Mehrauli Archaeological Park is located in Delhi and it beautifully showcases 1,000 years of history in just a single place. The park covers a huge area of 200 acres and it is filled with ancient buildings, tombs and buildings from different times like the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal and also from the British periods. Don’t miss out exploring interesting spots like the Balban’s Tomb, the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, and lastly the beautiful Rajon ki Baoli.
The park is surrounded by a lot of greenery and historical ruins which make it a very popular spot for nature as well as history lovers both. It is a perfect place to escape from Delhi’s noise. You can enjoy a variety of activities here like capturing photographs, and exploring India’s interesting history. The best thing is that entry to the park is totally free which make it open to everyone who want to explore this hidden gem.
Highlights
- State: Delhi
- Time requires for exploration: 2-3 hours
- Major attractions and specialties: Balban’s Tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Rajon ki Baoli, British-era structures, Metcalfe’s House
- Best time to visit: October to March is ideal time to explore the place as the weather is cooler during these months which make the visiting experience pleasant and enjoyable.
- Worth Visiting: Absolutely yes
Table of Contents
History of Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Mehrauli Archaeological Park holds great historical importance spanning over 1,000 years. The interesting thing is that it was once part of the first city of Delhi and has very old monuments from the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, and British periods. Some of the very important buildings you can explore here are the Balban’s Tomb which is one of the India’s earliest true arches, and the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb which is known for its lovely designs.
The British also built interesting places like Metcalfe’s House. Each building shares stories of Delhi’s interesting story and showcases the rise of Sultan rules, and British style. The park has old tombs, mosques, stepwells, and gardens which make it feel like a living museum that connects visitors to the Delhi’s interesting history. Today it is a perfect place for people who want to feel going back in time to explore the city’s past.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park visual appearance
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a beautiful place filled with a lot of greenery and historical buildings. You’ll get to se tall trees and colorful flowers in the park. The old tombs and mosques in the park has very unique shapes and designs which showcases ancient architecture. It is a must to explore the Balban’s tomb because of its tall arch and stone walls.
The Jamali Kamali Mosque is known for its pretty patterns and carvings. Rajon ki Baoli is a stepwell with steps going down to water and it is surrounded by old stone walls which make it look interesting and unique. The park has a calm atmosphere which make it a great spot to take a walk or enjoy in nature. Because of its old buildings and immense natural beauty makes it feel like a hidden gem in Delhi. You can capture some great photographs and know about the city’s past.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park timings
| Days | Opening hours |
| Monday – Sunday | 5:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Mehrauli Archaeological Park Ticket Price
Entry fee to Mehrauli Archaeological Park is totally free. Visitors don’t have to pay anything to enter into the park. Moreover, if a person is claiming to be a ticket person, just don’t pay anything to him.
How to reach Mehrauli Archaeological Park
The easiest way to reach Mehrauli Archaeological Park is by Delhi Metro
Nearest Metro Station to Mehrauli Archaeological Park
| Metro Station | Line |
| Qutub Minar Metro Station | Yellow Line |
| Parking | Yes |
By Air: The closest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). From the airport, you can take a taxi or book a ride through a ride-sharing app to reach Mehrauli Archaeological Park which is about 15-20 kilometers away.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the park.
By Bus: Several DTC buses connect to the area. Look for buses heading towards Mehrauli.
By Car: If you’re driving you can follow GPS directions to Mehrauli. There is parking available near the park.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park address: Anuvrat Marg, opposite Qutab Minar Metro Station, Christian Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
Major attractions of Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Jamali Kamali Mosque
Jamali Kamali Mosque is amongst the top attractions of Mehrauli Archaeological Park. It is a very beautiful mosque build during the 16th century by a Sufi saint named Jamali. The mosque had lovely red sandstone wall and beautiful textures on its walls that shows the skill of ancient craftsmen. Inside the mosque you can see lovely arches and a prayer hall. The mosque is named after Jamali and his friend Kamali who were very important people of their time. Visitors likes to capture photographs of its unique architecture and exploring the lovely gardens.
Rajon ki Baoli (stepwell)
Rajon ki Baoli (stepwell) is a very old stepwell located in the park. It was build during the 16th century and uses as a water storage during hot months. The stepwell has beautiful stairs that takes you down to the water level and it also has beautiful designs on its walls which adds more charm to its beauty. People would come here to escape from the heat and collect water. It is an important part of the city’s history and shows how people used to manage water and get relief of the hot summer days.
Tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan
The Tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan is a beautiful tomb located in the park. It was build during the 17th century and it honors Muhammad Quli Khan who was a noble from the Mughal period. The tomb is build from red sandstone and has lovely carvings on its walls which make it look amazing. Inside the tomb you can see lovely arches and a chamber. It is surrounded by a lot of trees and beautiful gardens which creates a beautiful scenery there. The tomb is an important part of Delhi’s history and attracts people who want to learn more about the city’s interesting past.
Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi
Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi was build during the 16th century for Sikandar Lodhi who was the founder of the Lodhi dynasty. The tomb is made up of red sandstone and has a unique dome shape which make it look very interesting. Inside the tomb there is a chamber which you can explore. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens which enhances its appearance and make it a perfect place for people to relax. Sikandar Lodhi was an important ruler and his tomb shows the style of architecture from his time which attracts people who are interested in the city’s history. Definitely, Tomb of Sikandar Lodhi is amongst the best attractions of Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
Qutub Minar (nearby)
Qutub Minar is a very famous tall tower located very near to the park. The minar was build during the 12th century and it is about 73 meters high which make it one of the tallest brick minarets in the world. The tower has a fantastic design and it is decorated with lovely textures on its surface. Qutub Minar was actually built to celebrate the victory of a ruler and to call people to prayer. You can explore the minar and its surrounding area which include ancient ruins and the nearby Iron Pillar. The best thing is that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a very popular tourist attractions that attracts people from all around the world.
Balban’s Tomb
Balban’s Tomb is located in the Archaeological Park and it was build during the 13th century for Ghiyas ud din Balban who was a very popular rules of the Delhi Sultanate. The tomb is made up of red sandstone and has a unique design with a large dome and arched entrances. The interesting thing is that inside the tomb there is a chamber where Balban is buried. It is surrounded by lovely gardens which make it look even more beautiful. The tomb hold a great historical importance and shows the interesting architectural style of old time.
Bhool Bhulaiya
Bhool Bhulaiya is a maze like structure located in the park. It was build during the 16th century and it is the part of the tomb’s complex of Adham Khan. The name “Bhool Bhulaiya” means “the labyrinth” in Hindi. The thing that make it unique and interesting are its narrow passages and stairs that create a confusing layout. This place is perfect for people who like to know about old architectural techniques and styles.
Jamali Kamali Tomb
Jamali Kamali Tomb was build during the 16th century for a Sufi saint named Jamai and his friend Kamali. The tomb has beautiful red sandstone walls and interesting textures on its walls that make it unique and special. Inside the tomb you can see lovely arches and a calm atmosphere perfect forget all problems of your life. The tomb is surrounded by lovely gardens where you can sit with your friends or family and create some good memories together. It is a perfect place for people who hold a keen interest in history and want to know more about Delhi’s past.
Lal Kot ruins
Lal Kot ruins are located within the Archaeological park. They are the remains of an ancient fort which was built in the 11th century. Lal Kot was the first fortified city of Delhi and showcases the strength of its rulers. The ruins include broken walls, and towers made of red sandstone. The best thing is that you can explore the place and imagine what the fort looked like in the past. The area is surrounded by a lot of greenery which make it a peaceful place to take your family out for a day trip. It is an important place for people who love history and shows the early days of Delhi’s architecture.
Medieval gardens
Medieval gardens are beautiful green fields that are designed in ancient style. The gardens was created during the Mughal period and they are known for their lovely flowers and trees. There are well maintained pathways, fountains and place where you can sit and enjoy in nature. The gardens were designed to offer a peaceful place for important people to relax. You can walk through these gardens and see beautiful plants. These gardens are a great way to experience the charm and beauty of Delhi’s historical landscape.
Suggested read : Lodhi Garden | Tickets, pictures & 6 amazing things to do
Interesting things to do in Mehrauli Archaeological Park
- Explore ancient ruins and tombs.
- Visit the beautiful Jamali Kamali Mosque.
- Take pictures of unique architecture.
- Walk around the peaceful gardens.
- Discover the Rajon ki Baoli stepwell.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park.
- Learn about history from guides or signs.
- Watch birds and enjoy nature.
- Relax and take in the surroundings.
- Go on a treasure hunt for hidden spots.
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Is it worth it visiting Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
Definitely, I’ll recommend Mehrauli Archaeological Park for a visit. It is a perfect place for people who hold a keen interest in history. The park is filled with very old tombs and mosques that are over thousand years old. It is also a peaceful place covered with a lot of greenery which make it a perfect place to take a walk or capture some great photographs.
Some of the key attractions that you won’t miss exploring are Balban’s Tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque, and Rajon ki Baoli. The best thing is that the entry is also free therefor it is a budget friendly way to explore Delhi’s gem. Furthermore, it is located very close to other famous attractions like Qutub Minar so you can explore majority of them in same day.
Time required for exploring Mehrauli Archaeological Park
According to me, exploring Mehrauli Archaeological Park typically takes around 2-3 hours. This time is enough to see the main places like Balban’s Tomb, Jamali Kamali Mosque, and Rajon ki Baoli, as well as to enjoy in the park’ greenery. If you love history or photography then you might want a little extra time. It is recommended to wear shoes as the park is spread over 200 acres.
Best time to visit Mehrauli Archaeological Park
It will be great to plan your visit to Mehrauli Archaeological Park during the cooler months which starts from October and ends on March. These months are best for exploring the attractions of the park because the weather is much more comfortable which make it very easy to enjoy the historical places and lovely gardens. Moreover, it is advisable to visit during morning or late afternoon because of the peaceful atmosphere and you can also capture some great photographs with softer sunlight. You can avoid midday if possible as it can get a bit warm even in winter.
Reason behind the construction of Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Mehrauli Archaeological Park was actually developed to protect and showcase Delhi’s interesting history to people. The areas holds a great importance because it had ancient ruins, tombs and monuments that are thousands of years old and reflects different eras from Delhi Sultanate to British period. This park was created just not to protect or reserve these monuments but also let people enjoy and learn from them.
The best thing is that by preserving these monuments the park shows the beauty of ancient architectural techniques and interesting history of rulers like the Mughals, Lodis, and Tughlaqs. The Archaeological Park feels like a museum that allows visitors to enjoy historical monuments and nature in one place. Some of the major attractions that you can’t miss out exploring are the Jamali Kamali Mosque, and Rajon ki Baoli. Visiting the park is a completely different experience as it feels like going back in past.
Tips for visiting Mehrauli Archaeological Park
- You should wear comfortable shoes as you have to walk on uneven paths so sturdy shoes are helpful.
- Visit during the cooler hours during morning or late afternoons to avoid midday heat.
- You should carry water and snacks as there are limited options available inside the park.
- You should hire a guide or use an audio guide to learn about the historical importance of each places as a guide can add depth to your visit.
- Capture some great photographs as the park is full of beautiful monuments.
- Avoid touching or climbing on historical structures to help preserve them.
- Occasionally, the park also hosts cultural events or guided tours which can enhance your experience.
- The park is home to some wildlife, so be cautious especially in the wooded areas.
Who should visit Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
- History Enthusiasts: People who hold a keen interest in history as there are monuments that are even more than 1000 years old.
- Photography Lovers: Photography lovers as the beautiful ruins, greenery, and unique monuments offers a fantastic photography opportunities.
- Nature Lovers: The park is covered with a lot of greenery which make it a perfect destination for people who enjoy being in nature while exploring historical sites.
- Architecture Admirers: People who love to admire different architectural styles will find the place very fascinating.
- Casual Walkers and Families: The park is perfect for taking peaceful walks or a day out with family, especially during the cooler months.
- Students and Learners: Students who are studying history, architecture, or archaeology can gain a lot from exploring this living piece of Delhi’s past.
Nearby attractions from Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Here are some nearby attractions from Mehrauli Archaeological Park along with their approximate distances:
1. Qutub Minar – 1.5 km
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the tallest minarets in India.
2. Tughlaqabad Fort – 4 km
A historic fort built in the 14th century, known for its impressive ruins.
3. Saket Select City Mall – 4.5 km
A popular shopping destination with various shops, restaurants, and a cinema.
4. Lotus Temple – 6 km
A beautiful Bahá’í House of Worship known for its lotus-shaped architecture.
5. Chhatarpur Temple – 6.5 km
A large and stunning temple complex dedicated to Goddess Durga.
6. Mehrauli Village – 1 km
An old village with historic charm, offering local shops and eateries.
Conclusion
Overall, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a fantastic place to visit and it even feels like a huge museum where see some of the very old monuments and buildings that are more than 1000 years old. This place is perfect to imagine how Delhi looked and felt during different times in history, from ancient kings to Mughals and even the British. You can find very interesting places like stepwells, mosques, and hidden pathways that tells stories bouta the past.
Visiting the park feels like stepping back in time when kings and queens used to live here. The park has a calm environment where you can capture photographs, and walk with family or friends to create some good memories. The best thing is that by visiting here you’re contributing in keeping these old treasures alive and understanding why they hold great importance to Delhi’s past. It’s a fun and interesting place that makes history easy to explore!
What is Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is an open-air museum in Delhi. It has ancient ruins, tombs, and monuments from different historical times. The park shows the rich history of the city.
What are the main attractions in Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
Key attractions include the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Rajon ki Baoli (stepwell), and various tombs, including the tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan and the tomb of Sikandar Lodhi.
What is the best time to visit Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather is comfortable for exploring.
How long should I plan to spend in Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
A visit usually takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to explore and photograph.
Is Mehrauli Archaeological Park suitable for families?
Absolutely! It’s a great place for families to explore history together, enjoy the outdoors, and have a picnic.
Are there facilities like restrooms and food vendors?
The park has basic facilities, but it’s advisable to carry your own water and snacks, as options may be limited.
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