boating Services Have Been Resumed At Purana Qila Lake
A report by The Indian Express comes bearing joyful news that boating services have been resumed at Purana Qila Lake after a decade. With the moat cleaned, boats docked, and a ticketing counter set up, the lake is ready to welcome visitors. On Monday, boating was started on a trial basis, and the response was lovely.
The iconic boat ride has made its way to the scenic lake again. Once, ushering in over 2000 visitors every weekend, the boating facility abruptly shut down in August 2016. That’s because Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation couldn’t renew its agreement with the ASI. The agreement was regarding the upkeep of the moat.
Two & Four-Seater Paddle Boats Are Available
While the moat was revived in 2018, the boating didn’t. Moreover, the water body spanning Talaqi Darwaza to Bada Darwaza dried up. But now, 10 years later, boating facilities have brought the old-world charm to the iconic spot. Visitors can choose between a two-seater and a four-seater paddle boat. A 20-25 minute boat ride at Purana Qila Lake will cost around ₹125- ₹150. With rides commencing from Talaqi Darwaza side, visitors can opt for boating from 9 am to 6 pm.
Currently, the lake has five to six boats, with numbers set to increase to 20 to 25 by September. The report by The Indian Express informs that there are also four lifeguards present to ensure the safety of visitors. The credit for the commencement of boating services at Purana Qila Lake belongs to Sabhyata Foundation. The NGO played a key role in ‘Monument Mitra’, which is part of the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project.
The NGO signed an MoU with ASI, which allows them to function as ‘Smarak Sarthi’. This facilitated the Sabhyata Foundation to operate boats, build a cafe, develop new toilets and enhance visitor facilities at Purana Qila Lake.
Delhiites, are you planning to go boating to Purana Qila Lake soon?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/
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