Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens in Delhi is located on the main Lodi Road, about a kilometer east of Safdarjang’s tomb. The park was earlier known as Lady Willington Park. Lodi Gardens is all about fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs, artificial streams and a jogging track. It is a popular spot visited by people of all ages.

Lodi Gardens was originally a village surrounding monuments surviving from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties dating back to 15 -16th c. The British resettled the villagers in 1936 in order to create the lush green gardens around the architectural structures. It was again re-landscaped by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo in 1968 and it also houses the National Bonsai Park that has a fine selection of bonsais.

There are many species of trees, a Rose Garden, and a Green House, where plants are stored in the Lodi Gardens. Many species of birds can be seen in Lodi Gardens throughout the year. Some of the varieties are babblers, parakeets, mynahs, kites, owls, kingfishers near the lake and a family of Hornbills. Previously many vultures could be seen perched on the domes of the tombs, but their numbers have declined in recent years. It is a delight to watch the playful squirrels in the park which often come near the visitors looking for food. The garden is a sheer visual treat for the eyes during the months of February and March when winter flowers are in full bloom.

In the middle of the garden is Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494. The garden has Sheesh Gumbad (Glass Dome), Mohammad Shah’s Tomb and Sikander Lodi’s tomb. These tombs boast of grand architecture inspiring the style of Tajmahal. These gardens are perfect for joggers and for people who seek solitude.

Lodi Gardens become the most sought-after picnic spot in winter and the park can get really crowded during winter afternoons. Yoga classes are held every morning in the park and regular walkers exercise early in the morning and late at night. Street lamps along the paths and jogging track make the route well lit. A walk around the serene paths of the Lodi Gardens will take you back to the times of history.

Fast Facts:

Here are some facts about the Lodi Gardens which would help you to have a quick glance of this famous garden in Delhi. Also, this will make it a lot more convenient for you. 

Location

Lodi Gardens in Delhi is located on the main Lodi Road, about a kilometer east of Safdarjang’s tomb.

Built In

The British created this beautiful garden in 1936.

Built By

The British planned to build it out of a village surrounding monuments surviving from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties 

Special Feature

Lodi Gardens was originally a village surrounding monuments surviving from the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties dating back to 15 -16th c.

How to Reach

Lodi Gardens being located in the capital city, can be reached from any corner of the country.

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Nearest Bus Stop: Local buses from various points 

Best Time To Visit

Winter is the time to visit this garden.

Nearby Attractions:

The places nearby the Lodi Gardens are some of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. If you are planning for a visit to this famous garden, keep some time for a trip to these unique sites. Rich in historical and cultural significance, these places are a must-see.

Nearby Attractions of Lodi Gardens in Delhi are India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Ugrasen-ki-Baoli, Moth-ki-Masjid, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin’s Shrine and Chirag Dehlvi’s Dargah.  

India Gate

This 42 mt. high stone-arch of victory was built in 1931 and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It stands at the eastern end of Rajpath. It was previously known as the All India War Memorial.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

It is the official residence of the President of India. 600 meters long and 180 meters wide, it was the former residence of the Viceroy of India during the British rule.

Moth-ki-Masjid

It was built during the reign of Sikandar Lodi and is located 2 km. from the Hauz Khas. Standing on a raised plinth, the mosque has a triple-domed prayer hall and a decorated prayer recess.

Lotus Temple

Built in 1986, the Bahai temple or Lotus Temple as it is popularly known because of its lotus-shaped structure, is set amidst pools and gardens. People of any religion or faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.

Nizam-ud-din’s Shrine

It is the shrine of the famous Muslim Sufi and mystic saint, Sheikh Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Chishti. It is located about 2 km. from Humayun’s tomb.

Also, Ugrasen-ki-Baoli and Chirag Dehli’s Dargah are other nearby sites of Lodi Gardens which are worth visiting.

This is not all. The places near Lodi Gardens have some of the finest places to eat and shop. Eatopia at India Habitat Centre, India International Centre, Barista, restaurants at Khan Market, eating joints in Ansal Plaza shopping mall on Khel Gaon Marg and in South Extension Part I & II modern markets, the popular restaurants of Connaught Place will give a taste of a lip smacking variety of cuisines. Of course, the dishes typical to Delhi are not to be missed.

Ansal Plaza on Khel Gaon Marg, South Extension Part I & II modern markets, Khan Market, Janpath and Connaught Place are famous shopping spots near the Lodi Gardens.

Structures Inside Lodi Gardens:

There are some beautiful structures inside the Lodi Gardens in Delhi. These structures date back to the 15-16th c and are tombs and mosques commissioned by Sayyid or Lodi rulers. The architecture is typical of the Mughal-Islamic style and bears historic importance too. Lodi Gardens feature Muhammad Shah’s Tomb, Bara Gumbad and Masjid, Sheesh Gumbad, Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb and Athpula.  

Muhammad Shah’s Tomb

It is located in the southwestern part of the garden. There are eight graves inside the tomb of which the central one is said to be the grave of Muhammad Shah, the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty. The beauty of this tomb lies in its symmetry, the crowning lotus and decoration on the domes. It is a distinctive octangular tomb with the central chamber circled by a verandah which has three arched openings on each side. There are stone lintels along the arches of the verandah with the sloping buttressings at the corner and a chhatri on the roof over the center of each side.

Bara Gumbad and Masjid

This square tomb surmounted by a large dome, is located 300 meters northeast of Muhammad Shah’s tomb. The tomb has facades and turrets and was supposedly built during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi. According to the records, the interior of the tomb had stunning stuccowork and paintings. It is still a mystery whose tomb it is since the tomb had no graves. Bara Gumbad Masjid is situated on the western side of the tomb. It was built in 1494 AD as inscribed on its southern mihrab.

Sheesh Gumbad

It is located a few meters north of Bara Gumbad Mosque. It is also known as ‘glazed dome’ because of its beautiful blue tiled decoration which now remains only in traces above the main façade. The western wall of the tomb has the mihrab that served as a mosque. The interior of the tomb was also decorated with engraved plasterwork containing floral motifs and Quranic inscriptions.

Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb

This octagonal tomb lies about 250 meters north of the Sheesh Gumbad and its features remind those of Mubarak Shah’s tomb and Muhammad Shah’s tomb. Located in the northwestern corner of Lodi Gardens, the tomb has a central octagonal chamber with each side opening in three arches with sloping buttresses at the corner. The chhatris of this tomb have been destroyed. The tomb is enclosed within a square garden with a wall-mosque on the west.

Athpula

It is further located east of Sikandar Lodi’s tomb. As the name suggests (Ath-eight, Pula-piers), the stone bridge has eight piers, seven arches and crosses. There is a small waterway running through the garden. The bridge is said to have been built by Nawab Bahadur during Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign.