Mehrauli Archaeological Park is one of Delhi’s oldest and yet, most significant attractions. The cluster of historically classified monuments spread over an area of 200 acres, lying adjacent to the Qutb Minar complex in Mehrauli. There are over 440 monuments in the area; the dates of which range from the British era, to much earlier, in the times of the effervescent Lodi dynasty.
To the northern extent of the Archaeological Park lies Lal Kot, and Adham Khan’s mausoleum – a monument later used as a British residence. As one moves southwards, a barrage of Mughal era monuments lie spotting the landscape. A Sufi shrine, Qutb Sahib’s dargah, lie next to the Zafar Mahal.
A Jahaz Mahal, built by the Mughal emperors, lies in quiet harmony next to a Lodi-era burial ground meant for eunuchs – the Hijron ka Khanqah. The landscape itself is thickly spotted with foliage and that is a welcome respite from the otherwise sultry weather.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park makes for a good weekend place to visit in Delhi. You can simply enjoy a picnic during the winter season or walk through during the summers.
Read about our visit to the Haunted Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan .
The Jamali-Kamali tomb is a beautiful structure made of precious red sandstone that looks architecturally stunning. Sheikh Jamali Kamboh, a brilliant Sufi saint, and his apparent lover, Kamali, a layman, are said to be buried here.
While the tombstones bear no significant inscriptions that could relate to one the exact circumstances of their lives, the monument itself speaks a thousand words. You will see that the tomb is adorned with verses from Jamali’s poetry and it lies enclosed within a garden.
You can simply park your car in a parking intended specifically for visitors and while away the time capturing the gorgeous architecture in your eyes/camera.
Ideal weekend hideaway in Delhi?
Important information regarding Jamali Kamali
Striking architecture of the Jamali Kamali Fort
The Rajaon ki Baoli is a stepwell attributed to being built by Daulat Khan – a Lodi dynasty ruler. It is about 200m away from the Jamali-Kamali Tomb and is easily reachable by car.
The stepwell unfurls as one gets closer, and reveals it’s three underground levels upon a proximate inspection. The entire structure is made of stone, which allows it to retain an earthy cool despite the blistering Delhi heat.
The stepwell was primarily for social gatherings. About sixty steps lead downward to the water source, surrounded by stone carved pillars with arched niches. The water in the stepwell is now silted up. Nonetheless the stepwell was quite instagram-worthy.
Rajaon ki Baoli is beautiful
Playing a princess in this well-kept fort all alone
You must visit Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi
Entrance: If you are coming to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park via metro then you need to take a right towards the Anuvrat Marg and walk down 500m.
The park is just behind the gorgeous complex of the Qutub Minar. There’s no sign board in front of the park – just a board that says ‘Delhi Development Authority, Rules & Regulations’ outside a gate’.
How to Explore the Park: It is best to take a guided walking tour of the park. Make sure you wear comfy shoes and airy, cotton clothes when visiting the Mehrauli Archaeological Park during summers. A refreshing walk through the park will let you enjoy the real beauty of Delhi.
Things to Carry: Sunscreen, camera, hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar (Yellow Line)
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 9am-5pm
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