Class 6 at Sunder Nursery

An excursion to Sunder Nursery was organised for the students of class VI on 22 February 2019.

Sunder Nursery originally known as Azim Bagh and built by the Mughals in the 16th century is a heritage park adjacent to the Humayuns Tomb. The enthusiastic group of 127 children was accompanied by their teachers on this fun-filled journey by bus which began at 8:30 am in the morning.

The weather was ideal for spending the day outdoors. Upon arrival the students were divided into groups and a volunteer of the Agha Khan Trust took them around the park, throwing light upon aspects of Mughal architecture that they were seeing. All the structures on the premise have been restored by the Trust, to preserve the rich heritage for the generations to come.

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During the British rule, the nursery was established to grow experimental plants, which gave it its current status of nursery. "Sunder" in the name comes from the Sunder Burj tomb located on the same premises. Although the name Sunder Nursery is still used, the park has been called 'Delhi's Central Park' after renovations started in 2007. The nursery reopened to the public as a heritage park on 21 February 2018.

A UNESCO World Heritage status has been granted to the following six structures within the Sunder Nursery - Sunder Burj, Sundarwala Mahal, Lakkarwala Burj, Mirza Muazzafar Hussain's Tomb, Chotta Bateshewala and the Unknown Mughal's tomb. The structure is one of sandstone and limestone. The Burj is finely engraved with floral designs and Arabic calligraphy. There are many artificial lakes with small rectangular fountains and the pattern lotus is frequently found.

Our students visited the Sunderwala Burj, Sunderwala Mahal and the Lakkarwala Burj. The park is Delhis first arboretum and home to some rare trees such as the Pink Cedar, Chukka and Popoi. The nursery was divided into 12 sections-Bougainvillea, Bonsai, Tapioca, Kochia, Kamal Cactus, Croton, Plumeria, Canna, Syngonium, Livistona Palm and Rose. The rose garden hosts an assortment of roses such as the H.T. rose, the Iceberg, Oklahoma, Gold Media etc. Lavender, Poppies, Carnations, Water Lilies and many seasonal flowers appeared in profusion.

There was a small forest with more than 50 species of birds and a Bonsai garden. The children tread the narrow path of the mini jungle amidst the squeals of strutting peacocks and soaring eagles- an ideal ambience for story writing?

The children thoroughly enjoyed their day. The smiles on their faces expressed a lot more than words can describe. The learning did not end there. The excited children returned to School around noon in great animation. A follow up activity in the classroom was poster making and verse composition on any aspect of the heritage site they had just observed.