Lodhi Garden: A Local Guide to Delhi’s Favourite Garden 2024
Even if you have limited time in Delhi, make sure you visit Lodhi Garden. It is Delhi’s most beautiful heritage park and it is mesmerizing. It’s a tiny ecosystem of the very best of Delhi: historic monuments, numerous species of flora and fauna, and it holds a special place in the hearts of locals.
This park never fails to captivate me no matter how many times I go – and I have been a lot! There is something magical about it. Even Delhiites, who are used to seeing tombs and historic ruins everywhere, love this park. It’s a remarkable place.
Visiting Lodhi Garden: Overview
Lodhi Garden is an 80 acre public park located in South Delhi. It contains tombs and ruins from two of India’s ruling dynasties, the Sayyids and Lodhis (1414-1526). Besides the historic monuments, the park is home to over 200 species of trees, 40 species of flowers and numerous Indian birds.
Although the park is quite large, it’s very walkable with paved and dirt paths, and there’s plenty of shady spots. There’s a couple of toilet facilities, but I’ve never used them so have no idea how clean they are.
👉 Insider tip: Many trees have small plaques with QR codes so you can get information on age, blooming season, and botanical and common name of the tree.
Lodhi Garden has several entrances, but I prefer the main entrance (where the parking is) at Gate 1. It leads you directly to the largest tomb complex, and is just an awesome first view of the park.
You can’t purchase food inside Lodhi Garden, but there’s usually street food stalls outside. Across Lodhi Road in Lodhi Colony (5 minutes walk from the gardens), there are excellent restaurants like Jamun and Guppy, one of Delhi’s most famous restaurants.
Hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, daily
Cost: free
Location: Lodhi Road (between Amrita Shergill Marg & Max Mueller Marg), New Delhi
Nearest metro station: Jorbagh (Yellow line), exit Gate 2
What Is Special About Lodhi Garden?
This park holds a special place in the heart of Delhi. On any given day you will find locals walking the paths, doing yoga, playing soccer, picnicking and enjoying the beauty of the gardens.
Strewn through the park are several well preserved tombs dating back to 1444, two of which belong to past rulers of India, Muhammed Shah Sayyid and Sikandar Lodhi. There are the ruins of two mosques, a madrassa, a walled garden and a 16th century arched bridge built by Mughal emperor Akbar.
I’ve often come across impromptu Indian music performances while visiting the park on the weekends. Local musicians often come here to play.
Make sure you have your camera with you – this is one of the most picturesque spots in Delhi.
Lodhi Garden History
Originally, the land that Lodhi Garden is on was part of a royal burial ground with many tombs. In fact, there were hundreds of these tombs in South Delhi. Later two villages developed in the same area, built around the existing monuments.
In 1936 Lady Willingdon, the wife of the British Viceroy (India was under British colonial rule at the time), had the villages razed to make room for a public garden. Originally the gardens were called Lady Willingdon Park, but after independence the name was changed to Lodhi Garden. The park was redesigned in 1968 by J.A. Stein, a respected architect who designed other buildings in the vicinity.
Lodhi Garden is located in the most prestigious part of Delhi, with some of the city’s wealthiest real estate abutting the park grounds. Delhi’s most beloved park has been featured in Bollywood films, and immortalized in novels and poems.
How To Get To There
If you are staying in South Delhi, the easiest way to get to Lodhi Garden is by Uber or auto rickshaw. Both are widely used in Delhi and very reliable. If using an auto rickshaw, make sure you negotiate the price before you get in.
For longer distances the best way is by metro. The Delhi metro is an excellent system, one of the best in the world, and very easy to use. The nearest metro station to the park is Jorbagh; exit from Gate 2. It’s about a 10 minute walk.
Where To Stay Nearby
The park is in a beautiful and affluent part of South Delhi. These are my favourite hotels nearby:
📍Prakash Kutir B&B (budget) – If you’re looking for super clean, well located, budget friendly accommodation, stay here. This is South Delhi’s best bed and breakfast. It’s family run, near a metro station, and within walking distance of a market with shops and restaurants.
📍Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range) – The location of this heritage property cannot be beat – it is beside Lodhi Garden. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and breakfast is included. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool.
📍Leela Palace New Delhi (luxury) – The Leela Palace is Delhi’s most beautiful luxury 5 star hotel, and it’s very close to Lodhi Garden. It’s in one of the greenest areas of Delhi, close to many historic monuments and attractions. There’s a pool, spa, gym, restaurants and lounges.
FAQs
Here are common questions about visiting Lodhi Garden:
How Much Time is Required to Visit Lodhi Garden?
You can easily see the gardens and all the monuments in 1.5 hours. Many people stay longer and just hang out in the greenery.
Is Lodhi Garden Good for Kids?
The monuments might be a bit boring for kids, but it’s a large park with plenty of green space to run around. There’s no playground, but I’ve seen teenagers playing soccer and many families picnicking in the park.
Can You Take Food into Lodhi Garden?
Yes, you can take food and drinks into Lodhi Garden. It’s a popular Delhi picnic spot.
The Wrap-up on Lodhi Garden: A Local Guide to Delhi’s Favourite Garden 2024
Lodhi Garden is one of the most captivating places in Delhi. Even if you only have a day or two in India’s capital, make sure you visit these beautiful gardens. It’s easy to get to, free, and within walking distance of Safdarjung Tomb and the outdoor art district in Lodhi Colony.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
