Lodhi Garden

At the heart of New Delhi, Lodhi Garden is a historic park spanning some 90 hectares, home to 15th and 16th-century tombs, shaded lawns, and pathways frequented by residents from daybreak. Protected as a heritage monument, it weaves together Mughal architectural heritage and the sultanate of Delhi with a living green space—a rarity in a metropolis as dense as this.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Admission: Free for all visitors
• Hours: Open from sunrise to sunset (exact times vary by season)
• Suggested duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete walk
• Access: Jor Bagh metro station (Yellow Line), a few minutes' walk from the main entrance
• Dress code: No restrictions; wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel paths
• Accessibility: Main pathways are passable, though the immediate surroundings of the tombs remain uneven

What You'll See

The garden preserves four major monuments from the sultanate of Delhi and the Lodi dynasty. The Tomb of Mohammed Shah (circa 1444) is among the earliest to adopt an octagonal plan. The Tomb of Sikander Lodi, surrounded by a fortified enclosure, illustrates the evolution toward Mughal architecture. The Bara Gumbad (great dome) and Shish Gumbad (glass dome) form a compact ensemble in the park's northern section.

Between the monuments, manicured lawns, ponds, and bougainvillea create a setting beloved by joggers, families, and photographers.

History and Context

The site was developed as a public garden in 1936 by British colonial authorities, who relocated the village of Khairpur to expose the tombs. The monuments themselves date from the Sayyid (1414–1451) and Lodi (1451–1526) dynasties, the last sultanate dynasties before the Mughal conquest. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) now ensures their preservation.

Highlights of Your Visit

Bara Gumbad and Its Adjacent Mosque

This 15th-century complex comprises a grand dome of unidentified burial, a three-arched mosque, and an entrance pavilion. The Quranic inscriptions in stucco on the interior walls are remarkably well preserved.

Tomb of Sikander Lodi

Built in 1517, it stands within a fortified enclosure featuring corner towers. It is one of the finest examples of late Lodi architecture, foreshadowing the enclosed Mughal gardens to come.

Sunrise Stroll

From opening hours, the garden comes alive with neighborhood residents out for walks or practicing yoga. The raking light on the grey domes and dew-laden lawns creates an atmosphere entirely different from a midday visit.

Photography Tips

Morning light—about an hour after opening—is ideal for photographing Bara Gumbad without backlighting. In late afternoon, the Tomb of Mohammed Shah catches golden light from the eastern pathway. No photography restrictions are posted for individual visitors; commercial shoots require ASI authorization.

Location and Access

Lodhi Garden sits in the Lodhi Colony neighborhood, between Safdarjung Road and Lodhi Road, in south New Delhi. Jor Bagh metro station (Yellow Line) provides the most direct access. The garden lies approximately 3 km from Humayun's Tomb and a similar distance from Qutb Minar by car or auto-rickshaw.

In the Vicinity

• Humayun's Tomb — a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and precursor to the Taj Mahal, a few kilometers to the southeast.
• Safdarjung Tomb — an 18th-century mausoleum within an enclosed garden, just opposite the north entrance of Lodhi Garden.
• Khan Market — an upscale shopping destination just steps away, ideal for a coffee or bookshop break after your stroll.
• National Rail Museum — a short auto-rickshaw ride away, a worthwhile stop for families.