4.6 / 5

Lodhi Gardens

📍 Lodhi Gardens, DelhiView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March, during the cooler months.

⏰ Open Hours:Daily, from sunrise to sunset.

🎯 Things To Do:Explore historical monuments, bird watching, enjoy a picnic, photography.

💰 Entry Fees:Free

👥 Traveller Types:History buffs, Nature lovers, Photographers.

📌 Known For:Home to several historical monuments of 15th century by Lodhi dynasty, lush green gardens, and a hotspot for morning and evening walks.

🚄 Distances:About 4 km from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station, 15 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, 8 km from Connaught Place.

🦜 Bird Watching:Over 50 species of birds can be spotted here.

📸 Photography:Photography is allowed and offers great scenes.

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible paths are available.

📜 UNESCO Site:N/A

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Lodhi Gardens: A Historical and Cultural Oasis in Delhi

Did you know that Lodhi Gardens is one of the oldest and largest public parks in Delhi, with a history that spans over 500 years? Lodhi Gardens is a 90-acre park that houses several monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries, belonging to the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. It is situated in the heart of Delhi, near Khan Market and India Habitat Centre. It is a popular destination for tourists, locals, historians, and nature lovers alike, as it offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and culture of Delhi.

In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and attractions of Lodhi Gardens, and how you can make the most of your visit to this historical and cultural oasis in Delhi.

History of Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens was originally known as Bagh-e-Jud, meaning the garden of Jud. It was built by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah, the last ruler of the Sayyid dynasty, in 1451. He also constructed a tomb for himself in the garden, which is now known as Mohammed Shah Tomb. Later, Sikandar Lodi, the second ruler of the Lodi dynasty, expanded the garden and built his own tomb there in 1517. He also commissioned several other structures such as Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad in the garden.

After his death, his son Ibrahim Lodi continued to rule from Delhi until he was defeated by Babur in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. The garden then came under the control of the Mughals, who added some more monuments such as Athpula Bridge and Bonsai Park. The garden remained neglected for centuries until it was restored by the British in 1936.

They renamed it as Lady Willingdon Park, after the wife of the then Governor-General of India. They also relocated some villages that were situated in the area to create more space for the park. In 1947, after India’s independence, the park was renamed as Lodhi Gardens, to honor its original builders.

According to legend, Sikandar Lodi used to hold court under a large tree in Lodhi Gardens, which is still standing today. The tree is known as Sikandar Lodi’s Court Tree or Barah Khamba Tree. It has 12 branches that spread out like an umbrella. It is said that Sikandar Lodi used to sit under this tree and listen to the petitions and grievances of his subjects. He also used to dispense justice and reward his loyal followers under this tree.

Another interesting fact about Lodhi Gardens is that it was the site of a secret meeting between Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. The meeting took place on February 14, 1947, just six months before India’s independence. It is believed that Nehru and Edwina had a romantic relationship that lasted for several years. They used to meet at Lodhi Gardens to escape from the public eye and spend some time together.

Architecture of Lodhi Gardens

The monuments in Lodhi Gardens showcase a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, which combines elements from Hindu, Persian, Turkish, and Arabic influences. The tombs are octagonal or rectangular in shape, with domes and arches. The walls are decorated with intricate carvings, calligraphy, tiles, and paintings. The gardens are landscaped with lawns, fountains, ponds, pathways, and flower beds.

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The tombs in Lodhi Gardens represent the power and prestige of the rulers who built them. They also reflect their religious beliefs and practices. The tombs are oriented towards Mecca, the holy city of Islam. They also have mihrabs or prayer niches on their walls. The domes symbolize the vault of heaven or paradise. The arches represent gateways or portals to eternity.

Some of the most notable monuments in Lodhi Gardens are:

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Mohammed Shah Tomb: This is the oldest monument in Lodhi Gardens, built by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah for his father Mohammed Shah in 1444. It is an octagonal tomb with a dome that rests on eight pillars. It has three arched openings on each side that allow light and air to enter. It has a verandah that surrounds the tomb chamber. It has floral motifs and Quranic verses on its walls.

Sikandar Lodi Tomb: This is the most prominent monument in Lodhi Gardens, built by Ibrahim Lodi for his father Sikandar Lodi in 1517. It is a rectangular tomb with a dome that rests on 16 pillars. It has a double-storeyed facade that has arched openings and balconies. It has a large courtyard that has three gateways on each side. It has geometric patterns and Quranic verses on its walls.

Bara Gumbad: This is a complex that consists of a large dome, a mosque, and a mehman khana or guest house. It was built in 1494 by an unknown ruler. The dome is one of the largest in Delhi, with a diameter of 18.5 meters. It has no tomb underneath it, but it may have been built as a gateway or a memorial. The mosque is one of the finest examples of Lodi architecture, with five arched openings and three domes. It has intricate carvings and inscriptions on its walls. The mehman khana is a rectangular hall that has four arched openings and a flat roof. It may have been used as a residence or a meeting place.

Sheesh Gumbad: This is a tomb that was built in 1495 by an unknown ruler. It is similar to Bara Gumbad, but smaller in size. It has a dome that rests on 12 pillars. It has four arched openings on each side that lead to the tomb chamber. It has blue tiles and paintings on its walls, which give it the name Sheesh Gumbad, meaning the glass dome.

How to Reach

Lodhi Garden is a beautiful park in Delhi that has many historical monuments and attractions. If you want to visit Lodhi Garden, here are some ways to reach it:

By metro:

The nearest metro station to Lodhi Garden is Jor Bagh Metro Station, which is on the Yellow Line. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cab to Lodhi Garden. It will take you about 10 minutes and cost you around Rs. 50.

By bus:

You can also take a DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) bus to Lodhi Garden. There are many buses that stop near Lodhi Garden, such as 505, 522, 615, 620, and 624. You can check the bus routes and timings on the DTC website1 or use an app like Google Maps or Moovit to plan your trip.

By car:

If you have your own car or want to rent one, you can drive to Lodhi Garden. It is located on the main Lodi Road, which lies between Khan Market and Safdarjung Tomb. You can use a GPS device or an app like Google Maps or Waze to navigate your way. You can park your car at the parking lot near the entrance of Lodhi Garden. The parking fee is Rs. 20 per hour.

Lodhi Garden is open from 6 am to 8 pm (October-March) and from 5 am to 8 pm (April-September). There is no entry fee or camera fee for visiting Lodhi Garden. You can enjoy the history, architecture, and nature of Lodhi Garden at your own pace. You can also join a guided tour or a heritage walk to learn more about the park.

Attractions of Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is not only a historical and cultural site, but also a recreational and educational one. You can do various things at Lodhi Gardens, such as:

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Birdwatching:

Lodhi Gardens is home to over 100 species of birds, including migratory ones. You can spot peacocks, kingfishers, parakeets, hornbills, eagles, and many more. You can also visit the Delhi Bird Club, which organizes regular walks and events at Lodhi Gardens.

Photography:

Lodhi Gardens is a photographer’s paradise, as it offers stunning views of the monuments, gardens, and wildlife. You can capture the beauty and diversity of Lodhi Gardens in your camera. You can also join the Delhi Photography Club, which conducts workshops and exhibitions at Lodhi Gardens.

Jogging:

Lodhi Gardens is a popular spot for joggers and fitness enthusiasts, as it has well-maintained tracks and trails. You can enjoy a refreshing and healthy run in the midst of nature and history. You can also join the Delhi Runners Group, which organizes regular runs and marathons at Lodhi Gardens.

Yoga:

Lodhi Gardens is a serene and peaceful place for practicing yoga and meditation. You can relax your mind and body in the calm and soothing environment of Lodhi Gardens. You can also join the Delhi Yoga Club, which offers classes and sessions at Lodhi Gardens.

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Picnicking:

Lodhi Gardens is a great place for picnicking with your family and friends. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the nearby stalls and cafes. You can enjoy a leisurely and fun-filled day at Lodhi Gardens.

Boating:

Lodhi Gardens has a large pond where you can enjoy boating and fishing. You can rent a boat or a fishing rod from the nearby vendors. You can also admire the aquatic life and plants in the pond.

Visiting the National Bonsai Park:

Lodhi Gardens has a special section dedicated to bonsai or miniature trees. You can see over 250 varieties of bonsai from different parts of India and the world. You can also learn about the art and science of bonsai from the experts.

Also check out: A visit to LODHI GARDEN and LODHI ART DISTRICT

Other Places to Visit Near Lodhi Gardens

There are many other attractions to visit near Lodhi Gardens, such as:

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India Gate

India Gate: This is a majestic monument that commemorates the soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. It is also a popular spot for picnics, boating, and enjoying the evening lights. It is about 5 km from Lodhi Gardens.

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple: This is a stunning temple that resembles a lotus flower. It is a place of worship for the Baháʼí faith, but it welcomes people of all religions and backgrounds. It is known for its architecture, gardens, and peaceful atmosphere. It is about 6 km from Lodhi Gardens.

Gandhi Smriti

Gandhi Smriti: This is a museum that preserves the memory and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It is the place where he spent his last days and was assassinated. It displays his personal belongings, photographs, paintings, and sculptures. It also has a multimedia show and a library. It is about 4 km from Lodhi Gardens.

These are some of the attractions that you can visit near Lodhi Gardens. You can also check out some other places such as Khan Market, Habitat World Convention Centre, Sai Baba Temple, and Safdarjung’s Tomb.

Lodhi Gardens is a unique place that combines history, culture, nature, and recreation in one. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the essence of Delhi.

If you are planning to visit Delhi, make sure to include Lodhi Gardens in your itinerary. You will not regret it. And if you have already visited Lodhi Gardens, let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

You may also like to check out: Why is Lodi Gardens the perfect spot for Lazy Sundays?

We hope you enjoyed this article about Lodhi Gardens. If you want to read more articles like this, visit Tripoto.com, where you can find thousands of travel stories, guides, tips, and recommendations from travelers like you.

Lodhi Gardens Reviews

For a 17-year old girl coming from a middle class conservative family, travelling alone is much of a taboo. But when when you have fallen head over heals for travelling then nothing seems to matter. One fine afternoon, I picked up my bag, put on my sneakers, plugged in my earphones and was all set for my journey. Monuments have always fantasised me. That very feeling which arises on seeing ruins, musty brown walls with verses inscribed on it and obviously the names of the most romantic couples, the serene environment (only when you go on working days which i did) and the content which you experience. After enjoying a metro ride till JLN metro station, I took an auto and there I was, finally at my destination. The very sight of the monument was mesmerising, its beauty lies beyond words. As I walked on the cemented pavement, I tried to capture each and every moment spent here through my camera lenses. Coming to the historical facts, it is the tomb of Mohammed Shah, the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers built in 1444. Sikander Lodi's tomb (the last ruler of the Lodi Dynasty) is also present along with Shisha Gumbad and Bada Gumbad. The the most eye capturing scene is when you walk inside the walled enclosure of Sikander Lodi's tomb. The blossoming trees, the lush greenery, the tranquillity and the happiness on seeing someone lying peaceful forever staying in touch with his roots and yet far far away from the earth. Also, sitting under the trees by the lake with your favourite book adds to the pleasure altogether. I even fed the swans with some seeds which made me even more confident about the fact that I do have a way with animals. On witnessing the brownish coloured, antiquated bridge you sure will be reminded about the British era. So, even after some 600 years its still serves its motive. The statue personifies the valour, greatness and the superiority of the king in who's memory it was constructed. Surely such monuments stand the ravages of time and immortalise mere mortals for ages to come. I firmly believe that a visit to the Lodhi gardensis a must must as it will take you to a realm where beauty and serenity stretches far and wide.
As the name suggests , Lodhi Garden is a beautiful nature park situated in the capital city of India . It contains the tombs of Sayyid ruler Mohammed Shah and Lodhi king Sikandar Lodhi, Bada Gumbad (Big Dome) that lies in the middle of the garden and the Shisha Gumbad (mirror dome) opposite the Bada Gumbad. The main sight has the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, the second ruler of the Lodi Dynasty. The monument is situated approx 100 meters away from the Bara Gumbad. The architecture of these tombs showcases Islamic and Hindu styles and consists of a central dome and octagonally arranged small domed structures forming a lotus finial. The 90 acre garden was designed in 1936 and by the wife of the then Governor-General of India, Lady Willingdon and so was named Lady Willington Park. After Independence, the name was changed to Lodhi Gardens. The garden underwent a makeover in 1968 by American landscape architect Garrett Eckbo and architect Joseph Allen Stein. Over the years, it has developed into a lush green tree-shaded garden with captivating historical structures ,tombs, bridges and a glass garden showcasing the beauty of bonsai and roses. Due to the lush green cover, with freshness and purity of nature, Lodhi Garden has become an ideal and famous spot for family outings/ picnic, morning walks, yoga routines and for all those who want to spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature. Visit once and explore this beautiful place!!! Entry ticket : Free Timings : 6am to 8pm
I heard of Lodhi Gardenas a place of lover’s paradise, back during my college days and never gave a try to visit it, especially when my college (Dyal Singh College) was few steps away! Later, in 2015 when I fortunately took a walk there while waiting for a friend, I realized that I had actually undervalued the garden. Later from 2016 to 2018, I had subsequent visits, but not in a leisurely way. I have known that I can’t travel to other states anytime soon after the lock down, so I decided to visit both Lodhi Gardenand Lodhi Art districtfor a change. I also know that if not attracted by the physical beauty of the places, I will at least have a peace of mind there (as I couldn’t keep myself indoors anymore). There’s no doubt in this, thatLodhi gardennot only proves a candy to my hungry mind, but has also become one of my favorite gardens with such a huge variety of flora and birds all around. This time, I have had spent enough time while admiring the beauty of the garden and walking leisurely for not less than three hours.
ℙ𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕤.. 𝕠𝕣 𝔻𝕖𝕝𝕙𝕚? https://youtu.be/E_flXIyzoyY From the quite overwhelming crowds and busyness of Paharganj, we went into the calm & serene of these beautiful gardens in the south of Delhi. 🌴 Spread over 90 acres (360,000 m2), the park has an enormous surface, and you can easily spend a few hours here. There are some mausoleums and other buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, which were built by the Lodis. They ruled parts of northern India and Punjab and a province of modern-day Pakistan (from 1451 to 1526). 🌴 The gardens in between the mausoleums were commissioned in the colonial period by a British general and named 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬, after his wife. In order to be able to create the gardens, two villages had to be destroyed. All to make his wife feel more at home.. 🌴 Luckily the result is beautiful, well maintained (the site is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)), and a very popular spot for both 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘩𝘪𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 and outsiders. #lodigarden#lodhigardens#citypark#greendelhi#delhigreen#beautifuldelhi#mistycity#mausoleum#lodis#beautifularchitecture#calm#serene#digitalart#digitaldrawing#Ibispaint#youcut#breuhuys Music: Russian soap opera / musician: Ilya Truhanov / URL: https://icons8.com/music
4. Lodhi Gardens: A beautiful garden in the heart of the capital city of India, Lodhi Garden is an amazing place to walk, have a picnic and enjoy with family. It is known for its historical structures like the Tomb of Muhammed Shah, Tomb of Sikander Lodhi, the Bada Gumbad or the Big Tomb etc. Owing to these structures, it is considered a great place for preservation. Needless to say, the garden has well manicured lawns ideal for winter noons and summer evenings. Besides these, Lodhi restaurant serves a brilliant cuisine and is advisable to pre-book a table. Thus, Lodhi Garden has all it takes to make it a perfect spot for handing out – its cultural significance, lush lawn-stretch, walkways and eating joint.
Photos of Lodhi Gardens
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