On the first day of my trip to Delhi, I managed to visit only a couple of interesting places: first, I went to India Gate and then walked to Lodi Gardens. The walk between these attractions took about 30 minutes. The gardens turned out to be very cozy: there is plenty of lush greenery and areas for peaceful solitude. The scene is complemented by a number of interesting architectural monuments.
Lodi Gardens: A Walk Through the Grounds
In the past, this area was home to two villages. In 1936, the area was cleared and turned into a large recreational park. The gardens were organized by Lady Willingdon, who, according to online sources, was the wife of the then Governor-General of India. Initially, this place was named in her honor.
The structures on the grounds are much older, dating back to the Lodi period, the rulers of the Delhi Sultanate from 1451 to 1526.
The total area of Lodi Gardens is over 360,000 square meters. There are more than 100 species of trees, and among its inhabitants, there are 50 species of birds and butterflies.
I entered through the northwest entrance, and one of the first interesting structures I encountered was the eight-tiered bridge, built during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Within the gardens, there are several complexes with tombs. Some of these, such as the tomb of Sikandar Lodi, are closed to visitors. Others are open to tourists and locals. The architectural structures in Lodi Gardens were created in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Some visitors take unusual photographs here, while others simply sit, enjoying the surrounding greenery and ancient buildings. For me, the place was reminiscent of a visit to the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia.
Lodi Gardens: How to Get There
As I mentioned earlier, my route that day included visiting two attractions — India Gate and Lodi Gardens. If you wish to replicate such a walk, you can start from the Central Secretariat metro station. First, you'll walk through the well-maintained area between the Presidential Palace and the gate, and then continue through a pedestrian zone with plenty of greenery.
If you only want to visit the gardens, there are four nearby metro stations: Jor Bagh, Lok Kalyan Marg, Khan Market, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The journey from these stations will take 10 to 20 minutes. The first station is the closest, while the last one is the farthest.
Entry to the gardens is free. According to the information board, you can visit from 5 AM to 8 PM in the summer and from 6 AM to 8 PM in the winter.
Next time, we’ll head to the Delhi Jama Masjid.
Have a nice trip!
