Details
The Nilgai City Trail is a continuous 35km route through various historical, natural and urban trails of South Delhi. The route, which spans the southern green belt of New Delhi, is part of The Nilgai Trails Project by CapitalTrails.
Through this route, we aim to showcase an unseen side of Delhi as a mixture of nature, history and urban colours of the city. The route spans the biodiverse areas of Maidangarhi, Tilpath Valley and Asola Bhatti and the historical cities of Mehrauli, Tughlakabad and Jahanpanah, which cover 3 of Delhi's 7 ancient cities.
The entire route has been mapped with runnable trails that bypass access or permit related issues (as of March 2022). Key landmark sites of the region, such as wildlife corridors, forts and historical sites, vibrant urban villages etc. have been included to enrich the experience.
Directions
The route starts at the small gate in front of IRIA House in Qutub Institutional Area and runs along the Parathe Wali Gali (street filled with dhabas/restaurants serving delicious food). You'll enter the trails from gate #2 of the Sanjay Van forest near Indian Institute of Foreign Trade at Qutub Institutional Area. Entering Sanjay Van, the initial section is over the historic Lalkot fort bastion which then leads to the exit in front of Qutub Minar to offer a spectacular front-row view of one of Delhi's most prominent symbols. From Qutub Minar, the route goes southeast towards Mittal Gardens, another protected green area which opens up into Maidangarhi village. Via the Maidangarhi area, the route continues southeast to enter Tilpath Valley and move towards Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. Till this point, this route follows The Nilgai Forest Trail, before turning north into Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and Kant Enclave. The route, here, takes on a bit of the road (we're working on an alternative trail-only segment) and passes the Karni Singh Shooting Range and exits at the main Tughlakabad Fort entranceOn the route, you'll move through the ancient city of Tughlakabad before exiting in front of the Jahanpanah city forest. From there, the route will take you through the colours, sights and sounds of the city of Jahanpanah as you exit the forest and run along the village of Khirki, with the vibrance of Khirki on one side and the modernity of Saket on the other, thus giving a picture of the chaotic balance that Delhi offers. As the last leg, the route will return to Sanjay Van via the small gate near Lado Sarai Masjid before looping back to the start point at IRIA House.
Segments
Segment Name | Primary Surface | Areas Covered | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
Sanjay Van | Trail | Sanjay Van | 1km |
Press Enclave Road | Road | Pushp Vihar, Khirki, Saket, Qila Rai Pithora North Wall | 4km |
Jahanpanah Forest | Trail | Jahanpanah City Forest | 4km |
Tughlakabad Forest | Trail | Tughlakabad Fort, Tughlakabad Forest | 2km |
Surajkund Road | Road | Karni Singh Shooting Range | 3km |
Asola Bhatti | Trail | Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Kant Enclave | 9km |
Tilpath Valley | Trail | IGNOU Road, Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park, Sangam Vihar | 6km |
Mehrauli Trails | Trail | Sanjay Van, Qila LalKot, MG Road, Mittal Gardens | 6km |
Things to Know
In the true spirit of FKTs worldwide, this should be attempted with careful planning. The FKT may be attempted as unsupported, self-supported or fully-supported; individually or as a group; in accordance with the FKT guidelines. Here are some pointers to assist in planning the FKT attempt(s):
Gates: There are 2 parks on the course and each may have different open and close timings depending on the season - this information can be found online. Additionally, there may be barriers on the Sangam Vihar trails as these are reserved forests.
Permissions: The entire course is open and its segments are used on a daily basis by locals. However, there is a tendency for barriers to be sprung up randomly as some of these areas are reserved forests. There is also an entry gate at Tughlakabad Fort for which, an entry ticket needs to be purchased.
Direction: The route/FKT may be attempted clockwise or anti-clockwise. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages arising out of various logistics. The route can also be started from any point on the loop.
Terrain: The course is relatively flat and the terrain is mostly non-technical. However, there will be bushes, thorns, loose stones, rocks and gravel that you’ll encounter. Expect slushfests if attempting this in the monsoons.
Time: It is best to avoid certain forested areas after it gets dark. It is also best to avoid road connections once it gets dark. It is advised to start early and choose a start point that ensures avoiding night-time running in risky areas.
Safety: The route is generally safe for men and women. However, it is always advised that you be alert and carry your own personal safety gear at all times. It is also recommended that any first attempt on this route be made in a group of at least 2 runners.
Wildlife: There are wildlife corridors along the route and you’re more than likely to encounter birds and animals in the wild. While most of them are harmless, do watch out for the tricky ones - monkeys, snakes and leopards. Yes, there are leopards here and even though they’re active only in the night, the city forests and Asola Bhatti need to be traversed with utmost caution.
Villages: The route is home to many villages. For many of these locals, you may appear as a spectacle. You may be looked at, laughed at, enquired about your backpack (or oxygen tank, as the locals call it here), but never met with hostility unless you end up intruding their private spaces. It is advised that you greet and treat them with respect, as you’re the one passing through their territory. An eye contact with a ‘namaste’ and a smile will go a long way.
Climate: This region is home to extreme heat, cold and rains. Even in cold weather, the attempt will get painful as there’s minimal tree cover in the forests.
Amenities: The checkpoints on the route are all accessible by a car or cabs, and are well connected to shops and basic amenities. If doing a fully-supported attempt, these may be used by your crew. If doing self-supported, you may find small shops for water, candy, chocolates etc.
Traffic: Unfortunately, roads and traffic are unavoidable. There are a few road segments, and all of them have heavy or fast-moving traffic all day long. It is advised that you run facing the incoming traffic and carry enough illuminated equipment (reflective clothing, headlamp, tail lamp etc.). Wherever available, run on the sidewalk or the cycling lanes and not on the main road. If you see traffic on the wrong side, stop immediately and do not try to out-manoeuvre them.