My Travel Diary: Delhi's Lodhi Garden

in r2cornell •  last year 

Hello and welcome to another travel blog.

Today, we will explore a beautiful park situated right at the heart of India's capital, New Delhi... the Lodhi Garden.



Sprawling over 90 acres, it houses many 15th-century architectures from the Lodhis dynasty. Some of the famous monuments are the Bada Gumbad (big dome), the Sheesh Gumbad (mirror dome), the tomb of Mohammad Shah and Sikandar Lodhi.

It is a famous place for morning walks and family picnics. Delhites love to spend some quality time with their friends and families here.

Located close to other famous monuments like the Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun's Tomb, it is a good attraction for tourists as well.



This park is not only historically significant but also very beautiful. You will find different types of trees and flowers... all well maintained by the authorities.



It's a good place within the city if you want to do a little birdwatching or nature walks. A great escape from busy city life. People visit this park often with friends and families.




You will find a small lake on the northwest side of the park. You will find some geese and other water birds there.




Although, the water doesn't look clean. But the birds were having a blast. Maybe it was perfect for them... who knows :)


This lake not only increases the aesthetics of the place but plays a great role in the ecological balance of the whole park. Being surrounded by a busy city it is hugely important for the native bird population to thrive.


Some of the park's area is not accessible to the visitor, better for everyone. And there are a few fountains as well in this lake but they were not running when I visited them.



Perfect place for History lovers

It is one of the important archaeological sites. Let's come back to the important monuments. One of them is the Tomb of Mohammad Shah. It can be seen from outside the park as well. It stands on a lifted ground.



Mohammad Shah's Tomb, Lodhi Garden


It is built by the last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, Mohammed Shah. It is one of the earlier monuments in the park. It is octagonal and has a big central dome with little chattris all around it.



Bara Gumbad (Big dome)

The Bara Gumbad is named after the huge dome sitting on top of the structure. It is not clear what was the purpose of this monument. It was constructed by Sikander Lodhi. It might have served as a gate to the place. These rulers love to waste their wealth on extravagant gates :)



Eastern side of Bara Gumbad


Its carvings are so intricate, especially on the arched gates.




It shares a common raised platform with the adjacent mosque. But the info board suggest that they were not necessarily constructed together.



Bara Gumbad viewed from inside the mosque

Bara Gumbad Mosque

A mosque is constructed beside the Bara Gumbad and is named after that as well. This is a three-domed mosque believed to be used by the ruler Sikander Lodhi for his prayers.



Bara Gumbad Mosque


Ignore the people in the photos. It is such a popular place and it was so difficult to not get anyone in my photos.

This mosque has some inscriptions on its walls.

Mihrab of the mosque
Central dome of the mosque

Inside walls of Bara Gumbad Mosque




Bara Gumbad (center) and Bara Gumbad Mosque (right) front view


You will find two turrets at the back corners of the mosque's walls.



Back wall of the mosque

Shisha Gumbad

Shish or Shisha Gumbad (glazed dome) is another square-shaped dome. Its western walls have a Mihrab that suggests that it served as a mosque as well. It has many graves, possibly of a royal family but no one knows exactly whose.



Western side of the Shish Gumbad




Shish gumbad viewed through Bara Gumbad Mosque window




Shish Gumbad (front) and Bara Gumbad (back)

Other important structures are Sikandar Lodhi's Tomb and the Stone bridge over the lake.

I have already covered the Sikandar Lodhi's Tomb in detail in this post. Also, I have previously posted this on other platform as well.



You will find people exercising, doing Yoga, dancing, singing and doing a lot of other fun activities. I will leave you with some other random shots of the park I took during my visit there.













Do tell me if you liked the place and if will you visit when/if you come to Delhi. Well, I highly recommend checking it out. You won't regret it, especially around the monsoon season. The fresh, cool breeze will lighten your mood instantly and will take you to a happy place.

Thanks for reading...


Note:

  • All the content is mine unless otherwise stated.
  • Photos were taken from my phone and edited using the "Snapseed" app.
  • Banner image created using Canva (free version).

~~ Until Next Time ~~

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  ·  last year  ·  

Looks like a very interesting park! There is a lot of history and culture there. From what I have heard, there are sites like this all around India. When did you visit this one?