The Lodhi Garden in New Delhi sprawls over 90 acre, and boasts impressive architectural marvels from the 15th century, including the tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodhi, the Shisha Gumbad, and the Bara Gumbad, all of which were built by the Lodhi dynasty, who once ruled parts of northern India and Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of present-day Pakistan. The site, now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), draws exercise and walking enthusiasts, particularly the locals of Delhi, who relish the park’s tranquil ambience and historical significance. Between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s Tomb on Lodhi Road, Lodhi Gardens remains a popular destination for morning walks.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Butterfly Garden, created to attract various species of butterflies. The garden is filled with nectar plants and host plants essential for the growth and development of butterflies. It is a great place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Another interesting feature of the park is Bonsai Park, which has a collection of miniature trees. The art of bonsai involves cultivating small trees that resemble their full-sized counterparts. The Bonsai Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in this unique form of gardening. Lodhi Garden also has a variety of other amenities, such as a children’s park, a jogging track, and a small lake where visitors can go boating.
Source: Pinterest
Lodhi Garden: Architecture
Within the gardens lies the imposing Bara Gumbad, a large rubble-constructed dome that, despite its name, is not a tomb but rather a gateway to the attached three-domed mosque or a massive walled enclosure. Built during the reign of Sikander Lodhi in 1494, the Bara Gumbad is flanked by a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be spotted. Across from the Bara Gumbad stands the Shisha Gumbad, also known as the ‘mirror dome’, named for the glazed tiles used in its construction. The graves within the Shisha Gumbad are not definitively identifiable, belonging to either an unknown family of Sikandar Lodhi’s court or Bahlul Lodhi.
The remnants of a stream that may have once stretched to the Yamuna River are located north of the gardens. Adjacent to the stream is the Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi, still encircled by its original battlements. From the tomb, visitors can glimpse the Athpula Bridge, a historical monument built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and featuring seven arches, the centre of which is the largest. Also situated within the gardens is the Tomb of Mohammed Shah, the earliest of the tombs, built in 1444 as a tribute to Mohammed Shah by Alauddin Alam Shah, the last ruler of the Sayyid dynasty. The tomb is an octagonal structure with numerous ornamental Hindu-style chhatris around the central dome and numerous arches, verandahs, and sloping buttresses. Turrets occupy each corner, while a 16-sided drum supports the main tomb. Despite its impressive base, the tomb appears relatively diminutive due to the chhatris that surround it. Interestingly, the Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi appears to have been modelled after this Sayyid tomb several years later.
Lodhi Gardens holds significant value as an archaeological site due to the scarcity of surviving structures from the Sayyid and Lodhi eras. The tomb of Mohammed Shah, which can be seen from Lodhi Road, is the oldest tower within the garden premises and showcases an amalgamation of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements. The eight chhatris with lotus finials, decorative bands, ornamental pinnacles (guldastas), and chhajja are some of the Hindu features incorporated in its design.
Source: Pinterest
How to reach Lodhi Garden?
Lodhi Garden is located in New Delhi, India. Here are the different ways to reach Lodhi Garden:
By metro: Jor Bagh Metro Station (Yellow Line) is the nearest metro station to Lodhi Garden. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a metro station cab to Lodhi Garden.
By bus: You can take a DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) bus to Lodhi Garden. The nearest bus stops are Safdarjung Tomb and Khan Market.
By car: You can hire a taxi or drive to Lodhi Garden. The garden is located near Lodhi Road, which is easily accessible by car.
By auto-rickshaw: You can hire an auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Delhi to reach Lodhi Garden. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw.
The address of Lodhi Garden is Lodhi Road, Beside India International Centre, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India.
History of Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Garden is a historical park in New Delhi, originally known as Bagh-i-Jud or the Garden of the House of Jud. The garden was established during the reign of the Sayyid Dynasty, between the 14th and 15th centuries, as a leisure garden for the Sayyid and Lodhi rulers.
During the 16th century, the Mughal Empire took over Delhi, and the garden fell into disrepair. It was later restored by the British in the 20th century and named after the Lodhi dynasty, which ruled Delhi during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The garden has several significant historical monuments, including the tomb of Sikander Lodhi, the ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, and the Shisha Gumbad, a dome-shaped mausoleum covered in glazed tiles.
Today, Lodhi Garden is a popular destination for tourists and locals who enjoy the greenery and historical monuments. The garden is well-maintained and features a variety of trees, flowers, and birds. It is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and photography.
Other activities to do at Lodhi Garden
Apart from admiring the historical monuments and enjoying the lush greenery, there are several other activities in Lodhi Garden. Here are some of them:
Yoga and meditation: The garden provides a serene environment for practising yoga and meditation. You can find several quiet corners where you can practise yoga or meditate.
Picnicking: Lodhi Garden is an excellent spot for picnicking. You can bring your food or buy snacks from the vendors outside the park. There are picnic tables and benches placed throughout the park where you can sit and enjoy your meal.
Photography: The garden is a photographer’s delight. The lush greenery and the historical monuments make for some stunning photographs. You can capture the beauty of the garden and the monuments with your camera.
Bird watching: Lodhi Garden is home to several species of birds, including kingfishers, parakeets, and peacocks. You can bring binoculars and enjoy bird watching in the garden.
Walking and jogging: The garden has several paved paths to walk or jog. The paths are surrounded by greenery and provide a perfect escape from the chaos of the city.
Reading: Lodhi Garden is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet spot to read. You can find several benches and shaded areas to sit and read a book.
FAQs
Who were the Lodhis?
The Lodhis dynasty ruled parts of northern India, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of present-day Pakistan, from 1451 to 1526.
What is the significance of Lodhi Garden?
Lodhi Garden is an important archaeological site, as there are few surviving structures from the Lodhi and Sayyid periods of Delhi's history. The garden also serves as a popular spot for exercise and leisure activities for locals and visitors.
What are the opening hours of Lodhi Garden?
Lodhi Garden is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Is there an entry fee to visit Lodhi Garden?
No, there is no entry fee to visit Lodhi Garden.
Is photography allowed in Lodhi Garden?
Yes, photography is allowed in Lodhi Garden, but visitors are advised to respect the historical structures and other visitors.
Are pets allowed in Lodhi Garden?
Yes, pets are allowed in Lodhi Garden, but visitors are advised to clean up after their pets and keep them on a leash.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
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