jaipur-central-park-stone-statute-blog-jaipurthrumylens
Jaipur Offbeat, Parks In Jaipur

Central Park Jaipur | A Perfect Haven For Fitness Enthusiasts

The word Central Park conjures up images of the one in New York. That’s because it is one of the most prominent parks in the world. However, there are a few more parks with identical names. In India, there is one in Gurgaon and Jaipur. Central Park is the foremost park in Jaipur. It was the first park comprising a dedicated jogging track in the heart of the city.

Central Park Jaipur – A Guide

Even though the city is blessed with many parks but there aren’t many that can claim to be so big. The size of Central Park is around 40 acres. My last post on parks in Jaipur was Dravyawati Bird Park, check it out, if you haven’t, until now.

jaipur-central-park-romantic-landscape-morning-walk
Central Park in the spring season
jogging-track-distance-central-park-jaipur
Morning walkers & joggers in the park

History

Jaipur Central Park was inaugurated on 21st January 2006. It was developed by Jaipur Development Authority with the aim of providing a vast green space in the heart of the city for the public.

central-park-jaipur-view-from-tapri-central
Expansive view of the park

It was formerly possessed by the family of the erstwhile rulers of Jaipur. A substantial area of the park was part of the Rambagh Palace a residence of the previous queen of Jaipur, Maharani Gayatri Devi.

hotel-rambagh-palace-jaipur-photo-blog-jaipurthrumylens
Rambagh Palace Jaipur

This palace is presently a hotel managed by the Taj group. A significant part of the jogging track runs along with the perimeter of the Rambagh Palace.

central-park-jaipur-events

Indian Flag

One of the most distinguished features of Central Park is its enormous Indian flag. The flag post is 206 ft tall. This flag has a dimension of 72 feet by 28 feet & was inaugurated on 24 October 2011. Until 2011, this was the tallest flag post in India. However, over a period of time, there are even taller ones in other places in India.

central-park-jaipur-india-flag-size

The flag post is installed on the raised area. There are benches at the base of the flag post where one can sit and soak in the atmosphere.

Stone Statue Installations

The most iconic picture of Central Park, in my opinion, consists of these statutes.

sameer-wheaton-sand-stone-sculpture-installation-central-park-jaipur

They were installed 12 years ago and the credit goes to the artist Sameer Wheaton, a furniture exporter from Jaipur. These are local stones of Rajasthan and represent a constellation. Here is a picture of the same.

stone-art-installation-jaipur-central-park-sameer-wheaton

Jogging Track

The jogging track in Jaipur Central Park is 4 KM long. Initially, there was only one jogging track but as the park became extremely popular among joggers and runners, another one was added. The new one runs parallel to the original one.

jaipur-central-park-man-jogging-track
Jogging track in Central Park

This jogging track is unique as it passes through the Jaipur Golf Club and Rambagh Polo Club. One never gets weary during the walk or jog as the visual element keeps changing. Witnessing the golfers play or a polo match in progress is a frequent occurrence.

It is also one of the reasons why runners and joggers prefer Central Park over the parks in their locality. The walking track in the park is approximately 3 Km long.

morning-jogging-central-park-jaipur-c-scheme
Walking path in the park

Considering a massive number of walkers & joggers visit the park in the morning, having two parallel jogging tracks doesn’t help. A short time ago, a recent extension to the park was added. The secondary area of approx. 6 acre was developed after JDA won the same in a court case. This area was under dispute for a long time in a case with the princely family of Jaipur.

central-park-jaipur-for-couple-jogging-morning

Musical Fountain

The musical fountain at Central Park was the first in Jaipur. It was funded by the Shree Cement group. Over the last few years, it is out of use. It is commonplace for couples to sit near this fountain in Central Park.

central-park-jaipur-musical-fountain-sitting-area

Yoga

JDA organizes a free yoga camp every day in the morning for the city residents near the flag pole. In summer the timing of Central Park Yoga is 6 AM to 7 AM. Apart from this yoga camp, a couple of individuals also organize free yoga for the public. One such class is near gate no 2.

morning-yoga-jaipur-central-park-camp-jda

This park remains a preferred choice of individuals who practice yoga on their own. One can find many people practicing yoga and Pranayam during morning hours.

man-doing-yoga-in-central-park-jaipur

pranayam-yoga-in-central-park-jaipur-jaipurthrumylens
A couple is busy with Pranayam and Yoga in Central Park, Jaipur

Open-air Gym

The open-air Gym was inaugurated in June 2016. Another first in the city. Considering the fact that open-air gyms are popular all across the world, the Jaipur Development Authority introduced one in the park. Since this was a runaway hit among the locals, such gyms were installed in many other parks in the city.

open-air-gym-central-park-jaipur

Music in The Park

JDA frequently organizes music concerts in the park. These are usually classical Indian, jazz, and Indo-western fusion music.

central-park-jaipur-size

It is not just the joggers and walkers who visit this park. It attracts all kinds of people. Kids who love to play, elderly people who want to sit and relax, families out for some fun-filled moments, and friends who want to catch up are a few examples.

flag-at-central-park-jaipur

During work hours, the park is popular among the love birds and a preferred meeting spot for sales professionals in direct marketing. Not many city parks can claim to offer diverse use options.

central-park-jaipur-jogging-track-distance

Trees

Among the variety of trees in this park, the Chilbil or Bandar Ki Roti Ka Ped dominates the landscape. It is better known as Holoptelea Integrifolia

papdi-tree-benefits-hloptelea-integrifolia-jaipur-central-park

There are hundreds of these trees in the park. It is infamous for causing pollen allergy during the spring season. Among other trees commonly found are Peepal Tree, Gulmohar, and Neem. One also finds Bougainvillea all along the fence of Jaipur Golf Course running parallel to the jogging track.

running-track-jaipur-central-park
Jogging track with Rambagh Palace Hotel and Golf Club on either side

Location

Jaipur Central Park is in the C-Scheme area & constitutes a part of a large square land with roads on all four sides. It is surrounded by Birla Auditorium, Rambagh Golf Club, Jaipur Polo Club, Hotel Rambagh Palace, and Ashok Club. Here is a picture of the Golf Club.

rambagh-golf-course-club-jaipur-blog

The Polo Club is known as Rajasthan Polo Club and hosts many international Polo matches every year. It is one of the top polo places in India. Below is a picture of the Polo Club.

rambagh-polo-club-jaipur-central-park

Entry Gates and Fee

Jaipur Central Park is completely free for visitors. There are five entry gates to the park. They are as follows:

  • Gate No 2- Opposite Secretariat on Bhagwan Das Road.
  • Gate No 3- Opposite Royal Ensign Apartments on Prithviraj Road
  • Gate No 4- Opposite Tapri Central on Prithviraj Road
  • Gate No 5- On Tonk Road

An additional entrance and parking option are through the gate of the Rambagh Polo Club/ Jaipur Golf Club. Although it is Gate no 1 people prefer to call this Golf Club entry gate.

central-park-jaipur-entry-gate

Parking & Facilities

There are four parking lots at each of the above four gates. Despite this, it is challenging to find parking space during the morning hours 6-8 AM. Parking is free of charge till 9 AM and after 6 PM.

jaipur-blog-sunset-central-park
A picture of the parking area

Among the facilities, toilets and drinking water are available near gate number 1. There are no storage or locker facilities in the park. Pets are prohibited in the park. Games like cricket or football are unallowed, but one can play with a small tennis ball and frisbee. Riding a cycle in the park or jogging track is prohibited too.

Timing

Jaipur Central Park is open from 5 AM to 9 PM all through the week.

trees-jogging-track-central-park-jaipur

Places to visit near Central Park

  • Statute Circle

    statue-circle-c-scheme-jaipur-hotels-sawai-jai-singh
    Statue circle near Central Park
  • Tapri Central

    tapri-central-opposite-central-park-jaipur
    Tapri Central is a great place to enjoy a cup of tea with great views overlooking Central Park
  • Shahid Smarak  amar-jawan-jyoti-jaipur-shahid-smarak
  • Birla Planetarium & Auditorium
  • Arjun Statute
arjun-statute-jaipur-sms-stadium
Impressive! Arjuna Statue, Jaipur

Things to do in Central Park

Central Park is popular among people for the following things:

  • Jogging
  • Walking
  • Yoga & Pranayam
  • Open-air gym
  • engage in outdoor games like Frisbee etc.
  • enjoy musical fountain
  • Cycling around Central Park perimeter by hiring a cycle near gate number 3

and lastly, do nothing. Sit back and enjoy the solitude in the heart of the city.

Beautiful Sunset

Did I forget to mention that I have witnessed some amazing sunsets in Jaipur Central Park? This is definitely the best place in the urban jungle to witness a lovely sunset. Here is a picture from the summer season of a sunset from Central Park overlooking the Jaipur Golf Course.

rambagh-golf-club-jaipur-sunset-blog

Here is a picture of the sunset at Central Park during the winter season

sunset-in-jaipur-central-park-skywatch-friday

Follow Jaipurthrumylens!! on Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

central-park-jaipur-area-internal-walkway

During the morning hours, vendors selling vegetable juice and other healthy food lines up near the gate no 2. This is the best place for them to make some good money.

graffiti-mural-jaipur-central-park-yoga
Graffiti in Central Park

So what sets Jaipur Central Park different from all other parks is the unique vibe of the place. It is a melting pot of people from different walks of life and age groups. Usually, one tends to see parks in Jaipur filled with the older generation but Central Park is different. This is a preferred park among young runners and joggers.

central-park-jaipur-information-blog-jaipurthrumylens

Advertisement

150 thoughts on “Central Park Jaipur | A Perfect Haven For Fitness Enthusiasts”

  3. I was taken back 4 years when I used to run there. Thanks for a detailed write-up on it with beautiful pictures, correctly said it is such a diverse place 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. Well, since you are a runner, I have nothing much left to add. I guess this is where Jaipur Runners Club started. So where are you currently based, Shubham?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. I used to go to the central park every second saturday to enjoy the Music in The Park event, it has had so many great artists, the likes of Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Shubha Mudgal! The music was always so calming and relaxing. However it hasn’t happened in over 3 months and I really miss it

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. Well, I have little to add since you have experienced it many times, in person. In my opinion, only the best singers and musicians perform at CP. The setting perfect for these type of music. I’m sure it will be back when the world is a safer place once again. Are you a resident of Jaipur?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. Traveling anywhere in Rajasthan during summer season is a bad idea unless you want to spend your day in a hotel or resort. Central Park is good to visit during early morning hours even in summer. Many regular start walking at 5 am. Evenings around dusk are okay too. Looks like this year you will miss Jaipur.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Regulars always go early in the morning. Here in Lalbagh also people go at the same time. Early in the morning jaane ka mauka to retirement ke baad hee mileaga, abhi to Jaipur ya Bangalore… rasoi se chutti nahi milti hai😁😀

        Liked by 2 people

      4. You are right. In spite of visiting Bangalore so many times, I haven’t explored Lalbagh. But last year, I did visit Cubbon Park in the morning. The parks in Bangalore are so beautiful. I love all those huge Gulmohar trees one finds across the city.
        I understand all the pressure kitchen and cooking brings. cooking is your passion?

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Cubbon Park is spread over at a large area and so does Lalbagh, but Lalbagh is known as a Botanical garden. You will be surprised to see the history of some trees there.
        Yes, I do love cooking. But now I like more to explore dishes and some fusion food. Roj ki simple daal roti banane ka dil nahi karta😂😂

        Liked by 2 people

      6. True. It’s funny but last year I was standing right in front of the gate of Lalbagh. But that was during the night when the gates were closed. Prior to that it was many many years ago, I have little memories from that trip. I don’t think I have seen much beyond area near the entrance. Fusion food sounds interesting. Have you heard of indfusion? It’s a blog by Sandhya. I can share details on any social media. I’m not sure if you are using any. 😋

        Liked by 2 people

  7. What a wonderful post, Arvind. Thank you for writing this. I have never been to the Central Park. But then my travels to Jaipur have not been the exploring type. This definitely goes on the agenda, if and when, I do make it to the Pink City. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Rama, most travelers will never visit Central Park because it wasn’t meant to cater to the tourist. Usually, someone who loves to run/jog/walk while traveling finds his way to this park. These days finding such vast green spaces in the city is difficult. I’m sure nature lovers will appreciate a visit. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rama. I do hope you explore the city someday…in your own style. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  8. These type of parks are of utmost importance in the busy city life. These type of places provide the much-required oxygen for all people of all age. I know of a Central Park in Saltlake city near Kolkata though it mostly serves to the purpose of the love birds.
    Loved the sunset shot. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. That’s true, Sarmistha. Green covers provide respite from the vagaries of modern life. Thanks for sharing the information about the park in Kolkata. The love birds thrive in parks across India. Do you visit park regularly?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I generally do not visit parks regularly as I don’t have any favourite one very close to place but whenever I go near to any such places and have time I make sure I go for a walk and sit under the tree for some time. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Yes there are a lot but in my locality the ones are very small and mostly crowded, so when I walk to unwind in my locality I better take a path through the greens within the trees that is less travelled, one of my most favourite spots in Pune (fingers crossed for it to remain the same as these days the rapid encroachment of the natural places are fast common and natural fact). Even half an hour walk through my favourite spot is enough to fill me with positive energy.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Well, embracing nature is rewarding. I’m glad you have this privilege, Sarmistha. I agree the green spaces are being replaced with concrete. Even in Jaipur, not many localities have the facility of a large parks. Usually, it’s a small park for the nearby residents. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  10. This is a delightful photo essay on yet another beautiful aspect of Jaipur, Arv! The park is much more than a place to do physical exercises. There seems to be no end to the wonderful sights of this beautiful city.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I agree park is not merely for physical excercise. I don’t think I can find anyone better to say this than you; afterall you live in a such a beautiful and scenic place. I suppose you don’t even need a park. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I can understand what you mean. Yes, during peak summer season it is hot even in morning. But people tend to miss their morning walks or jogs more in Winter season. I’m glad you liked this park. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. I have been here a couple of times on my visit to Jaipur. It was not much finished. You have beautifully captured the essence of it. Evening walks and then frothy coffee at Statue circle in the night. Thank you for recalling the wonderful place.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You know how to end your visit to the park in true Jaipur style. Many morning walkers end their walk with a Lassi or Kachori! Will you be visiting the city this year too?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Not like I used to, I used to have a dog that we took to the park daily, but he has passed away and now I have cats. I hope to do more hiking this summer as we have quite a few trails near us, but they’re nothing like Central Park. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Hiking trails are way more interesting. They will make a comeback in the current scenario in a major way. Will look forward to your hiking stories and pictures.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. When I saw the title, I did think it was the one in New York and that pleasantly surprised me 😀
    This looks like a huge park and it’s very pretty. It must be so nice to have such a large park in the middle of a urban city. Much like our Cubbon Park here in Bangalore. The stone statues are marvelous, reminds me of the stone monoliths in my hometown. I love these open air gyms, most of the parks in Bangalore have these.
    This post was open in my laptop for a couple of days now, glad that I finally read it 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I have been to Cubbob Park many times. It was only 2 years ago I visited it during morning hours and it seemed like a different place. Bangalore is quite green in comparison. The city is synonymous of Gulmohar trees. I agree it provides residents a good “breathing” space. The park has only been opened not for morning and evening walkers after 2 months owing to lockdown. Thanks for sharing your views, Neel. Do you visit any of the park in your city on a regular basis?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I hope the park opens soon. There are parks in most lanes and bylanes of Bangalore. I am the unfortunate one with not a single park nearby my home. Earlier when I lived in another locality, there were several parks in the vicinity. Not very big ones, but they were really nice.

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.