In a sprawling metropolis known for its high energy and bustling markets, taking a Lodhi Garden Walk offers a welcome pause. It stands out as a prime heritage walk in Delhi, giving visitors a chance to slow down and appreciate the city’s complex past inside a quiet environment.
WHY EMBARK ON A LODHI GARDEN WALK?
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│ Architectural Marvels │
│ • 15th-century Sayyid & Lodi Dynasties │
│ • Intricate stone masonry & dome structures │
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│
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│ Serene Environment │
│ • Shaded walking paths & manicured lawns │
│ • Freshwater lake & Athpula stone bridge │
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│ Active Community Life │
│ • Yoga, meditation, & morning jogging │
│ • Golden hour photography & birdwatching │
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Here is why this scenic trail remains a top-tier activity in the city:
- Living History without Crowds: Unlike heavily ticketed monuments, here you can walk directly up to 500-year-old mausoleums without waiting in long queues.
- Fresh Air & Canopy Cover: The garden is lined with old neem, banyan, peepal, and eucalyptus trees, offering cooler temperatures and fresh air during early hours.
- Unmatched Architectural Design: The transition between Sayyid octagonal tombs and Lodi square structures provides an outdoor masterclass in medieval architecture.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Over 50 species of birds—including Alexandrine parakeets, Asian koels, kingfishers, and horned owls—roost in the dense tree canopy.
- Well-Maintained Fitness Loops: Paved tracks winding through grassy knolls make it one of the premier best walking trails in Delhi for runners and casual walkers.
- A Hub for Wellbeing: On any given morning, you will spot groups practicing pranayama yoga, laughing clubs, and artists sketching by the lawns.
History of Lodhi Garden
To truly appreciate your Lodhi Garden Walk, it helps to understand how this land transformed from a royal burial ground into Delhi’s favorite public park.
The Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties
During the 15th century, northern India was governed sequentially by two Pashtun and Turkic dynasties: the Sayyids (1414–1451) and the Lodis (1451–1526). During their reigns, the area surrounding the village of Khairpur was designated as a royal necropolis. Grand tombs were constructed to honor rulers like Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodi, along with influential noblemen and grand viziers of the court.
CHRONOLOGICAL TIMELINE
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1444 AD: Mohammed Shah’s Octagonal Tomb Erected │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1494 AD: Construction of Bara & Sheesh Gumbad │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1517 AD: Sikander Lodi’s Fortified Mausoleum Built │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1936 AD: Lady Willingdon Park Commissioned (British) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1968 AD: Stein’s Landscaping Transforms Modern Garden │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
British Era Transformation: Lady Willingdon Park
By the early 20th century, the historic tombs were surrounded by the small village of Khairpur. In 1936, during the British Raj, Lady Willingdon—wife of the then Viceroy of India—championed a plan to relocate the villagers, clear the surrounding agricultural fields, and landscape a grand garden surrounding the medieval structures. The space was officially inaugurated as Lady Willingdon Park.
Post-Independence Renovation & JA Stein Design
After India gained independence in 1947, the site was renamed Lodhi Garden (also spelled Lodi Garden). In 1968, renowned American architect Joseph Allen Stein—who also designed the neighboring India International Centre and India Habitat Centre—was commissioned to redesign the landscape. Stein introduced glasshouses, a stream-fed lake, and strategically curved pathways that highlight the ancient monuments from various visual angles.
Today, the park is meticulously maintained by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Step-by-Step Walking Route Through Lodhi Garden
Navigating this sprawling 90-acre site can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. This self-guided route ensures you visit every major monument, scenic garden, and photography point efficiently.
SELF-GUIDED WALKING ROUTE MAP
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│ START: Gate No. 1 (Main Entrance) │
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│ Stop 1: Mohammed Shah’s Tomb │
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┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stop 2: Bara Gumbad & Mosque Complex │
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│
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┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stop 3: Sheesh Gumbad │
└─────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘
│
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┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stop 4: Sikander Lodi’s Fortified Tomb │
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┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stop 5: Athpula Bridge & Central Lake │
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┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Stop 6: Rose Garden & Glasshouse │
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│ END: Bonsai Park & Exit to Khan Market │
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- Estimated Walking Time: 60 to 120 minutes
- Total Walking Distance: Approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles)
- Difficulty Level: Easy (flat, paved terrain with ramp access)
Entrance Gate (Gate No. 1 – Lodi Road)
Begin your journey at the primary entrance on Lodi Road. The stone path leads you right into open green space lined with ancient shade trees. Take a moment to check the map board near the entrance to get your bearings.
Stop 1: Mohammed Shah Tomb
Turn left along the primary trail to reach the mausoleum of Mohammed Shah, the last effective ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty (built in 1444). This octagonal tomb features sloping buttresses, stone chhatris (pavilions) on the roof, and delicate plasterwork beneath its central dome.
Stop 2: Bara Gumbad Complex
Walk north along the main central pathway toward the grandest complex in the park: the Bara Gumbad (“Big Dome”). Constructed in 1494 during the Lodi period, this massive square structure acts as a grand gateway to an adjacent three-domed mosque featuring ornate floral Quranic inscriptions carved into red sandstone and plaster.
Stop 3: Sheesh Gumbad
Directly across from the Bara Gumbad sits the Sheesh Gumbad (“Glass Dome”). Named after the glazed blue turquoise tiles that once coated its exterior, this square tomb houses graves belonging to an unknown family of distinction from the Lodi court.
Stop 4: Sikander Lodi Tomb
Follow the stone trail further north toward a walled enclosure housing Sikander Lodi’s Tomb (built in 1517). This unique structure is notable for being India’s earliest surviving garden tomb, directly inspiring the double-dome architectural design later perfected in Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal.
Stop 5: Central Lake & Athpula Bridge
Step through the rear exit of Sikander Lodi’s enclosure to reach the central water channel. Spanning the water is the Athpula (“Eight-Piered Bridge”), an arched stone bridge built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar by his nobleman Nawab Bahadur Khan.
Stop 6: Rose Garden & Glasshouse
Cross the bridge and head west toward the manicured botanical displays. The Rose Garden features dozens of hybrid rose varieties that bloom vividly during winter, flanked by a neat glasshouse showcasing shade-loving flora.
Stop 7: Bonsai Park & Exit Route
End your trail at the tranquil Bonsai display area near the eastern boundary, featuring dwarfed tree specimens framed by bamboo groves. From here, exit via Gate No. 4, putting you within short walking distance of Khan Market for breakfast.
Major Attractions Detailed Breakdown
1. Mohammed Shah’s Tomb
This tomb represents the pinnacle of Sayyid-era architectural design. Its octagonal ground layout is surrounded by an open arched veranda.
Photography Tip: Stand approximately 30 yards back along the southwest lawn around 7:30 AM. The low morning sun casts a golden glow across the front arches while framing the central dome against the sky.
OCTAGONAL SAYYID ARCHITECTURE
┌──────────┐
┌──┤ DOME ├──┐
│ └──────────┘ │
┌──┴────────────────┴──┐
│ ROOFTOP CHHATRIS │
┌──┴──────────────────────┴──┐
│ VERANDA & ARCHES │
┌──┴────────────────────────────┴──┐
│ SLOPING CORNER BUTTRESSES │
└──────────────────────────────────┘
2. Bara Gumbad & Mosque
While the main square building contains no graves and was likely designed as a grand entrance, the attached mosque is an artistic masterpiece. The interior features plasterwork with calligraphic bands and geometric tile cutouts.
Interesting Fact: The Bara Gumbad mosque features an adjacent Mehman Khana (guest house), indicating that this complex once served as a primary gathering site for royal courts.
3. Sheesh Gumbad
The Sheesh Gumbad mimics the height and dual-story exterior appearance of the Bara Gumbad, but its interior houses a raised burial platform with several unlabelled graves.
Best Viewpoint: Position yourself on the grassy mound situated right between Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad to capture both medieval structures in a single wide shot.
4. Sikander Lodi’s Tomb
Unlike the open tombs in the park, Sikander Lodi’s final resting place is enclosed within fortified walls featuring corner turrets and a gateway. The interior garden layout pre-dates traditional Mughal Charbagh designs.
Architectural Highlight: Look up inside the central chamber to view the earliest surviving example of a double dome in Indian Islamic architecture.
DOUBLE DOME CONSTRUCTION METHOD
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│ Outer Stone Shell│ ◄── Gives grand height from outside
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│ Hollow Void │
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│ Inner Ceiling │ ◄── Keeps proportions balanced inside
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5. Athpula (Eight-Piered Bridge)
Constructed in the late 16th century, this structure is one of the few surviving Mughal-era non-monumental bridges in Delhi. It features seven arches supported by eight sturdy piers.
Photography Tip: Position yourself along the southern bank of the lake during late afternoon to capture the bridge reflected across the water.
Best Time for a Lodhi Garden Walk
Planning your visit around the right season and time of day makes a big difference in your overall experience.
RECOMMENDED VISITING WINDOWS
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│ Golden Hour Morning Walk: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM │
│ • Best for fresh air, quiet trails, & birdwatching │
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│ Winter Afternoon Picnic: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM │
│ • Mild sunshine, perfect for families & reading │
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│ Sunset Photography Walk: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM │
│ • Warm golden light on red sandstone monuments │
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Seasonal Comparison
- Winter (October to March): This is the ideal time to take a morning walk in Lodhi Garden. Temperatures hover between 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Winter sunshine makes afternoon picnics enjoyable, and the seasonal flower displays are in full bloom.
- Spring (February to March): The park comes alive with blooming roses, dahlias, and petunias, making it a prime window for nature lovers.
- Summer (April to June): High midday temperatures mean visits should be strictly limited to early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) or sunset hours.
- Monsoon (July to September): Rainy spells turn the lawns deep green and fill the central lake. Washouts clear dust from the old stone monuments, presenting great opportunities for rain photography.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond its history, Lodhi Garden operates as a vital sanctuary for urban biodiversity in New Delhi.
LOCAL WILDLIFE AT A GLANCE
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│ AVIAN LIFE │ │ TREES & FLORA │
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│ • Asian Koel │ │ • Banyan (Ficus) │
│ • Rose-ringed Parakeet │ │ • Neem Trees │
│ • White-throated Kingfisher│ │ • Arjun Trees │
│ • Black Kite │ │ • Royal Palms │
│ • Indian Grey Hornbill │ │ • Hybrid Rose Varieties │
└──────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────┘
- Avian Species: Keep an eye out in the upper branches of old banyan trees for the Indian Grey Hornbill. The lake area is regularly visited by pond herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
- Mammals & Insects: Five-striped palm squirrels are everywhere along the lawns. Flowering beds near the glasshouse attract swallowtail and monarch butterflies during spring.
- Botanic Variety: The park houses tagged botanical trees, including century-old Arjun, Neem, Peepal, and Champa trees that provide shade year-round.
Photography Tips
Taking a Lodhi Garden Walk offers endless inspiration for travel and architectural photographers. Here is how to capture the best shots:
- Use Golden Hour Light: Arrive right at sunrise (6:30 AM in winter) to shoot warm light hitting the red sandstone walls of Mohammed Shah’s Tomb.
- Frame with Nature: Use arching branches of banyan trees or overhanging bougainvillea as natural frames when photographing the stone domes.
- Capture Reflections: On still mornings, position your camera low by the edge of the central lake to capture the reflection of the Athpula bridge and surrounding palms.
- Experiment with Depth of Field: Shoot through stone archways with a wide aperture ($f/2.8$ or $f/4$) to blur the foreground while keeping neighboring monuments in crisp focus.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTLIGHT
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│ 1. Athpula Bridge Waterfront (Lake reflection) │
│ 2. Bara Gumbad Archways (Silhouettes at sunset) │
│ 3. Sikander Lodi Gateway Enclosure (Symmetrical framing)│
│ 4. Palm Avenue Path (Vanishing point perspective) │
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Fitness and Wellbeing Activities
Lodhi Garden serves as Central Delhi’s primary open-air wellness space.
- Jogging and Running: The outer perimeter trail covers roughly 2.2 kilometers on paved, level surfaces—ideal for interval runs or casual morning walking.
- Yoga and Meditation: Grassy knolls behind Sikander Lodi’s tomb offer quiet, shaded areas away from main paths, making them popular spots for meditation.
- Calisthenics: Near the western boundary, you will find open lawns used by local fitness groups for bodyweight workouts and stretching.
Lodhi Garden Visitor Information
| Parameter | Visitor Details |
| Operating Timings | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily, year-round) |
| Lodhi Garden Entry Fee | Completely Free (No entry tickets required) |
| Lodhi Garden Nearest Metro | Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) – 10 min walk; JLN Stadium (Violet Line) – 12 min walk |
| Parking Facilities | Free parking spaces available near Gate No. 1 (Lodi Road) and Gate No. 3 |
| Washroom Amenities | Public pay-and-use toilets located near Gate 1 and Gate 4 |
| Food & Dining | Water dispensers inside; Lodi – The Garden Restaurant adjacent to gate; Khan Market nearby |
| Best Visiting Window | 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM or 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Wheelchair Accessibility | Paved main paths feature ramps; accessible via main entrance gates |
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, you can easily combine your Lodhi Garden Walk with visits to several nearby historical and cultural spots:
- India Habitat Centre (0.5 km): Known for visual art galleries, open-air courtyards, and diverse dining options.
- Khan Market (1 km): A top destination for boutique shopping, bookstores, and upscale cafes—perfect for a post-walk breakfast.
- Humayun’s Tomb (2.5 km): The grand Mughal garden tomb that served as a key architectural blueprint for the Taj Mahal.
- Sunder Nursery (2.8 km): A restored 90-acre heritage park and arboretum filled with flowers and restored Mughal monuments.
- India Gate (3 km): India’s national war memorial, featuring grand boulevards and surrounding green lawns.
Travel Smart Tip: Planning a trip around Delhi’s top heritage attractions is easier when you don’t have to deal with city traffic on your own. You can book a customizableDelhi Tour Package, opt for comprehensiveNew Delhi Tour Packages, or choose a flexibleDelhi Tour Car Packageto comfortably navigate the capital with a private vehicle.
Lodhi Garden for Couples
Thanks to its quiet pathways, historic backdrop, and shaded seating, Lodhi Garden is widely considered one of the top romantic places in Delhi.
ROMANTIC MOMENTS AT LODHI GARDEN
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│ • Sunset strolls across the Athpula Bridge │
│ • Shaded seating along the Rose Garden lawn │
│ • Morning coffee dates at nearby Khan Market cafes │
│ • Architectural portrait photography sessions │
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Couples can enjoy quiet walks around the lake, relax on the grassy lawns near the Rose Garden, or capture outdoor portraits against stone arches. Its safe, clean, and open environment makes it a favorite destination for dates and weekend strolls.
If you are putting together a romantic itinerary, explore our dedicated guide on Couples Visiting Places In Delhi to discover romantic dining spots, quiet parks, and cultural dates across the city.
Sample 2-Hour Lodhi Garden Walking Itinerary
Follow this breakdown to make the most of a two-hour visit:
2-HOUR SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
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│ 07:00 AM ── Entry via Gate 1 & Walk to Mohammed Shah │
│ 07:20 AM ── Explore Bara Gumbad & Mosque Complex │
│ 07:45 AM ── Visit Sheesh Gumbad & Photograph Lawns │
│ 08:10 AM ── Walk to Sikander Lodi’s Fortified Tomb │
│ 08:30 AM ── Cross Athpula Bridge & Walk around Lake │
│ 08:50 AM ── Relax in Rose Garden & Bonsai Display │
│ 09:00 AM ── Exit Gate 4 towards Khan Market │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
- 7:00 AM – Entrance: Enter via Gate 1 along Lodi Road. Enjoy the fresh morning air as you walk toward the Sayyid tombs.
- 7:15 AM – Mohammed Shah Tomb: Spend 15 minutes taking in the octagonal architectural details and morning light.
- 7:35 AM – Bara & Sheesh Gumbad: Walk north to explore the large dome, inspect the intricate mosque plasterwork, and capture photos from the central lawn.
- 8:00 AM – Sikander Lodi Tomb: Step inside the walled garden tomb to see its double-dome design up close.
- 8:25 AM – Lake & Athpula Bridge: Walk across the Akbar-era bridge, watch local waterfowl, and photograph reflections along the water.
- 8:45 AM – Rose Garden & Photography: Stroll through the manicured floral displays and take a quick rest under the shade trees.
- 9:00 AM – Departure: Exit via Gate 4 and take a quick 10-minute walk to Khan Market for breakfast.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To keep your visit smooth and enjoyable, keep these simple guidelines in mind:
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: The full route covers roughly 2.5 kilometers of mixed stone paths and lawns. Comfortable sneakers make a big difference.
- Carry Water in Reusable Bottles: Stay hydrated, especially if visiting between April and September. Avoid single-use plastic bottles whenever possible.
- Visit Early in the Morning: Arriving between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM lets you enjoy cooler temperatures, peaceful trails, and the best lighting for photos.
- Respect the Historic Monuments: Do not climb on delicate walls, write on historic stone surfaces, or step over security chains inside mausoleums.
- Dispose of Trash Properly: Help keep the park clean by placing all waste into designated trash bins throughout the grounds.
- Keep Wildlife Distant: Enjoy watching parakeets, squirrels, and waterfowl, but refrain from feeding them bread or processed snack food.
Extend Your Trip Beyond Delhi
Once you have explored Delhi’s heritage parks and historical monuments, consider taking your trip a step further. The historic city of Agra—home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort—is located just a 3 to 4-hour drive from New Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway.
DELHI TO AGRA CAR TOUR
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│ Morning Departure from Delhi (Yamuna Expressway) │
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│ Guided Tour of Taj Mahal & Agra Fort │
│ │ │
│ ▼ │
│ Return Evening Drive to New Delhi │
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Traveling by private car allows you to seamlessly connect your Delhi sightseeing with a day trip to Agra. You can book a convenient Delhi Agra Tour By Car, select a private Delhi To Agra Tour Package By Car, or browse customized Delhi Sightseeing Packages By Car to enjoy stress-free travel across North India’s Golden Triangle routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Lodhi Garden free to enter?
Yes, Lodhi Garden is completely free to enter for both Indian citizens and international tourists. There are no entrance fees or commercial camera charges for standard handheld photography.
2. What are the opening hours for Lodhi Garden?
The garden is open daily throughout the year from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
3. How long does a typical Lodhi Garden Walk take?
A complete self-guided Lodhi Garden Walk covering all historical monuments, the lake, and the botanical gardens typically takes between 60 and 120 minutes.
4. Which metro station is nearest to Lodhi Garden?
The closest metro station is Jor Bagh on the Yellow Line (about a 10-minute walk). Alternatively, Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium Metro Station on the Violet Line is about 12 minutes away on foot.
5. Is Lodhi Garden good for couples?
Yes, Lodhi Garden is widely regarded as one of Delhi’s favorite spots for couples. Its quiet stone benches, lake views, and flower gardens offer a romantic backdrop for walks.
6. Can tourists hire official tour guides inside the park?
There are no official ASI guide booths located inside the park gates. However, you can easily explore the area using self-guided walkthroughs or by booking a guided walking tour ahead of time.
7. Is photography allowed inside Lodhi Garden?
Yes, personal photography using mobile phones and DSLR cameras is permitted throughout the grounds. Drone photography and commercial videography shoots require advance written permission from local authorities.
8. What is the single best month to visit Lodhi Garden?
February is widely considered the absolute best month to visit. During this time, Delhi experiences mild weather, clear skies, and bright seasonal flower displays across the Rose Garden.
9. Are domestic pets allowed inside the garden?
No, domestic pets like dogs are not allowed inside the grounds to protect local wildlife and keep the walking paths clean.
10. Is Lodhi Garden suitable for senior citizens and families?
Yes, the park is very family-friendly. It features level, paved walking paths, wheelchair ramps, public washrooms, and plenty of shaded benches along the trail.
Conclusion
Embarking on a Lodhi Garden Walk is one of the most rewarding experiences Delhi has to offer. It effortlessly combines royal history, striking architecture, open lawns, and a lively local culture. Whether you want to admire 15th-century mausoleums, jog along shaded trails, or simply sit by the lake watching birds, this historic garden provides a quiet escape right in the middle of the capital.
When planning your Delhi itinerary, pair your park visits with comfortable, hassle-free travel services. Explore the capital with a private Delhi Tour Package, or extend your North India adventure by booking a Delhi To Agra Tour Package By Car with Unseen India Trips for an unforgettable travel experience.
