Lodhi Garden

Lodhi Garden, Delhi 

Lodhi Gardens (also spelled Lodi Gardens) is one of the best-maintained parks in Delhi, with lots of benches and plenty of green space for spreading out picnic blankets. For many visitors, the biggest draw is the park’s four beautifully maintained domed tombs, including the mausoleums of Mohammed Shah (which dates to 1444) and Sikander Lodhi, and the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb. The gardens are also popular with runners, as the grounds are laced with meandering trails.

While the Archaeological Society of India has provided signboards with details about the tombs, the park is best explored with a guide. Many Delhi sightseeing and heritage tours visit the park, walking tours offer in-depth details about the gardens’ history, and yoga and meditation tours give an energetic boost to your morning.

History of Lodhi Garden

The landscape of Lodhi Garden first came to be when the tomb of Sayyid Dynasty's second ruler Mohammad Shah was built here in 1414 by Ala - ud - din Alam. Similar to this construction., the tomb of Sikander Lodhi was built here by his son Ibrahim Lodhi in the year 1517. Ibrahim Lodhi was, in fact, the last ruler of the Lodhi dynasty and was overthrown by the Mughal ruler Babur in the Battle of Panipat. Under the Mughal, the garden area went under major renovations in accordance with the purpose deemed fit by the rulers. Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, used the garden as an observatory and to keep records as well.

 

Britishers too grasped the importance of this heritage site, and renovations were regularly carried out here under the British Raj. The wife of Governor-General of India, Marquess of Willingdon, landscaped these gardens and the garden was eventually named 'Lady Willingdon Park' upon its inauguration on 9 April 1936. Later on after India's independence, it came to be known as Lodhi Garden.

Things to do at Lodhi Garden

• Morning Walk, Yoga

• Tomb of Muhammad Shah Sayyad: One of the oldest tomb here is that of Mohammad Shah who was the last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty. This cenotaph here was built in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to the leader. The construction of his tomb is a combination of Hindu - style symbolism and Islamic ornamentation. The main complex of the tomb is octagonal and has a central dome embellished with arches, verandahs and ancient fortification structures.

• Bara Gumbad: In the gardens' midst lies the Bara Gumbad, which is a large rubble dome. Incidentally, the Bara Gumbad is not a tomb but a passage to an adjoining three-domed mosque, both of which were built in 1494 during the rule of Sikander Lodi.

• Sikandar Lodhi’s Tomb: Sikander Lodhi's tomb is made in the image of Shah's tomb and is an important example of its kind of architecture. This tomb houses the remains of the battlements within it even today.

• Sheesh Gumbad or Glass Dome: Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Glass Dome, which is called so owing to the glazed tiles used in its construction. The ceiling here contains plasterwork with inscriptions from the Quran and is a humble representation of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. Interestingly, the Glass Dome contains the remains of an unknown family. This was also constructed at the time of Sikander Lodi.

• Water Tank: Once inside the Gardens, one may see remains of a watercourse which connects the Yamuna River to the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi.

• Eight Pier Bridge: An Eight Pier Bridge close to Sikander's tomb, one of the last Delhi constructions resides here as well. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, this construction has seven mighty arches amongst which the central one is the largest.

Traveler Tips

• Delhi is hot mostly all year round. You might want to carry a scarf or a hat in order to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun.
• Staying comfortable is an absolute must. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes so that you can enjoy the most.
• Stay hydrated. Drink loads of water if you are visiting during the summer time. Coconut water is also available at various places. You can have that too.
• Do not litter the place by any means. Plastic wrappers, bottles or bags must not be left behind. It destroys the beauty of the place.

Tips for visiting Lodhi Garden

• Delhi’s temperature is mostly dry and hot. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen for protecting your skin.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to enjoy freely. The heat and hustle-bustle would require free and convenient clothing.
• Carry a scarf with you to save yourself from the heat.
• Take an extra water bottle with you and stay hydrated.
• Don’t litter the garden. Plastic wrappers, bottles, or poly bags must not be left behind.
• Carry mosquito repellent cream with you for avoiding insect bites.
• Visit during the day time to explore Lodhi Garden pleasantly.
• During winters, the temperature around the garden can lower drastically. It can get breezy too, so don’t forget to pack heavy jackets and extra hoodies with you.
• Take shades and goggles with you to save yourself from the sun’s baking rays.
• Keep that umbrella handy in case of sudden rainfalls.
• Take anti-pollution masks in case of a sudden change in the environment.

Best Time to Visit

Most part of the year, the capital of the country is all heated up. The temperature during the summer months is extreme and not meant for tourists and sight-seeing. So, it is safe to say that between the months of October and March is the best time to take a tour of this wonderful place. There are loads monuments and places to visit in Delhi. Spring and winter are very pleasant.

How To Reach

Located almost 18.9 km away from the airport, there are plenty of ways to reach Delhi’s jewel, Lodhi Garden. The quickest way to get to the garden is by hailing a taxi and the ride will almost take 19 minutes. Or, you can book online cabs to reach your destination.

If you want to explore the local whereabouts of the city, you can also take a bus from IGI Airport Terminal 2 station. There is no direct bus but you can arrive at Max Mueller Marg via Krishi Bhawan / Rail Bhawan metro station. The journey will take approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes.