Lodhi Garden

Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Garden & Park

Timings : 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee : Free

Nearest Metro Station : Jor Bagh Metro Station & JLN Metro Station on Violet Line

Best Time to Visit : October - March

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Lodhi Garden, Delhi Overview

Located near the Safdarjung tomb and Khan Market of Delhi, the Lodhi Garden is a luscious garden that houses the tombs of Sayyid ruler Mohammed Shah and Lodhi king Sikandar Lodhi. The construction of this great work of architecture took place under the Lodhi reign sometime in the 15th century. In addition to encompassing the final resting place of two great leaders, the Lodhi Garden also has the Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad within its perimeter. The architecture here shows a mix of work by Sayyidis and Lodhis and is the epitome of magnificent engineering that echoes of Delhi's illustrious history. Currently, this place is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Lodhi Garden was once known as 'Lady Willingdon Park', but was renamed after India gained independence from the British. The contrast of sombre mausoleums against the lush greenery of the gardens makes it a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Along with being an architectural site, it has also become a hub of morning and evening exercise routine for people living nearby.

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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.  
History of Lodhi Garden
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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

1. Morning Walk, Yoga
2. Tomb of Muhammad Shah Sayyad: 
Tomb of Muhammad Shah
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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. 
3. Bara Gumbad: 
Bara Gumbad
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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. 
4. 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.
4. Sheesh Gumbad or Glass Dome: 
Sheesh Gumbad or Glass Dome
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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. 
5. Water Tank:
Water Tank
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Once inside the Gardens, one may see remains of a watercourse which connects the Yamuna River to the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. 
6. Eight Pier Bridge:
Eight Pier Bridge
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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. 

7. Heritage Walks and Guided Tours

Restaurants Near Lodhi Garden

Restaurants Near Lodhi Garden
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The ara surrounding Lodhi Garden has some amazing places to eat. Some of these include Karim's, Garden Chef, Lodi - The Garden Restaurant, Tikka Town and Granma's Homemade.

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Lodhi Garden Reviews

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Antara Mandal

on Lodhi Garden 6 years ago
The best garden I've been to. You can escape from the Delhi's rush and just sit here by the pond with the swans and chill. It has a lot of beautiful sites filled with trees, birds and gazebos. The ar (Read More)chitecture of the buildings is quite intricate. For example, Sikander Lodhi's tomb, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. Not to mention, this place is one of the best places to test your photography skills in the natural light. You'll not regret.

Tina Garg

on Lodhi Garden 6 years ago
Delhi is best known for its gardens and parks. One of the finest gardens in Delhi is the Lodhi Garden where I go whenever I want to experience peace and calmness. I see people from all over the city (Read More)there, couples seeking privacy from the prying eyes, old people coming together and discussing about life, kids playing merrily, fitness enthusiasts jogging and exercising, and some sweet young girl writing in her journal under the shade of the tree. It's a place where people can be themselves and can put off the facade of happiness for sometime. Serene and poised, that's what it is.

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