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Even if you have limited time in Delhi, make sure you visit Lodhi Garden. It is Delhi’s most beautiful heritage park and will mesmerize you. It’s a tiny ecosystem of the very best of Delhi: historic monuments, numerous species of flora and fauna, and 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 just a remarkable place.

Visiting Lodhi Garden: Overview

Lodhi Garden mausoleum and blooming flowers in Spring
Lodhi Garden is particularly lovely in spring when everything is blooming (Bara Gumbad in rear)

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, botanical and common name of the tree, and blooming season.

metal round plate of bhel puri with 4 wooden forks
I got this bhel puri from the chaat stand outside Gate 1 of Lodhi Garden

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, Guppy and Jaatre (for ice cream).

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?

map of monuments of Lodhi Garden
Map of Lodhi Garden (map credit INTACH Delhi Chapter and Delhi Heritage)

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.

If you visit on the weekend you may come across an impromptu Indian music performance. 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.

close up of Sheesh Gumbad in Lodhi Garden
Sheesh Gumbad
unpaved walkway surrouneded by trees
There are plenty of shaded walking paths in Lodhi Garden
View from inside Bada Gumbad tomb through arched window to other tomb and Indian woman in sari
The view from inside the Bada Gumbad

Lodhi Garden History

the author in front of a tomb in Lodhi Garden Delhi
One of my first visits to Lodhi Garden – that is the tomb of ruler Muhammed Shah Sayyid behind me

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.

Click here to book a walking tour of Lodhi Garden and Safdarjung Tomb

How To Get To There

a paved pathway next to an unpaved path way lined with tall palm trees in Lodhi Garden
The gardens are home to over 200 species of trees

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.

The Leela Palace lobby in Delhi with high white columns, chandeliers and Persian rugs.
The Leela Palace is one of my favourite luxury hotels in Delhi – it’s an exceptional Indian property

📍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 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

the author standing under a blooming tree in Lodhi Garden
In Lodhi Garden, learning about the trees from Kavita Prakash of the Sausage Tree Nature Walks

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

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Suzanne Hooker

Suzanne Hooker is the owner and author of Suzanne Wanders Delhi, a blog that helps travellers explore Delhi, India. Suzanne lives in Delhi and is passionate about changing negative misconceptions about the city. When she isn't exploring and writing about Delhi, she is slow travelling through other parts of the world with her dog.

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